Southern Stunner For 'Pool

A hard-fought battling away performance from The Seasiders saw them pick up another three points and confirm a spot in the playoff shake up in the coming weeks. A goal a piece from Keith Southern and Robbie Williams sealed a 2-1 win.

The day started well for many 'Pool fans as midfield favourite Chris Brandon replaced Adrian Forbes, who dropped to the bench. David Fox is now back from injury, but Claus Jorgensen kept his place alongside Southern.

The game began with a slow tempo and no real chances were created by either side until Town skipper John Finnigan had two in the space of a few minutes. Both were spurned.

The two 'Pool strikers Parker and Morrell then had oppurtunties themselves - both hitting the goalkeeper.

Keigan Parker was by now stretching the home defence and saw a brilliant volley tipped wide.

Several moments later however The Tangerines broke the deadlock. Wes Hoolahan was brought down on the edge of the home box, and from the resulting freekick left back Robbie Williams stroked home on 39 minutes for his fourth goal in Tangerine. Blackpool went into the break with that marginal lead and at this stage Nottingham Forest were winning, and Bristol City drawing.

Simon Grayson's men started the second half on the offensive with Andy Morrell going close but it was to be Town who equalised instead of 'Pool increasing the lead. Robbie Williams' rash challenge on Gillespe in the area and captain Finnigan levelled for Cheltenham from the spot.

The goal was proceeded by a long spell of heavy pressure form the home team who saw Gillespie, Shane Duff and David Bird chances go by before Wes Hoolahan's cut back to Williams almost hit Town with a sucker punch.

The Seasiders weathered the storm and made chances for themselves with Parker and Evatt, along with Hoolahan being foiled by Scott Brown in Town's goal.

With five minutes to go, The Seasiders had a throw on the left which Williams threw to winger Hoolahan who then threaded a ball to Southern and the tenacious midfielder screamed home the winner into the left corner - much like he did a few months back away at Leyton Orient.

Grayson's side made a final change and swapped with the formation and held their nerve to earn the three points and hold down a place in the playoffs, along with Notts Forest who also won.

Unfortunately Bristol City won 3-1 away at Carlisle United which leaves them as they were - five points ahead of us, with two games to play.

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