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"We had players missing, square pegs in round holes and then Chris Morgan injured but the lads' response was tremendous, as it has been in the full year that I have been here.
"I suppose a draw was a fair result but neither Phil Brown nor I wanted a replay and both teams were going for it in the last 15 minutes. We got the start we were looking for and scored a well-worked goal and I think we could have added to that if 'Morgs' had not got injured.
"They scored almost straightaway before we had a couple of minutes to re-organise and get some shape back while Halford fitted in. It was difficult to get information onto the field quickly enough to help the team."
Skipper Chris Morgan was stretchered off midway through the 1st half when he picked up a knee injury as Blackwell explains:
"Chris twisted his knee and it ballooned straight away and it isn't looking good, even before the scan on Monday.
"We knew that anybody coming into the team would face a big, physical challenge from a well-organised Premiership team.
"We had so many small players out there that were manfully outsized at set-plays but they competed for everything and deserved the reward of a second chance.
"It is a pity he (Greg Halford) had to switch because he looked a threat up top and then did a good job at the back. We started him up front because I felt that we didn't have a physical presence up front last week.
"Hendrie got his first start since August and looked influential until being substituted, whilst Cotterill marked his comeback with an early assist that paved the way for a promising performance. I said 'welcome back' to 'Cotts' after the game, that's what we have been waiting for and we want more of it - he was much more productive.
"The crowd wanted Hendrie to stay on but he had cramp in both legs after being tight during the warm-up and had to come off. He gave me what he had and did ever so well, I'm delighted for him."