Just seconds after Shayne Lavery seized on Dael Fry’s blunder to equalise in the 91st minute against Blackpool. Watmore turned in a cross from the outstanding Isaiah Jones in the EFL championship.
Andraz Sporar had put Boro ahead in the second half with a superb backheel flick past home goalkeeper Dan Grimshaw after a deep feed from Jones.
But the late winner was harsh on Blackpool. They hit the post twice after the break via Gary Madine and a wayward header from Callum Connolly.
Following their late Boxing Day defeat at Huddersfield. Blackpool was further reduced by injuries and a positive Covid-19 test. And Chris Wilder’s in-form team predictably dominated the first half.
When one-on-one, Lee Peltier miraculously guided an attempt wide from only yards away as he rushed on to Jones’ drilled low cross, and Sporar was denied by a block, Grimshaw saved from Onel Hernandez.
The Tangerines, who had lost five of their previous six Championship games, responded admirably, and Sporar’s goal came against the flow of play.
After the half, Fry deflected Connolly’s low effort inches wide of the target, while Marvin Ekpiteta headed straight at Boro goalkeeper Joe Lumley from five yards as the hosts sought an equalizer.
How did Middlesbrough do their best to win the game?
After Fry struggled to deal with a long ball into the box, ending a record of four clean sheets, Lavery appeared to have gained a merited point, only for 2nd replacement Watmore to startle the hosts.
Boro is still fifth in the Championship, having gone undefeated in their past six games, but have cut the distance on second-placed Fulham to six points, while Blackpool, who have won just one of their previous ten games, are still six points outside the play-off spots in 13th.
Neil Critchley the Blackpool manager spoke to BBC Radio Lancashire:
“We don’t deserve to feel like that after this game. The lads gave absolutely everything and we deserved that equaliser.”
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