Blackpool v Sheffield Wednesday: Blackpool’s pitch gives Jones cause for concern

Bloomfield Road’s playing area resembles the beach that stretches for miles on the Lancashire coast, with large patches of sand the predominant surface.

Burnley manager Sean Dyche labelled it the “worst pitch” he has ever seen after the Clarets lost there on Saturday.

Jones added his own concerns yesterday when he said: “Looking at the pitch you might as well put the goals on the beach.”

Wednesday need as little scope for excuses as possible as they seek to guarantee their place in the Championship for next season.

After gaining 10 points from 12 in a sequence that took them from 21st to 14th, Jones’s side looked to have completed their mission.

But Saturday’s defeat to Leeds United, allied with wins for Huddersfield Town, Peterborough and Blackburn, means they are still looking over their shoulders with four games to play.

“It’s so frustrating because if we’d have won on Saturday we could almost be over the line,” said Jones, whose side are six places and four points above third-bottom Barnsley.

Jones plans to leave it as late as possible before deciding whether to risk Jermaine Johnson, Giles Coke and Reda Johnson for the trip to Blackpool.

Seyi Olofinjana has an outside chance of playing, but Gary Madine, although back in training, will not feature.

“Madine could be back for this weekend or the weekend after,” said Jones.

Last six games: Blackpool WLDWLW: Sheff Wed LWDWWL.

Last time: Blackpool 1 Sheffield Wednesday 1; January 28, 2012; FA Cup.

Referee: K Wright (Cambridgeshire).