Dale Taylor was on hand with a brace in Blackpool’s 3-1 victory over Peterborough United at the weekend.
Dale Taylor admits his first season with Blackpool has been tough - but is now fully focussed on enjoying a strong conclusion to the campaign.
The striker made the move to Bloomfield Road for a substantial fee from Nottingham Forest back in the summer, after previously impressing on loan in League One with the likes of Wigan Athletic and Burton Albion.
Under Steve Bruce in the early stages of his time in Tangerine, the 22-year-old struggled to find form, before being ruled out for several months with a hamstring issue.
His return to action came just before Christmas, and an appearance off the bench away to Wigan Athletic gave everyone a reason to get excited, with a goal and an assist coming his way in a 2-0 victory at the Brick Community Stadium.
Unfortunately, in his very next outing, the Northern Ireland international was forced off after just six minutes after suffering a broken metatarsal against Doncaster Rovers on Boxing Day.
After picking up some minutes off the bench in the last few weeks following another extended spell on the sidelines, Taylor was handed his first start of 2026 against Peterborough United.
It proved to be an afternoon to remember, with the ex-Forest youngster bagging a brace in a 3-1 victory over the Posh, as Blackpool kept themselves four points clear of the League One relegation zone.
“It was unbelievable - I haven’t started many games, so to come back with two goals and three points was unbelievable,” he said.
“With every training session and minutes in games, you gradually get sharper - I felt great.
“It’s been very tough (this season), there’s been ups and downs, getting two serious injuries and not being able to make an impact, but you’ve just got to get around the boys, and I think I’ve done that.
“It’s important to be around the lads who are playing every week - that’s what I tried to do. They supported me all the way through my injuries, and we’re a really together group, staff included.
“I’m just going into games now and trying to enjoy it, just performing really to help the lads the best I can.”
Taylor’s recent return gives Blackpool boss Ian Evatt a fair share of options at the top of the pitch.
Despite not being back at full fitness after his own spell on the sidelines, Niall Ennis remains a natural goal threat.
Meanwhile, Ashley Fletcher has bagged 21 goals in all competitions this season, while a Tom Bloxham strike against Peterborough was his eighth of the campaign.
“They’re top players, and have shown that throughout the season,” Taylor added.
“Fletch has been unbelievable for us. It’s good competition and very competitive.”
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