Seasiders too strong for Posh

Image: Euell: Opened scoring

Blackpool climbed into the top six after an early double secured a 2-0 win over Peterborough United.

Early goals from Euell and Bouazza secure the points

Blackpool climbed into the top six of the Championship after an early double secured a 2-0 win over Peterborough United at Bloomfield Road. Ian Holloway is enjoying a stunning start to his reign with the Seasiders and saw Jason Euell put his team ahead after just three minutes. Recent signing Hameur Bouazza added the second goal in the 11th minute to wrap up a third home win of the season. The result enhanced the Seasiders' play-off credentials and made a further mockery of the pundits who tipped them for relegation at the start of the season. Blackpool, who pushed Stoke all the way in the Carling Cup in midweek before losing 4-3 in a thrilling encounter, were vibrant from the outset against Darren Ferguson's men. They could have led when midfielder Keith Southern fired goalwards from 20 yards and Posh goalkeeper Joe Lewis was forced into a smart stop. Seconds later, however, the opening goal came when left-back Stephen Crainey crossed dangerously and Euell rose highest to plant a firm header past Lewis from 12 yards. Peterborough sought to find an immediate response and Aaron McLean saw his shot blocked by Blackpool defender Rob Edwards.

Upper hand

Yet Holloway's side retained the upper hand and after Brett Ormerod spurned a clear-cut opening from just six yards out, Bouazza added a second in the 11th minute. Defender Neal Eardley's throw-in found its way through to the former Watford and Fulham striker and he swept the ball home left-footed from six yards. Blackpool were dealt a blow in the 18th minute when Eardley was forced off through injury and replaced by youngster Ashley Eastham. Both sides created chances before the break as Peterborough striker George Boyd had a shot blocked by Edwards and Ormerod then drove wide from 12 yards. Six minutes before the break, Posh midfielder Lee Frecklington had the chance to throw his side a lifeline when he volleyed over the bar from six yards out. It could have got worse for the visitors in the 54th minute when Ormerod flighted in a delightful cross which former Rangers midfielder Charlie Adam rifled over. Shortly after the hour mark, Holloway replaced the hard-working Ormerod with fresh legs in the form of Ben Burgess. Burgess came close to adding a third for Blackpool in the 80th minute when he engineered the space to strike a fierce shot goalwards. Lewis repelled his effort but Blackpool had long since secured the points.
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