Blackpool boss Appleton claims they deserved “at least” a point against Millwall

Michael Appleton reckoned that Blackpool deserved at least a point from their 2-1 defeat against Millwall at The Den on Saturday afternoon.

Zian Flemming got the opener – despite the fact there is question marks over whether it was an own goal – before Charlie Patino equalised for the visitors.

But Benik Afobe smashed home midway through the second half to give the Lions all three points in their final match before the international break.

“Today we were more than value for a point, easily,” said Appleton. “Millwall didn’t do enough to get the upper hand, to get the opportunities and score the goals that they did in terms of outstanding play. The one thing I can’t accuse the players of is character and commitment, that was there.

“We needed more quality when we get in there [the penalty area] and that must come from the group. The disappointing thing for me was the manner of their second goal, it was a bit soft.

“To concede from a set-play is a bit unlike us this season, that’s only the second one, so that was disappointing. We showed character to come back from that.

“We scored an excellent goal, a well-worked goal, but the biggest issue I’ve got at the minute is we’re not turning opportunities into chances. What I mean by that is the areas of the pitch we get into, the amount of times we get into the box, three-vs-two and we have an opportunity to get a tap in. But the good thing is we are getting in there.”

Appleton bemoaned Pool’s ability to capitalise on the frustration that the home support showed towards their own team.

He said: “We felt that before they scored the first one, I certainly felt it when we got back into the game and got the equaliser.

“It was an opportunity that was there for the taking and we didn’t take it.”