Blackpool 3 Exeter 0

Scorers: Murphy (2), Ormerod

By Chris Reece

AFTER the poor finishing and lack of invention against Yeovil last week it was good to see the Seasiders create chances and finish them to cruise to an emphatic victory.

As a bonus there was also a clean sheet by Phil Barnes in goal, the first of its kind at home this season.

After an eventful week McMahon made changes scrapping the wingback 5-3-2 system for a more traditional 4-4-2, which saw Tommy Jaszczun and Phil Clarkson back into the first team line-up.

It took only five minut

es for the Seasiders to break the deadlock when Exeter failed to handle a dangerous free kick by Simpson and Ian Hughes rose to head towards goal for John Murphy to tap in on the rebound.

Minutes later Exeter nearly grabbed an equaliser in similar fashion. But they didn't have the killer touch and a goalmouth scramble ended with Kevin Francis' tame shot rolling inches past Phil Barnes' right hand post.

But Pool were dominating and chances for a second became frequent. Brett Ormerod came close when his swivel and shot flashed across the Exeter goal. The lead was extended thanks to another Murphy strike this time finished more emphatically when he placed it into the top right corner after being laid off by Ormerod.

Pool were now on fire and Murphy should have had at least a hat trick. In a frantic 10-minute spell only Exeter keeperVan Heusden and the woodwork managed to deny him and Ormerod certain goals.

Phil Thompson joined Pool's defence at half time in place of the injured Ian Hughes. After just 10 minutes Ormerod put Pool three up with another scrappy goalmouth strike.

Brian Reid was the provider for John Murphy to control and shoot only to see his shot parried across goal but Ormerod pounced on the loose ball and powered the ball into the roof of the net.

A superb spell by Pool followed, in one move five players were involved in a one-touch move that wouldn't have looked out of place at Old Trafford! But unfortunately John Hills failed to finish.

Pool tired as the game drew to a close although Ormerod continued to find gaps in the Exeter defence. He had several chances to increase the lead but a lack of composure in front of goal and some questionable decisions by the match officials denied him.

It has to be said Exeter were very low in confidence and at times their defending was abysmal.

But, the problems that haunted Steve McMahon earlier in the season seemed to have gone as the defence was excellent yet again. And if Ormerod can improve his final ball and the high work rate continues then there is no reason why Blackpool shouldn't continue their climb up the table. Team: Barnes, Coid, Hughes, Jaszczun, Reid, Clarkson, Ormerod, Murphy, Simpson, Hills, Collins. Subs: Wellens, Bushell, Kennedy, Thompson, Nowland. Man of the Match: Brett Ormerod