Slick Seasiders clinch promotion
27 May 2007 - 17:21:40
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- Slick Seasiders clinch promotion
Blackpool return to the second tier of English football for the first time since 1978 after cruising to a comfortable 2-0 victory against Yeovil Town in the League One play-off final at a wet Wembley.
A Robbie Williams free-kick just before the break and a superb Keigan Parker effort early in the second half helped the Seasiders ease to victory against a Yeovil side that never really got going.
It was unfortunate for the Glovers who had hit back to secure an amazing victory against Nottingham Forest in the semi-finals just over one week ago.
It was Blackpool's tenth successive victory - a club record - and they started the game very confidently.
Shaun Barker thought he should have had an early penalty after appearing to be pushed to the ground by Marcus Stewart, but referee Andy D'Urso waved play on.
Williams then lashed a long-range shot narrowly wide before Andy Morrell was just unable to get his head on to Parker's cross.
Yeovil finally settled but Russell Slade's side lacked conviction going forward and Blackpool deservedly edged ahead just before the break.
The Seasiders won a free-kick on the edge of the area and Williams fired his shot past the wall and beyond the despairing dive of Steve Mildenhall.
There was still time before the interval for Paul Rachubka to tip Arron Davies' free-kick over the bar as Yeovil created their best opening of the half.
The Glovers started the second half well, but the game was effectively over in the 52nd minute when Blackpool grabbed their second goal.
Blackpool launched a swift break and, as Yeovil backed off, Parker curled a superb right-footer into the corner of the net with Mildenhall clutching at thin air - a fabulous strike.
The goal knocked the stuffing out of Yeovil and for a time Blackpool threatened to run riot, Parker and Morrell both being denied by smart Mildenhall stops.
The game petered out as Blackpool took their foot off the gas, although Yeovil almost pulled a goal back with 12 minutes left when Wayne Gray crossed for Stewart.
The former Huddersfield Town, Ipswich and Bristol Rovers striker seemed certain to score, but his six-yard header bounced into the ground and somehow flew over the crossbar.
That proved to be Yeovil's best chance of salvaging something from the game as Blackpool ran out deserved winners.