BLACKPOOL outclassed Wigan Athletic in a high noon showdown at Bloomfield Road on Saturday (Nov 6).

The Seasiders must have had 90 per cent of the ball in the opening 45 minutes, rightly taking a 2-0 lead into the break.

The Tangerines were a dream team, passing the ball around the park and forcing Wigan into sustained periods of defensive play.

Leading goalscorer John Murphy opened the scoring, delightfully curling the ball around Derek Stillie on nine minutes.

Marvin Bryan played a large part in the goal, rushing down the left wing and supplying a perfect cross for the unmarked front man.

Bryan was in mean form, punishing Wigan with powerful runs through midfield, which he ultimately failed to capitalise on.

He did, however, have a few shots on goal - something previously lacking in Seasiders' performances as a rule and something which shows the confidence returning to the team.

On 22 minutes, star man Danny Coid showed the talent he has with a perfect ball beating the offside trap for John Durnin to latch on to.

Durnin's run was unimpeded as he coolly lobbed Stillie for Blackpool's second and his first in Tangerine colours.

Two minutes later, the on-loan striker from Portsmouth almost added another with a 20-yard lob which sailed inches over the bar.

The second half saw an inspired Wigan side take the initiative, storming the Blackpool goal.

In a 4-4-2 formation, the Latics proved far deadlier and within four minutes of the restart had clawed one back.

Andy Liddell provided the cross and unmarked substitute Graeme Jones tapped in from close range. Stuart Barlow equalised after Durnin gave away an horrendous across-field ball.

Jones intercepted and put Barlow through for an easy shot.

The Seasiders were spurred into action by the leveller and Murphy headed just wide before leaving the pitch in a blood-soaked shirt, needing five stitches in his face.

Bryan tried two mazy runs which proved fruitless before Phil Clarkson found himself in space to turn and shoot wide.

The chance was the best of the half and should have given Blackpool all three points.

Minutes from the end Wigan caused chaos in front of the Tangerine goal with a scramble that saw the ball cleared off the line by Bryan and Tony Caig pull off two stunning saves, first with his feet, followed by a tip around the bar.

After the match Nigel Worthington payed tribute to striker John Murphy, saying: "If anyone deserved a goal, it was John.

"What he gives the team is miraculous.

"The draw is a fair result but what pleased me even more was the performance."

If Wigan are still Division Two favourites, the Tangerines should take heart that they comnprehensively outplayed them at times. The corner has most definitely been turned.

John Murphy will take part in the Burnley match at Turf Moor this Sunday (Nov 13), kick off 1pm, despite having stitches in his cheek.

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