Search A Light In The Darkness

Wednesday 9 May 2012

Birmingham 2 - 2 Blackpool (Agg: 2-3)

Blackpool survived a late Birmingham rally to set up a Championship play-off final showdown against West Ham. The Tangerines led 1-0 from the first leg and Stephen Dobbie squeezed in a shot to extend their lead. Matt Phillips epitomised the quality of Blackpool's play when he took down a ball and fired in on the turn. Although Nikola Zigic slotted in and Curtis Davies headed home for Birmingham to set up an enthralling finale, Blackpool hung on. In the heat of a vociferous atmosphere at a rain-lashed St Andrew's, the attacking intent from both teams served up the type of compelling contest that makes the play-offs so captivating. Blackpool were cruising towards victory as Birmingham appeared to be feeling the toll of their 62nd game of the season. The Blues somehow raised themselves to give Blackpool a major scare, but the Tangerines prevailed to keep alive their hopes of bouncing back into the Premier League at the first attempt when they meet West Ham at Wembley on 19 May...read more>>>...