WHEN Colchesters Kemal Izzet put the ball in the back of the net to equalise after 86 minutes, it looked to be yet another of those games where Blackpool had let the 3 points slip away.

But three minutes into injury time and a neat knock down by substitute John Murphy gave Ormerod the chance to rescue the points in virtually the last kick of the game.

It was Ormerod's second of the game and 13th of the season, one wonders now more than ever where the Seasiders would be without him.

No matter how pleased Steve McMahon will be by the late winner, his team still didnt keep a clean sheet, something that has become a rarity the season. Pools only other clean sheet came against Bournemouth well over a month ago. However on the other hand given the injury problems faced by McMahon, the Tangerines did well to get anything out of an in-form Colchester side. Ian Hughes, Richards Wellens, John Hills, Lee Collins and Tommy Jaszczun were all absent from the starting line-up due to injuries. Also surprisingly missing was John Murphy who was relegated to the reserves and replaced by Graham Fenton.

The first half started brightly but chances were few and far between after the initial 5 minutes. Both teams had each other figured out with Colchester not giving Seasiders danger-men Ormerod and Bullock any joy. At the other end Pool keeper James Pullen kept Scott Mcleash under wraps with a couple of good stops to deny Colchesters in-form striker. The nearest Pool got to creating a scoring opportunity was when Graham Fenton seemed to be brought down in the box. But the officials werent impressed and minutes later signalled for half and the teams went into the break at 0-0.

Steve McMahon seems to be good at half time team-talks, Pool seem to explode into life after the interval. Today was no different and 5 minutes into the half Brett Ormerod popped up to open the scoring. Jamie Milligan was the provider, planting a perfect cross to the far post where Ormerod beat two defenders to clinically head in for his twelfth of the season.

As Pool have learned this season time and time again, 1-0 is never enough. The usual script of missed chances followed and when Brett Ormerod saw his 75th minute strike come crashing back off the bar, you knew what was about to happen. Right on cue, Colchester levelled on 86 minutes thanks to an excellent low drive from midfielder Kemal Izzet.

But just as the game looked destined for a draw, Ormerod grabbed that late, late equaliser to send the Bloomfield road crowd wild. The goal itself was well worked with the traditional partnership of Murphy and Ormerod teaming up once again to rescue the Seasiders. Murphy showed his worth after by setting up Ormerod after coming off the bench for the unlucky Graham Fenton. Ormerod doesnt usually miss and sealed the points with an excellent finish past the United keeper.

The victory means that Pool can banish all memories of Tranmere into the past and the table makes much better reading for Steve McMahon on Sunday morning. Pool climb a couple of places to 13th, a place below the middle of Division Two. The Seasiders have to travel to Peterborough next Saturday and nothing less than three points is needed if Blackpool are going to continue their steady climb up the table.

RESULT: Blackpool 2-1 Colchester

Ormerod (50, 90)

Izzet (86)