A BRILLIANT 2-0 victory at Hillsborough last night saw Blackpool claim a place at the Millennium Stadium for the third time in four years.

With a 1-0 lead from the first leg to defend, the Seasiders had to withstand a barrage of early pressure, but a cracking left-footed effort from Mike Sheron on 19 minutes set them on their way to victory.

They made it 2-0 after half an hour when Ola Tidman fumbled Leam Richardson's cross and Keith Southern tapped home.

The big game takes place on Sunday, March 21, and tickets are expected to go on sale next week, initially for season tick holders.

Blackpool have again been allocated their traditional lucky north end of the stadium. That was where Seasiders fans sat for the victories over Leyton Orient in the 2001 play-off final and the 2002 LDV Vans Trophy victory over Cambridge United.

Don't miss next week's Blackpool Citizen, which will feature a chance to win tickets for the big game.

Blackpool are preparing for a green invasion as they take on promotion chasing Plymouth Argyle at Bloomfield Road on Saturday.

The south coast side are expected to sell out their allocation of almost 2,000 tickets for the trip, and Seasiders fans are strongly encouraged to snap up their tickets as soon as possible for the all-ticket clash.

Leading scorer, Scott Taylor, is expected to return to action after missing the LDV Vans Trophy semi-final with Sheffield Wednesday last night (Wednesday).

The Seasiders returned with a point from chilly Hartlepool on Friday night -- thanks to a fantastic equaliser from substitute, Mike Sheron.

Sheron came off the bench to level the scores with a great shot on the turn after Steve McMahon's side withstood a battering from their hosts.

The home side hit the bar three times, scored a superb free kick from home debutant Hugh Robertson, and saw a Chris Shuker penalty brilliantly saved by Lee Jones.

The point and the weekend results leave Blackpool occupying the bottom half of the table.

Last night's game with Sheffield Wednesday was due to be the final one of Tony Dinning's one-month loan spell at Bloomfield Road, though the club are attempting to keep him on. Wigan boss, Paul Jewell, says he will consider selling the midfielder -- but doesn't believe Blackpool can afford him.

Former Seasiders favourite, Jock Dodds, has lost his place in the record books after more than 60 years.

Dodds' 1943 hat-trick in two minutes and 30 seconds in a game against Tranmere in 1943 was a record for the British game until Tuesday night, when Bournemouth substitute, James Hayter, scored three goals in two minutes and 20 seconds against Wrexham.

Some famous names from football history will gather to mark Jimmy Armfield's career in the game at a gala dinner next month.

Blackpool Pleasure Beach's Paradise Room will stage the event.

It is organised by the Macmillan Windmill Appeal, on Thursday, March 18.

Sir Bobby Charlton, Sir Bobby Robson and Sir Tom Finney will lead a host of soccer legends, including representatives of Blackpool Football Club.

The main speaker will be Wilf McGuinness and the evening will be hosted by local comedy favourite, Tony Jo.

Tickets for this grandstand evening, which includes a four course dinner, are available at just £45 a head, including a £5 raffle ticket.

Reception is at 7pm with dinner at 7.30pm.

Call 0870 444 5588 for more details and to book tickets.