Wigan Athletic 0 Blackpool 1 Scorer: Murphy (11) Attendance: 7,357 BLACKPOOL pocketed three precious points when they beat North West rivals Wigan Athletic for the third time this season.

Last Saturday's win -- their first-ever at the JJB Stadium --moved them nine points away from the drop zone.

And the victory was all the more impressive when you take into consideration that Wigan were in top form before the game, with high-flying Brentford and Brighton among their recent conquests.

Blackpool's all round commitment and desire was a level above that of the previous Saturday when they lost a vital six-pointer to Bury in a lack-lustre performance at Bloomfield Road. It was as if Steve McMahon had put out a new team because, in the space of a week, Pool became strong at the back, commanding in midfield and attack, and scored a wonderful goal which could have easily been added to later in the game.

After scoring in last Tuesday's LDV Vans Trophy win against Huddersfield, John Murphy was on target again after 11 minutes.

A ball down the left put John Hills clear, and he cut inside to make room for a shot. Wigan keeper John Filan palmed it away only for the ball to go to Bullock, on the right. He coolly slotted the ball to Taylor who, in turn, found Murphy in space eight yards from the goal. Murphy kept his head and slid the ball under the keeper for the opening goal.

The performance from Murphy has sparked new interest in the striker's contract situation. With his contract expiring in summer, Murphy has been in talks about a new deal but so far nothing has been agreed between club and player. But if Murphy continues this new spell of form, Pool may be tempted to up the stakes and make an offer he cannot refuse.

The goal was excellent from Blackpool's point of view, but what Steve McMahon will be most pleased about is how Pool defended their lead.

Blackpool arguably played the better of the two teams in the rest of the first half and could have easily gone two goals up. The best chance went again to Murphy who came agonisingly close to grabbing a second goal after some excellent work by fellow strike partner Scott Taylor.

Not surprisingly Wigan came out after the break playing much better, and just about edged the second half.

But what was so pleasing was the way Pool dug in and protected their lead to record their first clean sheet since November. The Pool defence of Barnes, Coid, Day, Marshall, Jaszczun and 61st minute substitute Ian Hughes defended stoutly against everything the home side threw at them and never looked in much danger.

Wigan began to take their frustration out on Blackpool's players towards the end, with Richie Wellens, in particular, being given a hard time. A few tackles earned yellow cards, some of which perhaps should have been red.

Steve McMahon was understandably delighted with his players after the match. He can now look forward to Saturday's home game against Peterborough with anticipation. A win would really give Pool some much-needed breathing space.