Last Updated: Sat, 05 Jan 2013 18:54
Blackpool boss Michael Appleton admitted he would have taken a replay before kick-off as his side drew 1-1 at Fulham in the FA Cup.
The Cottagers were heading for an embarrassing 1-0 defeat in front of their own fans after Ludovic Sylvestre's opener, but a stunning late strike from Giorgios Karagounis set up a replay at Bloomfield Road.
"It was their strongest side, so I am pleased to come away and still be in the hat and have the chance to bring them down to the Bloomfield Road cabbage patch," he said.
"It is as bad a surface I have ever seen in the league. I don't think Fulham will be comfortable or enjoy playing there.
"We have to make sure we put on a performance because they are still quality."
Appleton started both Thomas Ince and Alex Baptiste, cup-tying both amid speculation they were on the brink of joining Liverpool and Leicester, respectively.
"I certainly hope they will stay," he said. "To me, they did not look fazed about anything going on off field."
He added of Ince: "He is going through an indifferent period because of all the speculation but he is coping with it really well.
"I know how difficult it can be, so he has to take credit for that and I am sure that once the speculation settles down, his performances will pick up again.
"Liverpool made an offer two weeks ago but we have not received anything since. It was a case of, 'That's not enough. You will have to do better if you want him'. Until that changes, he will stay here."
Have you an opinion on this story? Put your money where your mouth is and claim a free £25 bet.
