Blackpool today secured promotion to Division Two of the Football League with a thrilling 4-2 victory over Leyton Orient at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff. It was heartache for Orient, who suffered their second play-off final defeat in three seasons today, but for Steve McMahon's Blackpool, the win was more important than winning the FA Cup.
"The occasion is special here," said the twice Cup winner with Liverpool. "It's a magnificent feeling for everyone concerned. There is more at stake than an FA Cup final and I think the game was a great advert for Nationwide Division Three," he explained.
The game got off to the best possible start for Orient when they opened the scoring after a mere 27 seconds. Blackpool keeper Phil Barnes failed to clear a backpass when he slipped on the greasy surface and Orient's Chris Tate was quick off the mark to capitalise on the error and fire the ball home to give the Londoners a shock lead. Despite going a goal down so early, McMahon's team battled hard to get back into the game.
They did just that in the 34th minute when they equalised through Ian Hughes. Paul Simpson's corner found the head of Hughes and he in turn found the net to level matters. However, just three minutes later, Orient were in the lead once again when former Tottenham youth player Scott Houghton fired them ahead with a blistering 25-yard-shot.
The action continued when the Tangerines equalised yet again just before the break. With just a minute remaining before half-time, Gary Parkinson crossed to skipper Brian Reid who made it 2-2.
In the second half, both sides continued to create chances and both were guilty of some glaring misses. Blackpool finally went ahead for the first time in the match in the 76th minute when Richard Wellens burst forward and crossed to Simpson who slotted home with his left-foot. The game was put beyond Orient's reach when, three minutes from time, Former Everton man John Hills made a thundering run down the left flank and his cross found Brett Ormerod who scored from close-range.
"We didn't play brilliantly but I think we were the best team. I think they were deflated when we got the equaliser just before half-time," said McMahon afterwards. Dejected Orient manager Tommy Taylor admitted that today's result was a major disappointment but not as upsetting as the defeat to Scunthorpe two years ago. "I knew what to expect if we lost this time so it is easier for me to take. They deserved to win it and I felt whoever scored the next goal at 2-2 would go on and win, and so it proved. Deep down it hurts but the players gave 100% and you can't ask more than that. Mistakes cost goals and we made a couple of mistakes today," he added.
Filed by Amanda Fennelly
