THE Seasiders' 1-0 win against Bournemouth on Saturday (Jan 17) was their most promising since they beat arch-rivals Preston North End at Christmas.

Phil Clarkson and Andy Preece looked hungry throughout and were a constant threat to the visitors, who looked very shaky during the first half.

Blackpool started off in a mean mood, punishing Bournemouth for their mistakes and attacking at every given opportunity.

Inside the first two minutes Junior Bent looked certain to score his first for the Tangerines, but his shot was cleared off the line.

It took 20 minutes for Blackpool to finally break down Bournemouth's defence with Tony Butler's long ball knocked down by Preece and Phil Clarkson's half-volley into the net.

A matter of two minutes later and Pool could have doubled their lead but Bent's shot was agonisingly inches wide.

Preece and Clarkson were revelations, spurring the team on and never allowing the pace to drop.

The Tangerine's defence although patchwork - consisting of Bryan, Carlisle, Lydiate and the impressive looking John Hills on loan - looked stronger than it has in recent matches.

Both Hills and Bryan acted like wing-backs throughout the match, with some blistering runs down the wings which the visitors just couldn't cope with.

But the second half wasn't so impressive for Blackpool as they let the Cherries fight back and, were it not for the ever-reliant Steve Banks, the score could have been level.

Barely into the second period, Banks found himself in a one-to-one situation with Robinson which he handled superbly, saving with his legs.

Had the referee allowed Pool to play the advantage on the hour, the score would have been 2-0.

Despite Preece taking a quick free kick and Phil Clarkson thumping the ball home, referee Scott Mathieson decided that the goal wouldn't stand as he wanted to speak to the offending Bournemouth player.

Players and fans alike were waiting for the final whistle with bated breath as Bent took up his new role of defender to deny Jones in the dying seconds.

Blackpool travel to Wycombe on Saturday with Greg Strong back from suspension - but Tony Butler is just starting his two-match penalty on the sidelines.

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