Exeter 2 Blackpool 0

HOPES of automatic promotion are long gone, and if Pool carry on playing like this they'll struggle to make the play-offs.

This defeat was the Seasiders third in a row, and means they have only managed one point from a possible twelve -- hardly promotion form.

It was the same old story at St James Park. After dominating most of the match and producing numerous goal-scoring opportunities, Exeter grabbed two in quick succession to steal the points.

Once again Danny Shittu was at fault for virtually handing Exeter's first goal on a plate.

But the rest of the team were equally at fault for not taking their chances that would have finished the game in the first half.

After an unconvincing start by Steve McMahon's men with a few early chances for the home side, Pool started creating themselves and only two harsh offside decisions denied strikers John Murphy and Richard Walker goal scoring opportunities.

As the half progressed, so did Pool's confidence. New signing Gary Parkinson nearly produced a decent chance after good work on the right side but the former Preston right back failed to find Walker and the chance was gone.

Paul Simpson then began to show the form we are all used to and the veteran winger began a move that eventually produced a good save from Exeter keeper Arjan Van Heusden. Minutes later Simpson was involved again with a beautiful free kick that deflected for a corner as Pool went into the break on top.

Exeter, encouraged by their recent good form, had a couple of break-throughs early in the second half but Parkinson and Shittu dealt with both chances brilliantly.

But Shittu soon turned from hero to villain with yet another disastrous moment of indecisiveness. Exeter's Gary Birch took full advantage and coolly finished to put his side ahead against the run of play.

Things got from bad to worse for Pool as Exeter added a second five minutes later. As the Seasiders pushed for an equaliser, Steve Flack made it 2-0 with a powerful header past Phil Barnes.

The two goals against the run of play stunned the Tangerines and they never recovered.