Blackpool 0 Barnsley 0: Paul Heckingbottom expecting another stern battle

Barnsley manager Paul Heckingbottom is anticipating another tough test after his side were held to a goalless draw by Blackpool in the third round.
Barnsley's manager Paul Heckingbottom.Barnsley's manager Paul Heckingbottom.
Barnsley's manager Paul Heckingbottom.

Despite being two divisions below the Tykes, League Two Blackpool had the better chances at Bloomfield Road, but Jim McAlister, Kyle Vassell and Jamille Matt all failed to find the net from good openings.

Heckingbottom believes a slow start scuppered his team’s chances of getting the victory at the first time of asking.

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“Blackpool came out here and had a right good go at us,” said Heckingbottom. “The first half has cost us – we didn’t perform as individuals and that puts you on the back foot.

“I knew we’d perform better in the second half, but we just couldn’t break through.

“I was disappointed that they got too many attempts at our goal as well. We needed to be better at snuffing them out quicker than we did.

“I think Blackpool will come to Oakwell and be as determined and dogged as they were here. We didn’t come here expecting to roll them over and they didn’t disappoint us.

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“You just want to get through in the FA Cup, that’s the nature of it. The further you get, the more likely you are to draw a really big team and have really big days.

“We know it will be another tough game though against Blackpool.”

For Barnsley, Sam Winnall failed to bundle home on 56 minutes and Conor Hourihane was denied by goalkeeper Sam Slocombe in stoppage-time.

Blackpool: Slocombe, Mellor, Aldred, Aimson, Taylor, Robertson, Payne (Pugh 74), Potts, McAlister, Cullen (Samuel 68), Vassell (Matt 69). Unused substitutes: Redshaw, Philliskirk, Lyness, Gnanduillet.

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Barnsley: Davies, Bree, Roberts, MacDonald, White, Watkins, Hourihane, Scowen, Hammill (Kent 75), Winnall, Bradshaw (Payne 75). Unused substitutes: Moncur, Townsend, Evans, Jackson, Williams.

Referee: C Sarginson (Staffordshire).