Blackpool 2 Southend 0 - Cullen and Blyth earn three huge points

It’s a result which leaves them four points from the League One drop zone, although Oldham now have three games in hand on the Seasiders.

But for Neil McDonald it’s another major step in the right direction for his side which looked dead and buried a few weeks ago.

After naming the same side for the third game running Blackpool started well and could have been ahead twice in the first few minutes as with Blyth and Cullen both going close.

Southend had the best chance in a pretty even opening half, when Jamar Loza somehow hit the post with the goal at his mercy from just three yards.

But after the break it was going to be Blackpool’s day from the moment Cullen headed them into the lead on 47 minutes.

He reacted brilliantly to guide a bouncing David Norris shot past keeper David Bentley and into the corner.

After soaking up the pressure Pool had to rely on a couple of trademark Tom Aldred blocks to maintain their lead.

But in truth Southend never really looked like finding a breakthrough and it was well deserved when Blyth doubled the lead.

Cullen did superbly down the right before crossing into the path of Blyth who controlled and blasted past Bentley.

It was Pool’s third win in four games, all three could prove absolutely huge.