BLACKPOOL'S first win since the opening day of the season was marred by an horrific injury to leading scorer Brett Ormerod against Wycombe at Adams Park on Saturday.

Ormerod was stretchered off in agony after an 18th minute clash which left him with a broken tibia and fibula - and his recovery is expected to take at least 12 months.

For that reason, Martin Aldridge has made an early return to Bloomfield Road after a three-week period at Port Vale.

The out-of-favour striker now has the opportunity to prove his worth to manager Nigel Worthington.

But the injury was the only down-side in a fine performance from the Seasiders and Wycombe were a gear lower than Blackpool for the duration of the match. Adam Nowland, on for the unfortunate Ormerod, opened the scoring before half-time when keeper Martin Taylor made a hash of his clearance.

Nowland seized the opportunity and slammed the ball into the back of the net.

Loan-star David Lee, provided the second in the seventh minute of first half injury time.

His dipping shot was perfectly placed to edge past Taylor and seal the win for the travelling Tangerines.

Keeper Tony Caig was tested in the second half but proved his worth and silenced some of his critics with a confident display. Blackpool passed nicely and John Hills also warrants a mention for supplying his best crosses so far this season.

The 2-0 result lifted Blackpool from the bottom of Division Two, but Colchester could rise above the Seasiders, having just two points less and two games in hand. It has been a long time since the Seasiders managed to score two unanswered goals and the change in the players was evident - instead of slacking off after taking the lead, they were still hungry to score and showed a determination that had been lacking until the Oldham game.

Manager Nigel Worthington said that he was very pleased with the performance on the pitch and that the players got what they deserved.

He again paid tribute to David Lee for giving the side an extra dimension.

Nigel Worthington is expected to look for a striker to replace Brett Ormerod, who has had successful surgery on his leg but is not expected back until well after the start of next season.

The draw for the Auto Windscreen Shield will take place on Saturday, November 13. The tournament will again use the Golden Goal rule.

On Saturday (Oct 30) the Seasiders entertain Stoke City in the FA Cup first round.

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