Pool fall with nine men

With the campaign just started Boss Steve McMahon not only is faced with a 2-0 defeat but also has two players facing suspension and a possible ban for himself too.

All the action occurred late in the second half. Up until then it had been a fairly decent display from Blackpool, keeping the home side frustrated with a good defensive performance.

But that all changed when winger Martin Bullock and midfielder Lee Collins were controversially dismissed with around half an hour to go.

Bullocks dismissal followed an off the ball incident with Tommy Doherty and then from the drop ball which followed, Lee Collins received his marching orders in a tussle with Aaron Brown.

Both sendings off were harsh and in the second dismissal involving Lee Collins it could be argued his opponent Brown was equally in the wrong, if not more so.

With Pool down the 9-men, Steve McMahon frustration was clear - referee Mike Proctor has reported the Blackpool boss for apparently kicking the ball away following the two sendings off

From then on it was all one-way traffic as City barraged the Seasiders goal.

The inevitable goal came on 77 minutes when a corner swung in from the left was rifled home by Lee Peacock with around 10 minutes till full time.

The attacks didn't stop there as City searched for a second.

Despite some resilient defending from Pool the home side finally found a way through in stoppage time.

With only seconds to go Pool threw everyone forward including keeper Phil Barnes, but when City regained possession they quickly countered and with Barnes stranded Scott Murray had the easy job tapping home of sealing the points.

Fortunately for Pool they only have a few days to wait until their next encounter.

Tuesday night sees the visit of newly promoted Luton Town as the Seasiders look to forget this opening game and almost start the season again at Bloomfield Road.

Bristol City 2-0 Blackpool

Peacock '77

Murray '90