Josh Bowler earns Blackpool nervy win at 10-man Hornchurch after extra time

Blackpool survived a scare at Hornchurch, needing to rely on a 118th-minute winner from Josh Bowler to secure a slim 2-1 comeback victory at the Hornchurch Stadium.

Bowler, a half-time substitute, proved to be the game-changer for Ian Evatt’s side, using his pace and trickery to alter the course of the tie.

Blackpool’s timidity in the first half allowed their National League opponents to claim a deserved half-time lead.

Minutes after Josh Walker had shot straight at Blackpool keeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell, Angelo Balanta then showed greater composure as the visiting defence was opened up again.

Balanta slid in a clever cross that was stroked home by early Hornchurch substitute Henry Hearn.

Stirred by a fiery Evatt team talk at half-time, Blackpool emerged as a side transformed.

Showing greater urgency, it was Bowler’s cross following a corner that was met by a sweetly struck Jordan Brown volley in the 55th minute to make it 1-1.

Bowler then embarked on another mazy run that ended with a shot saved at full stretch by Hornchurch keeper Arthur Nesta.

The National League side responded with an Alfie Massey low shot and a Theo Adelusi stooping header, both of which went narrowly wide.

The home side were then reduced to 10 men in the second period when Henry Sandat pulled back Bowler, who was bursting clear. From the resulting free-kick, Finley Munroe struck the Hornchurch bar.

And Blackpool’s pressure finally told when Tom Bloxham laid the ball in front of Bowler to curl home the late winner.