SAM SLOCOMBE'S DEBUT NIGHTMARE

NIGEL ADKINS defended rookie keeper Sam Slocombe after his nightmare League debut cost Scunthorpe dear.

Slocombe, 21, was thrown on when Joe Murphy was sent off in the 62nd minute for handling outside his box.

It was 1-1 at the time but Blackpool preyed on Slocombe's inexperience.

Charlie Adam soon thrashed a free-kick past the youngster, who then spilled Stephen Crainey's cross to gift Ben Burgess a tap-in.

Alex Baptiste rifled a long-range drive past the keeper in the 89th minute.

Adkins said: "Sam says their striker trod on his elbow for the third and that caused him to drop the ball, but he is a good character and will have enjoyed today.

"It was a crazy five minutes that changed the whole complexion of the game. Our keeper was outside the area, made a reactive stop and was sent off."

Scunthorpe had taken the lead in the 51st minute with Paul Hayes lifting a shot over Matt Gilks, but Ian Evatt levelled with a header from Baptiste's cross.

Seasiders boss Ian Holloway said: "We weren't in the first half but we scored four fantastic goals."

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