Blackpool claimed a 3-1 victory over Cardiff City in Ian Evatt’s first league game at home following his appointment as head coach last month.

Blackpool’s winning start under Ian Evatt continued with a 3-1 victory over Cardiff City at Bloomfield Road.

Ashley Fletcher was on hand with a brace, before Tom Bloxham added his name to the scoresheet as well, as the new head coach’s first league game at home ended with a comfortable three points.

The Bluebirds were able to claim a late consolation through Yousef Salech, after being left frustrated by Bailey Peacock-Farrell for the majority of the afternoon.

Blackpool had a golden opportunity to break the deadlock after just two minutes. Good work from both Fletcher and Bloxham led to a shooting opportunity in the box for CJ Hamilton, but the wing-back could only find the side-netting with his attempt at the front post.

An early chance also fell the way of Josh Bowler, with the 26-year-old placing a side-footed attempt just wide of the target after a driving run forward.

Peacock-Farrell also had to make a couple of saves in the opening exchanges, denying both Joel Colwill and Rubin Colwill.

As the half progressed, the Birmingham City loanee’s contributions became more frequent, with Omari Kellyman seeing a shot from the edge of the box pushed away just before the half hour mark.

The closest the Seasiders came in the opening 45 minutes was through Bloxham - who struck the post with a half-volley attempt from the edge of the box.

Quickly after the restart, Evatt’s side edged their way in front. Bowler slipped through an inviting ball for Fletcher, with the striker getting himself in a shooting position before firing past Nathan Trott at the front post.

Peacock-Farrell was responsible for ensuring Blackpool didn’t immediately squander their lead, as the Northern Ireland international reacted quickly again to push away an effort from Alex Robertson.

A golden opportunity to level fell Callum Chambers’ way on the hour mark, but the Bluebirds captain couldn’t direct a back post header on target.

Down the other end, Bloxham looked set to extend the Seasiders’ lead, before Ronan Kpakio made a superb recovery with an impressive block.

Trott also played his part in keeping it at 1-0 for so long, with the Cardiff keeper getting a fingertip on a powerful first-time strike from substitute Zac Ashworth.

There was nothing the 26-year-old could do about Blackpool’s next attacking move.

After being played through by Bloxham, Emil Hansson’s first real contribution after being introduced off the bench was to find Fletcher in space, as the striker dinked the ball over Trott for his second of the afternoon.

With just nine minutes left on the clock, the Seasiders added their third.

After being denied on a couple of occasions prior, Bloxham’s determination to score was clear to see as he slotted home after running clean through on goal.

Salech’s consolation came in the final seconds, as he tapped in from close-range following a late spill from Peacock-Farrell.

The only real downside from the afternoon for the team in Tangerine was an injury to Bowler on the hour mark, with the winger forced off early after enjoying a productive outing.

Blackpool FC: Bailey Peacock-Farrell, Michael Ihiekwe, Fraser Horsfall, Olly Casey, CJ Hamilton (75’), Jordan Brown, George Honeyman, Josh Bowler (64’), Hayden Coulson (45’), Tom Bloxham (88’), Ashley Fletcher (88’).

Substitutes: Franco Ravizzoli, Andy Lyons (75’), Scott Banks (88’), Zac Ashworth (45’), Emil Hansson (64’), Theo Upton, Terry Bondo (88’).

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