Tranmere 2 Blackpool 1

Last updated : 22 February 2003 By Footymad Previewer

Teenager Iain Hume was the Tranmere hero in a thriller at Prenton Park.

Hume scored a goal in each half and there was little doubt the Merseysiders deserved the victory on the day.

Blackpool managed only one shot on target in the opening half. They improved later but the better chances still fell to Tranmere.

Hume found the target in the 14th minute with a 20-yard shot which went in off a post. A goalline clearance by Colin Hendry then denied Shane Nicholson a second goal three minutes later.

As Blackpool rallied after half time Keith Southern brought a good save from keeper John Achterberg.

The Seasiders drew level in the 58th minute with Paul Evans finding the top corner with a superbly struck 25-yard free kick.

But in the 70th minute Hume skipped past two defenders before beating keeper Phil Barnes with an angled shot.

Simon Haworth wasted a good chance in the 83rd minute before Hume just missed out on his hat-trick with a shot that went just wide.

In a late flare-up Tranmere's Gary Jones and Blackpool substitute Richard Walker were cautioned.

Tranmere boss Ray Mathias was quick to praise Hume after the match saying: "He was a thorn in their side. He caused two experienced defenders, Colin Hendry and Mike Flynn, endless problems.

"My players have been absolutely superb today and I have got to be delighted with the performance." Blackpool's Steve McMahon was not so happy saying: "We were too complacent and made too many mistakes.

To be fair, Tranmere played well and tried harder than we did for most of the game. A point would have been good but it was not meant to be."