LESS than 30 seconds after Blackpool fans were treated to seeing a match from the Kop, they were celebrating yet again when Brett Ormerod slid home a Steve Garvey through-ball to put the Seasiders 1-0 up at Bloomfield Road on Saturday (May 8).

On five minutes, the fans nearly had more to cheer about. David Bardsley, playing out of position at left back, struck a superb free kick which keeper Andrew Walker tipped over in style.

Despite not scoring in his first season back at Bloomfield Road, Bardsley has fast become the king of the free kick.

The first half was a pacy affair and slowly but surely, the visitors fought their way into the game.

Striker Lomana Lua Lua looked made useful runs through the centre of midfield and on 25 minutes should have put his side level, but struck his shot straight at Tony Caig.

Three minutes later Caig had absolutely no chance of preventing the equaliser.

Warren Aspinall crossed for man-mountain Stephane Pounewatchy and the 6ft defender was unmarked.

Chris Malkin and Phil Clarkson had the best chances of the rest of the half.

Malkin's shot hit the Kop and Clarkson's reached Junior Bent who failed to connect.

The second half appeared more settled and neither side looked to have the heart to score the winner.

But 10 minutes from the end, the Tangerines lifted their game and earned the three points.

On 49 minutes Clarkson headed wide from Junior Bent's perfectly-weighted cross before the winger decided to go it alone three minutes later but saw his effort saved by Walker.

Barry Shuttleworth made way for first-team debutant Danny Coid on 69 minutes.

The 17-year-old performed well in the match and by no means looked a weak point.

He will make many more first team appearances next season for sure.

If any player deserved to score in this clash, it was Clarkson.

And on 88 minutes he was overjoyed to smash home his ninth of the season and put the Seasiders 2-1 up.

The build-up to the goal thoroughly deserved the end result.

Bardsley placed the ball inches in front of him as he tore through the Colchester defence and made it look easy as he placed the ball in the top right corner.

But, as we all know, Blackpool tend have to have a scare each match and it was Pounewatchy who provided it. Another set piece from Aspinall - this time a corner - found the Frenchman just six yards from goal.

His header over the bar really should have been under.

But on the last day of the season at home with a rare win for the Seasiders on the cards, the fans were more than relieved to see the ball flying high.

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