Blackpool boss Ian Evatt praised Tom Bloxham as a striker after the Seasiders beat Stockport County 2-1 at Edgeley Park. Bloxham opened the scoring with a calm finish in the first half.
Blackpool’s 2-1 victory
The Seasiders secured a 2-1 win at Edgeley Park on Saturday afternoon. Bloxham’s opener came early, followed by a second goal from Josh Bowler before the break. The result gave Blackpool a valuable away win against a Stockport County side that had been on the back foot.
Bloxham’s striker role
The 22-year-old joined Blackpool as a winger at the start of 2025, but most of his football in Tangerine has come up front. Under Evatt, injuries in the attacking department over the past nine months made it necessary to use him as a striker. Evatt said, “I won’t have anyone tell me otherwise - he’s not a striker.” He praised Bloxham’s predatory movement, finishing ability and crossing, noting that the player has matured and is improving, even though he looks older than his age.
Evatt’s comments on the pair
Bloxham’s first start up front was alongside Huddersfield Town loanee Dion Charles. The pair had been introduced off the bench against Wycombe Wanderers seven days earlier and were deemed ready for more minutes after missing parts of pre-season due to injury. Evatt added that they were “not fit yet, and they’re getting tired too quickly for my liking.” He also mentioned that Charles was still feeling his foot and that the team had missed their contributions the week before.
The manager highlighted the importance of speed in behind Stockport’s aggressive press. “We knew once we stole the ball we had to play quickly into the spaces they leave behind,” Evatt said. He praised the other players who performed well, noting that out-and-out goal-scorers, runners and predators can make a difference when the team’s shape is compromised.
Tactical focus
With injuries limiting options, Evatt’s decision to deploy Bloxham as a striker paid off. The player’s calm finish and instinctive positioning allowed Blackpool to exploit gaps in Stockport’s defense. The combination of Bloxham and Charles added a new dimension to the attack, forcing the opposition to adjust their pressing strategy.
The win demonstrates how Blackpool’s adaptive tactics and the development of young talent like Bloxham can overcome adversity. The Seasiders will look to build on this performance as they continue their campaign.
