OFF the bottom at last - but the home hoodoo still needs to be broken.

A fine 3-0 victory at Port Vale settled Seasiders nerves on Saturday and took them above Stockport County and Torquay United.

That leaves Blackpool with a respectable five points from five games on their travels but, with in-form Bournemouth in town on Saturday, Colin Hendry is still waiting for a home victory.

Midfield is the major concern for Blackpool. Mike (MJ) Flynn became the second player of the same name to leave the club in a matter of days after being recalled by Wigan Athletic, while Dean Gorre has had his short-term contract ended after an injury in a behind-closed-doors game against Tranmere this week.

With Keith Southern still a couple of weeks away from a return, that leaves Richie Wellens as Blackpool's only fit midfielder. Martin Bullock is also out, though John Murphy is back to full fitness.

Bournemouth come into the game as one of the second division's form teams. They followed a midweek Carling Cup penalties victory at Blackburn Rovers with a 5-0 thumping of Doncaster Rovers at the Fitness First Stadium.

The achievement is all the more remarkable because financial pressures forced them to sell skipper, Carl Fletcher, to West Ham and they could even lose their ground unless a share issue proves successful.

Two Scotts were the heroes on Saturday. Taylor scored Blackpool's first goal inside six minutes when Danny Coid controlled the ball with the back of his neck before flicking a fine cross for Taylor to score for the third consecutive game.

Richardson carved out a second for Scott Vernon on 26 minutes, which the Oldham loanee despatched well.

The Vale defence gave a generous amount of space to both strikers, but the biggest gift came in the opening stages of the second half when keeper Johnny Brain attempted to punt a simple backpass upfield.

Unfortunately, Brain didn't exactly live up to his name, booting the ball into the ground and in the general direction of Vernon, who can't have scored many easier efforts, tapping in to an empty net.

Brain was also left floundering by Richie Wellens' half way line wondergoal in Vale's visit to Bloomfield Road last season. He must hate facing Blackpool almost as much as the Seasiders love lining up against him.

Defensive stalwart, Mike Flynn, ended his relationship with the Seasiders this week, joining Accrington Stanley on a free transfer. The vastly experienced Flynn, who also saw service with Barnsley, Stockport, Preston, Norwich and Oldham, joined the ambitious conference outfit after losing his place following the arrival of Peter Clarke. The Seasiders are well covered in the centre of defence with Rob Clare trying to win his place back, 17-year-old Phil Doughty pressing hard for his chance and Mark McGregor playing alongside Clarke.

The Seasiders were due to start their defence of the LDV Vans Trophy at York City last night. It was something of a reunion for several of the home sides players, with the likes for former Blackpool skipper, Paul Groves, Steve Davis, Paul Robinson and former loan man Darren Dunning all on their books, as well as former £100,000 defender, Chris Clarke. Several fringe players were expected to feature for Blackpool.

Blackpool's Bloomfield Road game against Wrexham, called off in September because of the Welsh club's array of international call-ups, has been rearranged for November 9.

Another Blackpool old boy is set to take his first steps into the world of management. Ex-striker, Graham Fenton, was interviewed for the manager's post at famous Geordie non-league outfit, Blyth Spartans, where he is currently assistant boss.