Colin Hendry's men had a much needed break from the 'frustrations' of the league campaign with the visit of Peter Taylor's Hull in the Carling Cup.
As promised, the Seasiders boss made two changes to the side which has started the previous four games. The changes saw Simon Grayson come into the midfield to replace Keith Southern, whilst Ciaran Donelly got a much needed start on the right. Donnelly's inclusion, in place of Scott Vernon, allowed Keigan Parker to start alongside John Murphy in attack.
Donnelly's inclusion on the right almost made an immediate impact in the opening minute of the game. The midfielder did well to find John Murphy in the box although the big man could only find the side netting with his strike.
Despite the lively start, it took only four minutes for the Seasiders defence to be broken. Hull's Jason Price made no mistake heading home after finding himself in far too much space from a right hand side corner.
Colin Hendry got the sort of reaction that he would expect from his players following the goal and almost got an equaliser on 11 minutes when John Doolan volleyed just wide. This followed a number of corners and some good attacking play from the Tangerines.
On 17 minutes Blackpool fans in the Matthews Stand thought the Seasiders had taken the lead, this after Rory Prendergast's diving header looked to has nestled into the bottom corner of the Hull net. However, sadly for Pool, it had instead only found the side netting.
The Seasiders got their well deserved equaliser on 28 minutes when Kiegan Parker was fouled in the box. This gave the unlikely penalty taker Peter Clarke his first goal of the season. The defender slotting the ball neatly into the bottom left hand corner.
As the first half went on it was the Seasiders who looked the more likely to take the lead with Ciaran Donnelly looking particularly lively for the Seasiders down the right wing.
On 38 minutes Simon Grayson rolled back the years with a superb curling left foot strike from the corner of the 18 yard box. Grayson's strike leaving Tiger's keeper Sergio Leite with no chance as the ball nestled into the top left hand corner.
Half Time: Pool 2 Hull City 1
Peter Taylor made one change to his Hull side at the break, introducing Stuart Elliot on the left hand side of midfield. The Northern Irish international finished as League One's top scorer last season with 27 goals.
Ten minutes into the second half, big Les Pogliacomi again impressed his new supporters with a comfortable save from JasonPrice. The Aussie, who won man of the match in his debut on Saturday, again looked more than comfortable between the sticks for the Seasiders and his signing is looking to be a major boost for Colin Hendry.
Despite the difference in leagues, the Seasiders continued to more than hold their own as the second half progressed. Despite this, it took an excellent goal-line clearance from Peter Clarke to prevent the Tigers getting an equaliser. Clarkey sliding the ball away when Ryan France's shot looked destined to find its way to the back of the net.
Keigan Parker had a golden opportunity to seal the win for Blackpool on 85 minutes when he raced clear of the City defence, only to slide his shot straight into the hands of the Tigers keeper.
In the end it was a great night for Colin Hendry's men, two goals and a much needed win will do wonders for the confidence in the Blackpool camp. On the night Simon Graysons display in midfield, and excellent performances from Keigan Parker and sponsors Man of the Match Ciaran Donnelly with delight the Seasiders fans.
Final Score: Pool 2 Hull 1
Blackpool: Pogliacomi, McGregor, Clarke, Parker, Doolan, Murphy, Predergast, Coid, Donnelly, Edwards, Grayson (Southern 88). Subs not used: Edge, Butler, Wiles, Vernon.
