Mansfield , Blackpool 1

Scorer: Wellens (79)

POOL bounced back in style from Saturday's disastrous display with a well deserved victory at Mansfield after Richard Wellens followed up a sizzling Simpson free kick.

The win broke Mansfield's unbeaten home record and even more pleasing was a Blackpool clean sheet thanks to the unfamiliar backline of Thompson, Reid and O'Connor.

There were no fewer than seven changes to the Seasiders line-up that lost to Plymouth. Tony Caig was the surprise start in net, with Phil Barnes dropped. Brian Reid continued in defence alongside Phil Thompson, who made his first start since August 1999. Jon O'Connor, signed earlier in the day made his debut to complete the Seasiders back line of three central defenders. Danny Coid, Mike Milligan, Richard Wellens, John Hills and Phil Clarkson made up a five man midfield and Paul Simpson joined Murphy up front with both Brett Ormerod and Adam Nowland injured.

Pool started well with Richard Wellens and Mike Milligan dictating midfield. The passing was excellent with the Seasiders impressive.

But it was Mansfield with pacey striker Chris Greenacre who started creating the chances. First Greenacre's neat flick flew over the bar and then Lee Williams found space but shot off target.

And with Pool keeper Tony Caig looking more confident in every minute that went by, Mansfield realised that they were facing a real challenge. With all the possession Pool started to look threatening themselves as the half went on. John Hills on the left wing supplied a string of crosses for John Murphy. Also in the midfield Phil Clarkson was working hard and combined with Milligan and Wellens to command the game.

Clarkson himself was given the best chance of the half on 35 minutes when he headed wide from a John Hills cross.

In the second half but the Seasiders continued to control the match. Mansfield still created chances though and Tony Caig saw two balls drilled across the face of his goal when a touch would have been enough. Michael Boulding looked dangerous player for the home side with his lightening pace.

But the break-through was made by Blackpool on 79 minutes when a free kick was won 35 yards out on the edge of the Mansfield box. Paul Simpson took the kick and his swirling shot could only be parried by keeper Bobby Mimms for Richard Wellens to poke in from five yards.

There were a few heart-stopping moments after the goal including a strong penalty shout from Mansfield.

But Pool, urged on by a vociferous following of Tangerines fans managed to hold on.