Blackpool 1-3 Stockport

E-mail your reaction to Football Talk

Lacklustre Blackpool lost their unbeaten home record against battling Stockport, who pulled off the perfect smash-and-grab to triumph.

County overcame early problems with Alan Blayney making his debut in goal after a last-minute loan deal from Southampton and the loss of player-manager Carlton Palmer through injury.

Blackpool were caught dozing two minutes into the second half when County wing-back Kevin Ellison found himself with time and space to rifle home a superb 20-yard drive.

Martin Bullock's introduction livened up the Blackpool attack.

But the home defence was again caught out in the 56th minute when Ellison's cross found unmarked Ali Gibb, who converted a simple opportunity from five yards.

The embarrassment continued for promotion hopefuls Blackpool and with two minutes left, Luke Beckett chipped their third goal from the edge of the area.

A minute later, Blackpool pulled one back through substitute Jamie Milligan, but it was scant consolation.

---

Blackpool: Barnes, Grayson, Peter Clarke, Chris Clarke, Jaszczun, Dalglish, O'Kane, Southern, Coid, Murphy, Taylor. Subs: McMahon, Milligan, Walker, Hughes, Bullock.

Stockport: Blayney, Lescott, Challinor, Palmer, Tonkin, Gibb, Fradin, McLachlan, Ellison, Beckett, Burgess. Subs: Spencer, Goodwin, Clare, Daly, Briggs.

Referee: S Baines (Derbyshire)