Blackpool secured a vital 2-1 victory over Nottingham Forest U21 in the EFL Trophy on October 15, 2025, putting themselves in a strong position to qualify from the group. This hard-fought match result demonstrated Blackpool's ability to grind out a win against talented opposition. Playing at home in a 2:00 AM kick-off, Blackpool faced a tough challenge from the Premier League academy side. They managed to take the lead, but Forest U21 responded well to equalize, setting up a tense finale. The decisive moment came when Blackpool found a winner, showcasing their experience and quality in key moments to claim all three points. The performance was not as fluid as their 5-0 win over Barrow, but it was effective and highlighted their determination in the competition. This win placed Blackpool at the top of the group table, needing only a point from their final game to progress. Blackpool's manager praised his team's character, while the Forest U21 coach acknowledged a good performance that ultimately lacked the final touch. The starting XIs saw Blackpool's first-team strength edge out Forest's youthful endeavor.