Blackpool 0 Brighton2

WHAT is happening to Blackpool?

The Seasiders have gone from promotion hopefuls to relegation candidates in the space of a month.

Four defeats in a row means Blackpool find themselves in their lowest position for nearly two decades. And something has to been quickly, or who knows what division Pool will be playing in next year.

As promised by Steve McMahon and other players, Blackpool started a lot better than how they did against Hartlepool. The return of Paul Simpson to the side breathed hope for the supporters, he replaced Mike Milligan who was dropped completely out of the squad. Phil Barnes remained in goal. The opening 15 minutes saw Blackpool create a number of chances from Brett Ormerod especially. But Blackpool lacked the cutting edge and didn't find the quick goal they were looking for. And whilst Brighton tried to attack themselves, it was Blackpool who continued to look the more likely side to score.

However just after a Blackpool were denied a penalty appeal, Brighton took the lead. Some feeble defending by Pool resulted in the ball landing towards Brighton's Gary Hart at the edge of the box.

The Brighton midfielder made no mistake and volleyed into the corner giving Phil Barnes no chance.

Blackpool attempted to get back in the game immediately after kick off. But as usual the effort stopped the minute the ball was lost and Blackpool seemed to just want half time to come.

But just as the Blackpool player were thinking of their cup of tea and how badly Mr. Davies was going to tell them off, Brighton strolled in to grab another. Paul Rodgers was allowed all the time in the world to pick his spot from the edge of the box. A peach of a goal, maybe Blackpool should take note from Brighton of how to attack. That was the last kick of the half and the players were duly booed off.

The second half was dire and it took until 88 minutes before Blackpool stepped up a gear.

Before that was 40 minutes of half chances and feeble attempts. Brett Ormerod was the only one that seemed to want to salvage some pride for Blackpool.

As usual his mix of ability and commitment awarded him the man of the match award and promoted the song from the paddocks - "theres only one of you playing, one of you playing...etc". This was no exaggeration from the Seasiders supporters, the other players simply weren't performing.