Blackpool overcame Northampton Town with a 2-0 win.

Blackpool picked up their first points of 2026 as they claimed a 2-0 victory over Northampton Town at Bloomfield Road.

The Seasiders ended a three-game losing run in League One thanks to goals from Zac Ashworth and Ashley Fletcher.

Ian Evatt’s squad options were much-improved from his side’s 2-1 defeat away to Barnsley a week prior. Joel Randall and Michael Obafemi were immediately named in the starting XI following their respective loan moves from Bolton Wanderers and Burnley, while Michael Ihiekwe was also available after a month on the sidelines.

Blackpool opened the scoring after just three minutes. A tidy bit of play in the final third put the Cobblers under pressure, with the ball eventually finding its way to Ashworth at the back post to finish past Ross Fitzsimons.

Northampton slowly found a footing in the game, and almost pulled level just after the half hour mark.

In an attempt to collect the ball from a corner, Bailey Peacock-Farrell left his goal momentarily, leaving Olly Casey to produce an important headed block to keep the Cobblers out.

The Seasiders doubled their advantage from the penalty spot at the beginning of the second half.

After being brought down in the box by Terry Taylor, Fletcher stepped up to convert the penalty himself - and was able to send Fitzsimons the wrong way.

Joe Wormleighton had one of the better chances to register a goal for the visitors ahead of the hour mark, but was unable to keep his shot down in the box, while George Honeyman had a shot blocked down the other end, as Blackpool looked to extend their lead further.

There was also a golden opportunity for Kamarl Grant to mark his home debut with a goal, with the Millwall loanee smashing an attempt against the inside of the post.

CJ Hamilton could’ve made it 3-0 in the final moments of the 90, but couldn’t get the ball out of his feet quick enough, and allowed Fitzsimons to make the save.

Blackpool FC: Bailey Peacock-Farrell, Kamarl Grant, Michael Ihiekwe, Olly Casey, CJ Hamilton, Jordan Brown (83’), George Honeyman, Joel Randall (76’), Zac Ashworth, Ashley Fletcher (83’), Michael Obafemi (65’).

Substitutes: Franco Ravizzoli, Andy Lyons, Lee Evans (76’), Niall Ennis (83’), Tom Bloxham (65’), Josh Bowler, Ryan Finnigan (83’).

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