Match Report

Blackpool reignited their play-off hopes with a thumping 5-1 victory over Swansea City, one of the few teams above them, at Bloomfield Road.

Swansea came into the game with a reputation for having the division's stingiest defence and the five goals slammed in by Ian Holloway's unstoppable Seasiders represent almost one-fifth of the goals the Welsh side have let in this season.

The rout started after just 13 minutes when Billy Clarke got in behind the Swans defence but, instead of running at goal, unleashed a powerful first-time shot which keeper Dorus de Vries could only parry and veteran striker Bret Ormerod won the foot-race to tap in at the far post.

Swansea played their part in an entertaining game with the rampaging runs of winger Nathan Dyer causing constant problems for Blackpool's full-backs.

But Paulo Sousa's side often tried to be too precise with the final ball although Blackpool keeper Matt Gilks did have to be on his toes to beat Shefki Kuqi to one decisive Mark Gower pass.

But Swansea's efforts came to nought and they were further behind moments before half-time, the industry of Clarke again key.

After winning the ball on the right flank he played in Gary Taylor-Fletcher who cut the ball back for central defender Ian Evatt to fire home through a crowd of players.

Three minutes after the break Blackpool added a third which had more than a few echoes of their first. A curling shot by Clarke beat de Vries but hit the post with fellow striker Ben Burgess putting away the rebound.

Man-of-the-match Ormerod scored the pick of the goals on 67 minutes with an unstoppable drive from the edge of the area, and Taylor-Fletcher was the last man in an incisive passing move to score the fifth with eight minutes remaining.

But Swansea didn't give up and, when young substitute Stephen Husband misplaced a pass, Cedric van der Gun picked up the ball sharply and placed a cool shot past Gilks.

Corners

Fouls

Goal attempts

Shots off target

Offsides