Malky: 'Two defeats in 17 but it still hurts'

Last updated : 06 February 2012 By Michael Morris

Malky Mackay.

"We are disappointed to be winning the game with 15 minutes to go and then lose. We gifted them goals and it was poor defending on our part.

"Matt (Phillips) is a good player, but we were playing against a good team and we had to make sure we defended well against them.

"If you give players like him and Kevin Phillips a good chance then you will get punished. It's our second defeat in 17 games but it hurts all the same."

Ian Holloway saluted the impact of Kevin Phillips after his side sealed a superb comeback in their npower Championship encounter with promotion rivals Cardiff.

Substitute Phillips came off the bench to grab a 79th minute leveller with an excellent volley for the Seasiders to cancel out Joe Mason's close-range strike for the home side.

Matt Phillips bagged a late brace to fire Blackpool back into the play-off spots but Holloway was full of praise for his 38-year-old veteran striker.

Holloway said: "I was sat right behind Kevin when the ball dropped to him and the minute he chested the ball I had no doubt where it was going.

"I thought their keeper is going to have to make a save because he doesn't miss the target. He believes in his technique and it was a classic strike.

"Kevin is a top athlete. He ran in behind their backline and created the second goal too. He's absolutely brilliant and a joy to work with.

"I'm not surprised we went behind here because we have done that a lot lately. But I'm delighted we didn't worry. The team is growing in belief and confidence."