Cardiff City Hammer Sorry Blackpool

Cardiff City secured an invaluable and resounding victory over a Blackpool side we outplayed throughout. The final score was 3-0 to the Bluebirds, but while 'Pool created a couple of half chances - David Marshall was never troubled, while Matthew Gilks could have conceded five on another day.

Matthew Connelly showed good composure to side-foot home the first, before a spectacular Peter Whittingham free-kick from the right wing made it two nil. Connelly grabbed a brace courtesy of a headed third - converting another wicked Whittingham corner.The two Craig's (Bellamy and Noone) were bright and positive throughout, while Joe Mason also looked dangerous after replacing Tommy Smith.

Undoubtedly though the star man was Whittingham, whose passing was simply sublime. Whitts ran the show and was deserved man-of-the-match.

Blackpool's best chance fell to veteran Kevin Phillips at the back post, but his first time effort flew wide with a difficult angle. Matt Phillips still looks a good player, but we forced him back well and his only times in possession he was unable to create and real danger.

An excellent result for Cardiff City against a team sure to challenge this season. As welcome as anything else on the day was the crucial clean sheet and the back four played very well, led by the dominant Mark Hudson and double goalscorer Connelly.

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