Blackpool FC 2007: Two wins which launched a 'Perfect 10'

Their presence in the Championship followed promotion three years previously in what has gone down in Seasiders’ folklore as the ‘Perfect 10’ campaign – when a run of 10 successive victories was crowned by play-off glory. This week we look back at that rampaging run in 2006/07.

Anyone who thought the Blackpool bubble had burst when a 1-0 defeat at Rotherham in late March 2007 halted a six-match unbeaten run in League One would soon be left eating their words.

For the Seasiders then embarked on a truly remarkable run which propelled them to Wembley and back into the English game’s second tier for the first time in three decades.

It started on March 31 with a 2-1 home win over Crewe Alexandra which was more convincing than the scoreline may suggest.

Pool looked comfortable after taking the lead through Wes Hoolahan in the 15th minute.

David Fox’s shot was blocked but the ball rebounded to the Irishman, who volleyed home in spectacular style from just outside the box.

The lead was doubled five minutes into the second half, when a free-kick by Robbie Williams beat namesake Ben Williams, the Alex keeper, as the ball curled just inside the post.

The hosts had chances to make victory even more emphatic, though it wasn’t until the last minute of normal time that debutant Shaun Miller headed the consolation goal.

Back at Bloomfield Road a week later, the 3-2 win over Tranmere was not quite so assured, even though referee Mark Clattenburg sent two Rovers players off in the second half.

Keigan Parker had opened the scoring for Blackpool on nine minutes only for Calvin Zola to equalise just before the half-hour.

The visitors were on terms barely seven minutes before Hoolahan scored for the second match running.

Those slow to take their seats for the second half would have missed Zola’s second equaliser but Tranmere soon dashed their own hopes by losing two players to red cards in as many minutes.

John Mullin’s challenge on Claus Jorgensen had Clattenburg reaching into his pocket, then seconds later Jason McAteer also saw red after clashing with Pool boss Simon Grayson.

It was then a question of the hosts remaining patient for their winner, which arrived when Andy Morrell converted Ian Evatt’s cross.

Blackpool team v Crewe: Rachubka, Barker, Jackson, Evatt, Williams, Brandon (Gillett 82), Jorgensen, Fox (Southern 82), Hoolahan, Parker, Morrell (Vernon 86).

Blackpool v Tranmere: Edge, Barker, Jackson (Forbes 59), Evatt, Williams, Brandon (Vernon 83), Fox (Southern 46), Jorgensen, Hoolahan, Morrell, Parker.