Blackpool 1 Cardiff 0, Scorer: Ormerod 59 IF there ever was a game that would test Pool's promotion bid, this was it.

After a run of victories over moderate sides, Pool faced the money men of the division, Cardiff City.

The prospects were not good as Pool's defence was turned inside out with Brian Reid, Tommy Jaszczun and John Hills all injured but it was good enough to keep out the strongest attack in the division.

Up front, Pool were superior and a wonderful strike from Brett Ormerod in the second half was all that was needed to put Blackpool upon the very fringe of the playoff zone.

Phil Thompson and Jon O'Connor replaced the injured defenders and Richard Walker started up front on his home debut, along side Murphy and Ormerod in an ambitious three-man attack.

Cardiff were without the services of top goal scorer Rob Earnshaw yet the replacement of £500,000 Gavin Gordon looked just as mean. Both sides started well but Cardiff looked more dangerous especially down the right where Josh Low exposed Pool's weak spot.

Many of Cardiff's passing was clever but when it came to crossing the ball into the box, the Seasiders defence coped well.

That was until Josh Low skipped past Phil Thompson and put in a low ball across the face of goal but both Cardiff strikers failed to get a touch and the danger was cleared.

Pool, after some early attempts by Wellens and Simpson, Murphy had the best chance with header at the back post but was beaten in the air.

Murphy had two other attempts in the six yard box from a crosses by Ormerod but both were blocked. Cardiff went on the counter attack and Josh Low received the ball, played Gavin Gordon through on goal but his first touch wasn't the best and after a moment's hesitation Barnes flew out of his goal to bravely dive at the feet and smother the ball.

Later another low cross this time looked destined for the foot of an on-coming striker but Barnes dived forward to deflect the ball away to Danny Coid who cleared.

Pool looked a new, side after the break. Brett Ormerod had an early opportunity when Simpson crossed to him at the back post. But Ormerod couldn't control his half volley and skied over. Then came the Blackpool goal and what a cracker it was too!

After a back pass, Ormerod (pictured) put the keeper under pressure forcing a poor kick which fell straight to Simpson on the right. He found Murphy just outside the box who cushioned a header perfectly between two defenders to set up Ormerod. With the ball set up nicely Ormerod volleyed a sweeping shot just inside the right post.

Minutes later Cardiff were reduced to ten men when Josh Low was sent off for stamping Richard Wellens.

But Cardiff continued to find gaps on the wings but again, the Seasiders defence and Phil Barnes combined to eliminate any danger.

At the other end Pool were happy to keep the ball in the opposition's half as the final whistle approached.

And there was a touch of genius from Pool winger Danny Coid. It started with some very casual passing between Simpson, Coid and substitute Lee Collins on the right. But when Coid received the ball for the second time he burst into life, turning the defender, leaving him for dead. The chance was eventually eliminated but it was a fine piece of skill by the young winger.

A chance from Richard Walker and several trips to the corner used the remaining minutes.

It certainly was a fine performance by Pool who just about deserved the victory. A loss could have been a turning point for the worse but Blackpool passed with flying colours and their playoff push is right back on track.