Cheltenham 0 Blackpool 1

FOUR wins in four games leaves Blackpool just three points off a play-off place. Who would have thought it two weeks ago when Pool were in crisis lying near the bottom?

Ian Hughes was back for Phil Thompson in a five man defence. The only other change to the squad was the return of Brett Ormerod who was on the bench.

In awful conditions Pool started the better and opened the scoring early on thanks to John Murphy's 11th goal of the season.

Richard Wellens won the first corner of the day with a skilful run in difficult conditions. Paul Simpson whipped in the corner and Murphy powered a header in after running to the near post unmarked.

The home side eventually got into the game but with the wind against them it was difficult for them to create any decent chances. The weather was also a hazard for Pool keeper Jon Kennedy who was struggling with the flight of the ball when the wind caught Cheltenham's crosses. But Richard Wellens knew exactly how to use the weather to his advantage. He struck two long range drives in the first 20 minutes with one strike inches wide and the other well saved.

Then came an incident that will frustrate manager Steve McMahon on a otherwise successful afternoon. John Hills, recently back from injury and in brilliant form was brought off on the half hour mark due what looked like a groin injury. Tommy Jaszczun was a straight swap for Hills, taking over the left wing-back role.

The rest of the drama of the first half was left for injury time with both sides having goals disallowed. First Cheltenham were denied by an offside decision and then John Murphy was disappointed to see his finish disallowed after Phil Clarkson was adjudged to have handled the ball in the build-up.

With the wind advantage in the second half Cheltenham had most of the play but failed to threaten Jon Kennedy apart from free kicks. Blackpool were happy to sit back and defend. The back line of Hughes, Reid and O'Connor superbly protected Kennedy in goal.

And when Brett Ormerod was brought on for Simpson on 70 minutes Blackpool also started to create opportunities on the break.

Ormerod along with Murphy both did well to relieve the defence when the pressure built up by creating a string of corners out of nothing.

After more stout defending the final whistle eventually signalled another confidence boosting and deserved victory for Pool.

Manager Steve McMahon looked delighted after the match and paid tribute to way his team battled hard to hold on to their lead.

He was particularly impressed with the defence which he called "brilliant".