Blackpool relegated after heartbreaking defeat to Millwall
After a return of just one victory from their last seven matches saw them tumble from the playoff positions, Millwall received a much-needed boost two minutes in, as Tom Bradshaw clinically swept Ryan Leonard’s cross past Daniel Grimshaw for his 16th goal of the season.
As it stood, Millwall would be returning to the top-six, and their determination to finish the evening there was plain to see, with the Lions continuing to dominate in the minutes after going ahead.
A second goal nearly followed quickly, but returning Millwall winger Duncan Watmore could only strike the outside of the left-hand post. It was then that Blackpool began to wake up, and in one of their more purposeful forays towards goal, Millwall’s Jamie Shackleton inexplicably handed Blackpool a route back into the game, as the midfielder sent CJ Hamilton crashing to the turf.
Ever the hero, Blackpool’s top scorer Jerry Yates duly obliged by striking the ball straight down the middle of the goal with gusto to send Bloomfield Road into raptures.
With a rediscovered momentum in the hosts’ camp, Blackpool looked a different side at the beginning of the second half, as Yates’ dipping effort flew just inches over the top of the bar.
However, the Tangerines talisman’s efforts to single-handedly get his side out of trouble were made even more difficult, as Lions’ top goalscorer Bradshaw clinically sent Watmore’s defence-splitting pass beyond the onrushing figure of Grimshaw.
Nonetheless, Blackpool did not let their heads drop, and were rewarded for their perseverance, as Lewis Fiorini picked the right time to score his first goal for the Tangerines. Showing the type of bravery that can make all the difference in a relegation battle, he unleashed a sublime long-range strike past George Long into the bottom corner to set-up an enthralling endgame.
However, Fiorini went from hero to villain eight minutes later as the Manchester City loanee gave away a clear penalty, which Zian Flemming calmly converted to restore Millwall’s lead.
This time, despite Blackpool’s best efforts – which resulted in Jordan Lawrence-Gabriel being stretchered off just before the start of nine added minutes – there was no way back.
With the final whistle came inevitable tears from the Bloomfield Road faithful, with the Seasiders’ spell in the Championship ending after just two seasons for the wrong reasons.
As for Millwall, their own fate will be decided on the final day, which sees them engage in a showdown with fellow top-six contenders Blackburn for a shot at the ultimate prize in EFL football.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Tom Bradshaw (Millwall)
