Blackpool kept their 100% record intact this weekend as they battled to a 2-1 win against Karl Robinson's Oxford United, something EFL on Quest pundit Gary Rowett believes is all part of the 'feel good' factor.
The Tangerines took an early lead through Ryan Edwards, then looked to be coasting on half time when Armand Gnanduillet won a penalty which he also duly converted.
Oxford, a side who finished just outside the play-off hunt last season, were not set to roll over and die. Josh Ruffells got them one back deep into first half stoppage time to set up a tense second period.
There were no more goals, Blackpool hung on to their lead with some frantic defending in the latter stages. They registered four shots all afternoon, whilst Oxford had 23, 19 of which were off target.
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Despite the late pressure, former Stoke City manager Gary Rowett was effusive in his praise of the Seasiders after the game,
“There is such a feel good factor this season," he said whilst speaking to EFL on Quest on Saturday evening.
"The fans are back, 12,000 in the first home game. Simon Grayson coming back after having great success there, there is real optimism”
Simon Grayson's side now face two tough away matches, starting at Gillingham on Tuesday night before hosting Rochdale on Saturday as they look to keep up their winning run.
League One rivals Lincoln City are the only other side with a 100% record at this stage of the season.
The Verdict
Blackpool are on the crest of a wave at the moment, although the 9,100 crowd might be a little disappointing from a commercial point of view.
They had to hang on during the second half but showed a dogged determination at the back as well as clinical finishing up front.
They only had three shots on target all game but scored twice. That's proof that if you take your chances when they come, you can grab results despite having less of the play.
The fans are experiencing exciting times at Bloomfield Road though, not just because of their good start. The recent changes at board level have handed the supporters their club back.
Rowett is quite right about the optimism and perhaps last season, with fewer fans and less belief, they would have crumbled under Oxford's pressure.