Bobby Thomson’s early goal secured Blackpool’s first win in nine games as the Seasiders scraped past Fulham at Bloomfield Road.
The Scottish midfielder struck within 90 seconds as the home side caught Fulham completely by surprise at the start of the contest where the Cottagers were distinctly second best. Blackpool’s dream start came when Craig Madden flicked on Mark Taylor’s cross and Thomson was on hand to head past a helpless John Vaughan.
Fulham looked shell shocked by their disastrous start and the hosts might easily have scored a hatful. Andy McAteer played in Madden but the striker’s left footed effort was blocked by Vaughan before Thomson failed to force home on the follow-up. Taylor squandered a great chance after 20 minutes when he failed to control a pass from Mike Davies with only the Fulham goalkeeper to beat.
Madden then somehow contrived to head John Deary’s inswinging corner four minutes later when he found himself unmarked just four yards out. The home side were so in control for the remainder of the contest that home goalkeeper Barry Siddall was only called upon to save a single shot – when Cliff Carr’s speculative effort threatened an undeserved equaliser with three minutes left on the clock.
The only sore note on a night when Blackpool recorded their first clean sheet in seventeen matches saw Craig Madden need stitches in a thigh injury after challenging Carr for possession.
BLACKPOOL: Siddall; Butler, McAteer, Walsh, Methven, Jones, Davies, Deary, Thomson, Taylor, Madden.
GOAL: Thomson (2).
FULHAM: Vaughan; Oakes, Hicks, Hopkins, Carr, Elkins (Donnellan 69), Parker, Lewington, Barnett, Coney, Pike.
ATTENDANCE: 1,901.
