IT'S not often you get only two games into the new campaign before you see a contender for goal of the season, but thanks to Blackpool skipper Ian Hughes, the 3,298-strong crowd at Bloomfield Road saw just that in this Worthington Cup first round game against Tranmere Rovers on Tuesday night (Aug 10).

A David Bardsley free kick was worked down the left-hand side and Brett Ormerod was on hand to provide an accurate cross.

Hughes, just outside the area, took one look at the bouncing ball and slammed it home into the top left corner of the net.

Keeper John Achterburg could only watch the thunderous strike as it boomed past.

That put the score at 1-1 after an unfortunate own goal by Phil Thompson, covering for the injured Paul Beesley. Alan Mahon's shot deflected off the defender on 21 minutes to put the visitors ahead, but five minutes later Hughes redressed the balance with his superb goal and the tie was well and truly back on. Scott Taylor was a constant source of problems for the Tangerines' defence, scoring from an offside position after the half-hour and almost running the ball into the back of the net a minute later.

He was denied a 10-yarder by a stunning reflex save from on-form Phil Barnes on 56 minutes.

The Seasiders almost took the lead at start of the second half when Ormerod fed the ball through for Junior Bent to slot home.

Somehow, a Tranmere boot appeared and sent the ball flying off for a corner - but that attempt set the second half alight. The Seasiders looked hungry as Tranmere were forced to attack on the break.

Again, just like in the game against Wrexham, Andy Couzens made sure the ball was positioned perfectly for him to take his corner.

And then he dropped it straight on to the head of Phil Clarkson who powered the ball home from ten yards.

And at 2-1 that was the match over.

Striker John Murphy put in another encouraging display, mixing things up in Tranmere's box and generally causing their defence to panic.

It was encouraging to see such spirit among the Blackpool players and there was not a bad performance on the pitch between them.

On Saturday (Aug 14) the Seasiders travel to meet Luton Town.

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