Tom Shaw hails ‘professional’ win as Lincoln dispatch 10-man Blackpool

Lincoln head coach Tom Shaw was pleased with his side’s professionalism in their 4-1 victory over 10-man Blackpool in the Carabao Cup.

The two teams had been evenly matched through goals from Tanto Olaofe and Leighton Clarkson, before a second yellow card for Zac Ashworth.

Within three minutes of being handed a man advantage, both Tom Bayliss and Rob Street found the back of the net, with Callum Elder later adding his name to the scoresheet as well.

“I thought we came out in the first half and showed some real confidence – definitely in possession I’d say that’s our best performance of the season so far,” Shaw said.

“We solved what they were trying to do, and got beyond their first line of pressure really well.

“It made it significantly easier with the red card, but the management of the game from that point was about as professional as you can get.”

Blackpool boss Ian Evatt believes his side were the team on top before Ashworth was sent off at the beginning of the second half.

“We were the better team and with 11 on the pitch, we probably win the game, but that’s what football is – it’s moments,” he said.

“You can’t make that tackle on a yellow card. Obviously to double down on that, they scored from the resulting free-kick and it makes it very difficult for us with 10.

“I thought we stuck at it, but from that moment onwards it was about conserving energy.”