THE Seasiders crashed to a 2-0 Boxing Day defeat against rivals Oldham Athletic at a packed Bloomfield Road.

Despite having all the early pressure, Steve McMahon's men could not find a way through the visitors' well-organised defence and were made to pay when their on-loan striker David Reeves grabbed a quick-fire brace in the second half to win the points.

Latics keeper Paul Rachubka ensured his side remained on level terms in the opening exchanges with three superb saves. The visitors then decided to stifle the home side's attacking force by man-marking dangerman Paul Simpson. It was a move which swung the game in their favour and they went on to grow in stature to secure the maximum points.

On 56 minutes a poor backpass put Seasiders keeper Phil Barnes under pressure and when he pulled down Alan Smart in a race to the ball, the referee immediately awarded a penalty which was converted by Reeves. Ten minutes later Reeves killed the game off with his and Oldham's second when he superbly smashed home the loose ball after Darren Sheridan's header created the opening.

Blackpool 0-2 Oldham