AFC Blackpool progress in Trophy

Parker was delighted with his side's performance

A Wayne Gardiner goal five minutes from time saw AFC Blackpool through to the next round of the Vodkat League Division One Trophy away to Irlam.

Gardiner's late strike topped a fine performance from the visitors, with goalkeeper Jamie Cook in outstanding form during the second half.

Both sides largely cancelled one another out in the first half.

The late goal removed doubts about the tie finishing, as the thickening fog threatened the prospect of extra time.

The best chance arrived seven minutes from the break, when AFC Blackpool's Daniel Kinsey stuck out a foot to divert a Ben Rothwell shot towards goal, but the ball crept just wide of the post.

We defended well throughout, and Jamie Cook in goal was outstanding, making two or three excellent saves. Stuart Parker

Irlam enjoyed the better of the early second-half exchanges, and after a Scott Hogan shot was deflected for a corner, AFC Blackpool goalkeeper Jamie Cook made a fine double save on 55 minutes.

After beating out a fiercely struck shot by Ryan Hutchinson, Cook recovered to block the follow-up effort from Matt Williams.

With the fog thickening and extra time looming, AFC Blackpool substitute Wayne Gardiner struck what proved to be the winner with just five minutes to go.

A Mark Ashall pass sent Ben Rothwell clear on the left, and when his cross was only half-cleared Gardiner pounced to fire a shot on the turn into the bottom corner from 10 yards.

"I was delighted with the way we played today. Irlam are on top form and have just beaten league leaders AFC Liverpool, so they came into the game with a lot of confidence," said AFC Blackpool manager Stuart Parker.

"We defended well throughout, and Jamie Cook in goal was outstanding, making two or three excellent saves."

Parker added: "We looked threatening in the first half, and Daniel Kinsey could have put us in front before half time.

"Irlam had a spell of pressure early in the second half, but in the last 25 minutes we came into the game a bit more, and in the end I thought it was a thoroughly deserved victory."