A COUNTY penalty from Danny Allsopp was the only difference between the sides as the Seasiders slip to a 1-0 defeat at Meadow Lane.

Prior to the game, Pool manager Steve McMahon pleaded for his team to put their all into the remaining three fixtures despite the Seasiders securing safety in last Saturday's victory over Wrexham.

"We must not forget that the season is not over yet for a couple of weeks. There are nine points to play for, and I am looking to win all nine of them," the Blackpool boss said.

But unfortunately McMahons words of encouragement didnt have an effect on the some players he describes as "slightly flat after all the thrills and emotion of the win in Cardiff."

Although you cant completely blame a lack of effort from the Blackpool players when you compare them with their opponents.

Notts County are right in the thick of the relegation battle and it showed. The home side closed down every ball and despite a lions share of possession, Pool could not break down the home side.

In recent games Pool seem to want to walk the ball in to the net and players chose the hard options rather than the obvious.

Today was no exception. On the occasional chance the Seasiders partnership of Walker and Murphy had to shoot they played it to each other instead of having a shot themselves.

There was plenty of movement down the wings from Bullock and Hills, although Wellens and Dunning had quieter games.

At the end Phil Barnes in the Blackpool goal actually had little to do. The only time he was really called into was when County scored.

The goal came just after half time, a long-ball from the left was seemingly handled back to Phil Barnes by Brian Reid.

The referee awarded a penalty and booked Reid, Danny Allsopp stepped up to notch his 10th goal in nine games and 27th of the season.

In response Murphy and Walker continued to create chances for themselves but again, failed to finish.

Steve McMahon brought on Scott Taylor for Walker late on but he failed to make an impact and Pool fell to their second away defeat in a week.

Notts County 1-0 Blackpool

Allsopp (47 Pen)

Att: 7783