Blackpool secured a crucial 3-1 victory over Peterborough United.

Dale Taylor marked his first start since December with a brace as Blackpool claimed a vital 3-1 victory over Peterborough United.

The forward broke the deadlock after two minutes, before adding his second after the break, with Tom Bloxham also on the scoresheet for the Seasiders.

Brandon Khela claimed what proved to be a consolation for the visitors in the first half, as Ian Evatt’s side saw out the game with 10-men, after losing Fraser Horsfall to a red card on the hour mark.

Blackpool’s perfect start to the afternoon came with a routine straight from the training ground.

A Jordan Brown corner was passed towards the edge of the box, with Taylor losing his man to slot past Alex Bass.

Peterborough’s first attempt of an equaliser came through Harry Leonard - who warmed the hands of Bailey Peacock-Farrell with a shot from distance.

Down the other end, Tom Bloxham was looking lively, with the forward putting a shot into the side-netting and seeing a cross put just wide by a defender at the back post.

There was also a chance for Fraser Horsfall to double the lead during a spell of early Tangerine pressure, with the centre back putting a header wide.

The Seasiders were punished for not making the most of their chances to double the lead, as Brandon Khela fired past Peacock-Farrell after the ball was cheaply lost by CJ Hamilton in a dangerous area.

Evatt’s side had a few opportunities to quickly retake the lead, including a half volley from James Husband - which was gathered by Bass.

Just before the break, Blackpool were dealt an injury blow, with George Honeyman forced off after pulling up with a problem.

The captain’s replacement Leighton Clarkson almost had an immediate impact - slotting through Bloxham, who saw his shot stopped.

A midfielder had a shot of his own saved after restart, while Karoy Anderson was also denied by Bass, as further chances came the Seasiders’ way.

It didn’t take long for them to make the most of their early second half pressure, as Bloxham found himself in space in the box before providing a clinical finish.

The game was paused for a period after that goal following a medical emergency in the crowd.

Once things had got back underway, Taylor was able to strengthen the Blackpool lead with his second of the afternoon after a cutback from Hamilton.

That was followed by another twist, with Horsfall being shown a straight red card for bringing down Bolu Shofowoke after a James Husband mistake.

Despite that, further chances still came the way of the Seasiders. Bloxham remained a threat on the break, and saw his quick feet in the box almost lead to a fourth goal.

Beyond a strong late save from Peacock-Farrell, there wasn’t too much to trouble Evatt’s side as they saw things out pretty comfortably, with the result keeping them four points clear of the League One relegation zone.

Blackpool FC: Bailey Peacock-Farrell, Reuell Walters, Fraser Horsfall, Olly Casey, James Husband, CJ Hamilton, Jordan Brown, Karoy Anderson, George Honeyman (37’), Dale Taylor (61’), Tom Bloxham.

Substitutes: Franco Ravizzoli, Leighton Clarkson (37’), Niall Ennis, Ashley Fletcher, Hayden Coulson (61’), Joel Randall, Zac Ashworth.

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