DJ Campbell's second half strike secured Blackpool their fourth away victory of the season against a stubborn Stoke City side.
It was a well deserved win for the Seasiders, who simply out-passed their opponents for long periods of the game and dominated possession.
Stoke, on the other hand, were restricted to their long-ball game that wasn't pretty on the eye and which failed to bear any fruition.
Ian Holloway elected to name the same starting eleven that earned a creditable 2-2 draw against Bolton a fortnight ago.
Following a long spell off the pitch due to last weekend's postponement against Manchester United and a week of training on the beach, Blackpool took some time to find their rhythm.
Stoke had the better of the opening exchanges with Kenwyn Jones proving a handful up front with his physical presence.
He directed a header over from Matthew Etherington's corner as they seeked to gain the early initiative.
Blackpool crafted their first meaningful chance on the quarter hour mark following a superb passing move, but David Vaughan's effort whistled over the bar.
Andy Wilkinson's last ditch intervention thwarted Luke Varney from close range moments later, with DJ Campbell hooking the loose ball wide.
The home side were unfortunate not to break the deadlock on the stroke of half time when Ricardo Fuller's magnificent curling effort rattled the crossbar with keeper Richard Kingson rooted to the spot.
They had the ball in net soon after when Delap nodded home in the middle of a goal mouth scramble, but the goal was rightfully ruled out for obstruction on Kingson as it remained goalless at the break.
Blackpool made the perfect start to the second half when DJ Campbell turned in Charlie Adam's cross-shot to notch his third Premier League goal of the season.
The Seasiders were unfortunate not to extend their advantage soon after when Adam's deft free kick found Gary Taylor-Fletcher in the box, but his header agonisingly cannoned back off the bar.
Matthew Etherington struck the woodwork once again for the home side from a fabulous 25 yard free kick.
Robert Huth's point blank header from Etherington's corner drew a great reaction save from Kingson in the final stages, as Stoke peppered the Seasiders' goal.
But Blackpool held on to seal another valuable three points, outlining their survival credentials.
They rise back up to tenth position in a finely balanced league - lying a mere four points from a European place and six from the relegation zone.
--
Click Blackpool is now on FACEBOOK. For more details visit: http://facebook.com/ClickBlackpool
You can also follow Click Blackpool on TWITTER at: http://twitter.com/ClickBlackpool
Kirkland leaves Wigan Athletic with heavy heart
(Wed 23/05)
Blackburn Rovers target Ki focused on Celtic
(Wed 23/05)
Post a comment