BURNLEY failed to stop Blackpool securing a play-off place today as they slumped to their heaviest defeat of the season.

The Clarets could count themselves unlucky to be trailing 1-0 at half-time as they had chances to get back in the game after Stephen Dobbie scored direct from a free kick.

But it was game over when Gary Taylor-Fletcher beat Lee Grant with a looping header from Stephen Crainey's cross.

Michael Duff had looked to have cleared before the ball crossed the line, but on the advice of his linesman referee Chris Sarginson goal.

Lee Grant was at fault for the third goal which killed off any challenge the Clarets might have mustered, as the goalkeeper let Crainey's effort slip through his grasp just after the hour.

There was yet more controversy, though, to complete a flattering scoreline for the Tangerines.

Tom Ince was yards offside when he received Kevin Phillips' pass, but the flag stayed down and he slipped the ball to substitute Nouha Dicko, who tucked the ball beyond the advancing Grant.