Blackpool hold narrow advantage

Last updated : 09 May 2010 By Luke Thornhill
Ian Holloway, the Blackpool manager, has warned his side that there is still a lot of work to be done if they are to overcome favourites Nottingham Forest and reach the Championship play-off final.
Chris Cohen gave Forest the lead at Bloomfield Road on Saturday, but goals from Keith Southern and Charlie Adam ensured the Seasiders hold a 2-1 advantage going into Tuesday's second-leg at the City Ground.
"I don't think one goal's enough. We're going to have to score down there because I think they will, truthfully," he said.
"So I'm going to go there and attack and attack and attack and score. I guarantee you that now, I'm not going to worry about trying to defend a lead.
"You cannot do that at Forest. You can't do it, they're too good at home."
Billy Davies, the Forest manager, was content to return to the City Ground with an away goal but felt they deserved to be at least level in the tie.
"In the play-offs it's all about getting to the second game with an opportunity to put yourself in the final and we've done that," he said.
"Do I think we deserved a draw? I think the first 45 minutes we should have been three or four up. We hit the bar and had one cleared off the line, we've had chance after chance.
"Never mind a draw we should have won it. But that's what happens when you're not clinical."
Leicester and Cardiff City meet today in the first leg of the other semi-final.
Ten-man Leeds United sealed automatic promotion to the Championship after a dramatic 2-1 final-day victory over Bristol Rovers at Elland Road. The win ensured second-place in League One.
Max Gradel was sent off for the home side after 34 minutes and shortly after the break his side went one down thanks to a Darryl Duffy goal.
Leeds did not give up and goals from Jonny Howson and Jermaine Beckford ensured a return to the second tier of English football.

Chris Cohen gave Forest the lead at Bloomfield Road on Saturday, but goals from Keith Southern and Charlie Adam ensured the Seasiders hold a 2-1 advantage going into Tuesday's second-leg at the City Ground.

"I don't think one goal's enough. We're going to have to score down there because I think they will, truthfully," he said.

"So I'm going to go there and attack and attack and attack and score. I guarantee you that now, I'm not going to worry about trying to defend a lead.

"You cannot do that at Forest. You can't do it, they're too good at home."

Billy Davies, the Forest manager, was content to return to the City Ground with an away goal but felt they deserved to be at least level in the tie.

"In the play-offs it's all about getting to the second game with an opportunity to put yourself in the final and we've done that," he said.

"Do I think we deserved a draw? I think the first 45 minutes we should have been three or four up. We hit the bar and had one cleared off the line, we've had chance after chance.

"Never mind a draw we should have won it. But that's what happens when you're not clinical."

Leicester and Cardiff City meet today in the first leg of the other semi-final. The Foxes, who were promoted from League One last summer, could welcome back joint top-scorer Matty Fryatt. He has been out since February due to a broken jaw.

 

Cardiff will recall Michael Chopra and Pete Whittingham, after they were rested for the dead rubber against Derby County last weekend.

 

Ten-man Leeds United sealed automatic promotion to the Championship after a dramatic 2-1 final-day victory over Bristol Rovers at Elland Road. The win ensured second-place in League One.

Max Gradel was sent off for the home side after 34 minutes and shortly after the break his side went one down thanks to a Darryl Duffy goal.

Leeds did not give up and goals from Jonny Howson and Jermaine Beckford ensured a return to the second tier of English football.