Saturday 23 January: Daily Mail
Blackpool 3 Watford 2: Brett Ormerod late show gives Blackpool a lift and stun Hornets' loan stars
BRETT Ormerod's dramatic late winner stunned Watford and hauled Blackpool into the top six.
Watford appeared to be heading to victory following strikes from Henri Lansbury and Tom Cleverley, youngsters on loan from Arsenal and Manchester United.
Blackpool captain Charlie Adam had put the home side ahead in the 16th minute. The stylish midfielder is attracting the attention of a number of clubs and again he demonstrated his finishing ability as well as his creative skills when he scored from close in after a Neal Eardley cross.
It was his 12th goal of the season. Watford's England Under-21 keeper Scott Loach had earlier made spectacular saves from headers by Adam and Keith Southern to keep his side in the contest and the visitors pulled level after 26 minutes from Lansbury following a cross from Heidar Helguson.
Loach made another flying save from Adam after 74 minutes but five minutes later Cleverley took a pass from Lansbury to shoot Watford ahead.
Southern equalised on 89 minutes after Loach had saved his first effort, and in the first minute of added time, Ormerod met a cross from close range to net the last-gasp winner.
Sunday 24 January: Daily Star
BRETT ORMEROD SCORES LAST MINUTE WINNER FOR BLACKPOOL
BRETT Ormerod's last-gasp winner re-ignited Blackpool's play-off charge - but the result was tough on Watford keeper Scott Loach.
Ormerod netted 30 seconds into stoppage time, after Pool's Keith Southern had equalised for the Seasiders with just a minute left.
Tom Cleverley looked to have won it for Watford after Henri Lansbury had cancelled out Charlie Adam's opener.
England Under-21 keeper Loach made a string of fine saves to help the Hornets cause, but it was all for nothing.
The victory lifted Blackpool back into the top six, and made thrilling viewing for boss Ian Holloway, serving the first of a two-match touchline ban in the director's box.
Blackpool assistant boss Steve Thompson said: "I've just had a chat with the gaffer and he said he enjoyed it up there in the stand."
Watford boss Malky Mackay insists he has had no bids for Loach - but the Premier League scouts have been watching.
Mackay said: "Our goalkeeper made some really good saves.
"Scott's the England Under-21 keeper, so he's doing what he's been doing all season."
Loach, 21, had no chance though as Adam bundled home his fourth goal in four games in the 17th minute. But Lansbury slammed in 10 minutes later to give the visitors a foothold.
Cleverley thought he had won it when he scored with just 12 minutes left - but Blackpool and Ormerod had other ideas.
Saturday 23 January: SkySports.com
Better late than never: Le Tiss feels Hornets will do enough to survive
LOACH has come off letting three goals in and losing a game yet I wouldn't mind betting he's probably had his best game of the season.
Matt Le Tissier was treated to a dramatic afternoon as he watched Blackpool snatch a last-gasp 3-2 victory over Watford.
Goals from Henri Lansbury and Tom Cleverley had cancelled out Charlie Adam's opener to put Watford into a 2-1 lead going into the final minute of the game at Bloomfield Road.
However, Blackpool drew level a minute from time through Keith Southern and Brett Ormerod then clinched the win with an injury-time effort.
Le Tissier watched the game in the Soccer Saturday studio and felt Blackpool were worthy winners after a strong display over the 90 minutes.
And he applauded Blackpool boss Ian Holloway's decision to send on Daniel Nardiello in the dying moments - with the substitute setting up Ormerod's winner.
"In the end it was probably what Blackpool deserved," Le Tissier explained.
"On the balance of play they had the better chances and they had a lot of pressure on Watford.
"Both of Watford's goals were against the run of play, but Ian Holloway made a late substitution right on 90 minutes which changed the game.
"Blackpool were throwing the kitchen sink at Watford and Ormerod with a left-footed bobbler, the scruffiest manner in football, scored the winner."
Blackpool's domination was underlined by the fact Watford's outstanding performer was goalkeeper Scott Loach.
The Hornets stopper made a series of fine saves, but despite the late defeat Le Tissier feels Loach - and Watford - have enough quality to avoid the drop this season.
Le Tissier said: "Scott Loach in the Watford goal was absolutely outstanding, he made five or six really good saves and I feel really sorry for him."
"He's come off letting three goals in and losing a game yet I wouldn't mind betting he's probably had his best game of the season.
"Overall I think there was enough in Watford's play to suggest they won't get into trouble."
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