Record breaker. Earnie all time leading scorer. Website reaction.

Last updated : 19 March 2003 By Michael Morris
It could have been more. A missed penalty and several spectacular efforts that failed to hit the target meant that Earnie had to settle for just the 1 goal. His 33rd of the season. He's now the outright leading scorer in one season in league and cup competitions passing the 32 set by 1927 FA Cup winning goalscorer Hughie Ferguson. Earnie could have levelled Stan Richard's 30 league goals in a season but the little man placed his spot kick wide.

City overcame a 19 match, 17 year hoodoo over Blackpool, 2 - 1 flattered the Seasiders, it should have been 7 - 3. Blackpool had chances thanks to the usual City critisism of failing to close players down but the Bluebirds created chance after chance.

The new darling of Ninian park is Gareth Ainsworth. An out and out right winger who believes that if he makes a mistake he should try to rectify it himself immediately. He was a constant thorn in the side of Blackpool and produced some audacious flicks and runs to the by line to put over crosses that City's front line have been craving. OK they did not produce a goal tonight as the front men could not keep up with the speed and acuracy of Ainsworth but that will come.

Blackpool took a shock lead on 38 mins. Scott Taylor firing in from close range. My three first goalscorer bets went out of the window with that one. City took only 6 mins to get level, Boland fired a 25 yard shot that was parried by Barnes and Earnie was there to blast home the leveller.

Half time 1 - 1.

Only 5 mins into the second half and the Blues were in front. Kav took a corner that fell to Alan Mahon on the left side of the box and his pin point shot flew into the bottom corner.

Blackpool created chances, they registered 11 attempts at goal but all bar the goal troubled Alexander. He saved some tame shots but by and large saw the ball fly high and wide.

At the other end City mustered around 20 efforts. Again many were high and wide, Earnie could have scored 4 or 5. He missed his chance to score his 30th league goal when he place a penalty wide of the post. You just knew he would miss, he was far too nonchelant in his approach to the kick.

After that City at times carved great swathes through the defence but finishing was lacking.

As the 90 mins came up the 4th official showed 4 mins added time. Blackpool made one more effort and put a shot wide when they should have done better. Then City played out the game in the bottom left hand corner between the Bob and the Grange.

The final whistle brought much relief. Crewe's win at Plymouth was the only minus point on a night that belong to Earnie and Ainsworth.

The record breaker and the man of the match.