BLACKPOOL rocked to the sound of victory chants on Tuesday night (March 12).

The Seasiders romped home 3-1 against their arch rivals Burnley in a thrilling Lancashire derby, rocketing them to the top of Division Two. Tuesday night's win puts the club in sight of a fantastic double achievement:

PROMOTION to Division One and the financial stability that will bring.

A SUCCESSFUL side fit to grace the new 40,000-seater stadium, plans for which were announced just two weeks ago.

It's the Seasiders' highest position in the Football League for 18 years, since they were relegated from the old Second Division in 1978.

Previous leaders Swindon had their game at Bradford cancelled due to snow, which allowed Blackpool to go top if they won and scored at least three goals.

Strikes from Micky Mellon, Mark Bonner and Tony Ellis earned Pool the top spot and opened up a six-point lead on third-placed Crewe who have now lost two games on the trot.

Blackpool are set to emulate Huddersfield Town who last year went up to the First Division with their new McAlpine Stadium.

Huddersfield are now riding high in Division One and their crowds have more than doubled.

Blackpool expect to be given the go-head to build their new 40,000-seater stadium at the end of the M55 in just over four months.

After the game on Tuesday night, Pool manager Sam Allardyce was not getting too excited about the prospect of Division One football next season and has still banned the word "promotion" from the dressing room.

He said: "Now that we are top of the league there is going to be extra pressure on us.

"Teams will be raising their game to try and beat us, but I think we can remain unbeaten for the rest of the season." Chairman Owen Oyston said: "I am really proud of the fans and the players.

"It was a really exciting game, a tribute to the commitment of Sam and his players. It was a boost for everyone in Blackpool."

Managing director Gill Bridge said: "Wasn't it a terrifc match and wasn't it a terrific result for our lads.

"It's great to see Blackpool at the top of the league. Now we want to stay there and give the fans a side fit to grace the new super stadium."

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