THE Tangerine FA Cup Dream ended with a fine display against a star-studded Arsenal side on Monday (December 13) who won 3-1.

Blackpool, 62 positions below Arsenal in the League, battled hard against the Premiership side, ending up disappointed not to have taken the tie back to Bloomfield Road.

Manager Nigel Worthington said: "It was a terrific performance and I'm delighted for the players and the fans. When I saw the reaction to Grimandi's goal, I could see that they didn't drop their heads and they responded well.

"When they equalised, it was the stuff of their wildest dreams. We were never going to come here and play Arsenal off the pitch - but the players put on a terrific show and gave 100 per cent, and will always have the memories of the match with them."

Until Arsenal took the lead in the 23rd minute, through a Gilles Grimandi rocket, the home side looked shaky. Marc Overmars ran the Pool defence ragged, but his right foot shots left a lot to be desired. Refusing to lie down The Seasiders made several runs themselves, notably from David Lee, who outfoxed Silvinho on a number of occasions.

And if there's one man in Tangerine colours who knows how to add a bit of drama, it's Phil Clarkson. The Ghost popped up on 39 minutes to steal in at the back post and fire past a surprised Alex Manninger.

In the second half Thierry Henri went close, followed by Davor Suker, Overmars and Dixon, but Tony Caig, was in inspired form to keep the Seasiders in the game.

On 65 minutes Arsenal took the lead. Emannuel Petit provided a corner to Grimandi, who laid off the ball for veteran Tony Adams score.

Steve Bushell almost pulled the scores level on 77 minutes, but as the Seasiders battled on, Overmars decided he'd have a crack with his left, sending the ball rocketing past Caig from 12 yards.

The Seasiders may be out of the cup, but manager Nigel Worthington and all the fans at the game saw Blackpool play football that will surely see them safe in Division Two this season.

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