Blackpool 3 - 1 Cardiff City. Match Report

Last Updated : 08-Nov-2025 by BBC Sport

Ashley Fletcher scored twice as Blackpool maintained their 100% start under Ian Evatt as they beat promotion chasing Cardiff City 3-1 in League One.

Fletcher scored twice in the second half to make it three goals in two for Blackpool, who appointed Evatt as head coach last month.

Goalkeeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell made several crucial saves to deny Cardiff, including efforts from Rubin and Joel Colwill.

Tom Bloxham, who had come close to breaking the deadlock in the first half, added Blackpool's third goal late on.

Yusuf Salech scored a consolation for Cardiff in stoppage time, who drop one place to fourth and two points behind leaders Stockport County.

Blackpool, looking to build on the away win at Peterborough in their last league game, started full of energy and they should have gone ahead after three minutes.

CJ Hamilton capitalised on poor defensive play by Cardiff and the wing-back found himself in plenty of space in the six-yard box only to fire into the side netting.

Calum Chambers' poor back header caused further panic in the Cardiff defence before they managed to scramble the ball away.

But Cardiff came through a difficult early spell and grew into what was becoming an end-to-end game and keeper Peacock-Farrell made two crucial saves to deny the Colwill brothers.

Peacock-Farrell also denied Omari Kellyman and Ronan Kpakio in quick succession while at the other end Bloxham's half volley struck the post.

Cardiff made a good start to the second half with Joel Colwill having his sights on goal only for his shot to strike brother Rubin.

But Blackpool's response was immediate and a long ball found Fletcher, who advanced into the area and was given too much space before he unleashed a left footed strike found the top corner.

Peacock-Farrell made another crucial save to turn Alex Robertson's shot around the post before Blackpool extended their lead.

Substitute Emil Hansson threaded a lovely ball to Fletcher, who lifted the ball over the advancing Nathan Trott for his and Blackpool's second of the afternoon.

The hosts sealed victory with nine minutes when Callum Robinson was dispossessed and from the counter attack Bloxham rounded Trott to score.

Salech pulled a goal back for Cardiff in stoppage time when he netted from close range after Cian Ashford's effort had been spilled.

Cardiff City: Trott, Kpakio, Lawlor, Chambers, Bagan, Robertson (Robinson 67'), J. Colwill (Turnbull 77'), R. Colwill, Kellyman (Davies 77'), Ashford, Salech. Subs: Turner, Fish, Osho, Wintle, Turnbull, Davies.