The Blackpool 'Perfect Ten' of 2007: Cheltenham and the champions are beaten as Pool power on

After wins over Crewe Alexandra, Tranmere Rovers, Huddersfield Town and Northampton Town, Pool’s place in the play-offs was secured with a 2-1 win at Cheltenham on Saturday, April 21.

Midfielder Keith Southern struck the winner five minutes from time with a rasping 25-yard shot.

Free-kick specialist Robbie Williams, on loan from Barnsley, had opened the scoring with another set-piece spectacular six minutes before half-time.

But Williams’ day was marred on 51 minutes, when his foul on Steve Gillespie was punished with the penalty from which Robins captain John Finnigan equalised.

Wes Hoolahan was denied by a superb save from Scott Brown but the home keeper was powerless to prevent Southern making it 15 points out of 15 for Pool.

That became 18 out of 18 seven days later but both teams were celebrating at full-time at Bloomfield Road, where visitors Scunthorpe United were confirmed as champions despite their 3-1 defeat.

Hoolahan’s back-heel sent Claus Jorgensen clear to open the scoring after just eight minutes, a lead doubled by Keigan Parker from a tight angle after 26.

But any thoughts of an easy afternoon for the hosts were soon dashed as Blackpool had Chris Brandon sent off for a reckless chllenge on Jermaine Beckford, then saw Billy Sharp pull a goal back four minutes before half-time.

But Shaun Barker eased the nerves for the 10 men on 56 minutes, heading the only goal of the second half.

The Blackpool starting 11 for both matches was: Hart, Barker, Jackson, Evatt, Williams, Brandon, Southern, Jorgensen, Hoolahan, Morrell and Parker.

The rest of Blackpool's 'Perfect 10 of 2007 we have already covered recently on this website, starting with the 6-3 win at Swansea. followed by the play-off semi-finals against Oldham. and of course the Wembley triumph over Yeovil.