FIRST division strugglers Tranmere Rovers were outplayed by the Tangerines at Bloomfield Road on Tuesday night (Sept 15) in this Worthington Cup second round match.

Yet again, it was a case of Blackpool coming from behind to take the upper hand - one that they must keep in the return match at Prenton Park next week.

Micky Mellon relished the chance of playing against his former club and Chris Malkin looked eager to prove a point to old club Tranmere.

But Kenny Irons caused most of the problems for the Seasiders in the first half.

His crosses were deadly and it was from one in the 17th minute that Andy Parkinson headed home despite Steve Banks getting a touch.

The first half was very even with little to separate the teams, but the Seasiders' run of five unbeaten games looks to have gelled them into a confident and dangerous side.

Martin Aldridge, looking more and more dangerous with every game he plays and found himself in the clear on 24 minutes.

The confidence with which he blasted the ball past Simon Simonsen bodes well for the future.

The Tranmere stable claimed offside - and its quite possible they were right - but referee Scott Mathieson and his assistant gave Aldridge the benefit of the doubt.

Blackpool's strongest period came in the second half after Martin Aldridge lobbed a stranded Simonsen in the 54th minute for his second of the match and his third in two games to put the Seasideras 2-1 up.

Phil Clarkson drove just over the bar and Barry Shuttleworth almost repeated his free kick of the previous week, rocketing the ball just wide.

Hopefully the chances missed won't prove costly but Tranmere, despite losing, take the luxury of an away goal with them to Prenton Park.

Blackpool are at home again on Saturday (Sept 19) for their league clash with third-placed Luton Town, kick-off 3pm.

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