Derby 2-1 Blackpool

Blackpool’s playoff hopes took a further blow tonight as they slipped to a 2-1 defeat at Derby.

Hoping to bounce back from conceding late on against Hull last Friday, Ian Holloway named the same XI for the game against the out of sort Rams.

There were changes on the bench however – Craig Cathcart, Ludovic Sylvestre, Gary Taylor-Fletcher and Matt Phillips returning to the fold.

And the Seasiders got off to the perfect start, taking the lead inside two minutes; Tom Ince slotting home Stephen Crainey’s cross.

Ince was then denied a second by a great save from Frankie Fielding as ‘Pool looked to double their advantage.

At the other end though, Derby – captained by ex ‘Pool defender Shaun Barker – were causing ‘Pool’s ever shaky defence problems; Theo Robinson heading wide when he should have scored.

HT: Derby 0-1 Blackpool

Ollie must have given his side sleeping pills at half time as they came out for the second half half-asleep and were duly punished.

With around an hour gone, Steven Davies’ low freekick from the edge of the area was deflected in past Matt Gilks.

The equaliser prompted Brett Ormerod to be replaced by Matt Phillips.

Gary Taylor-Fletcher was introduced shortly after, replacing Roman Bednar.

Kevin Phillips had an effort tipped over the bar, but the home side were beginning to build up a head of steam and should have made in 2-1 when Theo Robinson beat Matt Gilks one-on-one but saw his effort cleared off the line by Alex Baptiste.

With 15 minutes left, Nigel Coulgh’s side did take the lead; Steve Davies converting a Ben Davies freekick with a free header.

Baptiste and K. Phillips then both had efforts saved by the impressive Fielding as the visitors searched in vain for an equaliser.

With three minutes left, LuaLua replaced K. Phillips but the Seasiders appeared to have run out of steam, with their hosts looking more likely to score the next goal.

As it was, there were no more goals and it finished Derby 2-1 Blackpool.