BLACKPOOL bounced back from a nervous first-half to turn on the style in the second -- and produced a performance to keep alive hopes of Division Two football with a 2 - 1 win against Bristol Rovers.

The Seasiders' shaky start saw Ian Hughes having to make a vital tackle on Jason Roberts after only five minutes and Nathan Ellington embarassed David Bardsley minutes later, firing just over the bar.

A fightback from the frantic home side ensued, but the Tangerines simply never looked like finishing the chances they created.

Wayne Gill blasted a 20-yard shot well over, Paul Beesley headed wide and Jaszczun headed softly at the keeper. The best chance of the half fell to James Thomas who had a header saved on the line. But Roberts looked to have broken the Seasiders hearts on 36 minutes when he coolly slotted the ball past blameless Phil Barnes.

However, a seemingly inspired double substitution from Steve McMahon transformed the game.

The introduction of Steve Bushell and John Murphy saw the Tangerines fight their way back into the match with a vengeance.

Wayne Gill (pictured) -- in inspirational form again -- found space from a Richard Wellens free-kick and tucked the ball underneath advancing keeper Lee Jones.

Just 13 minutes later, the Pool fans and players were in ecstasy as James Thomas, Gill's former team-mate at Blackburn Rovers -- smashed the ball into the bottom right corner.

Manager Steve McMahon said: "We looked a decent team in the second-half.

"The pleasing thing in the second-half was that the players looked more assured, more confident and looked like they were enjoying it."