Blackpool ease to victory at Southend

Posted Sunday, August 11, 2019 by PA

Simon Grayson maintained a perfect start on his return to Blackpool as three first-half goals saw the Seasiders cruise to a comfortable 3-1 win at Southend.

The visitors scored a trio of strikes inside the opening 37 minutes and were able to secure all three points, despite having James Husband sent off on the hour mark.

Blackpool, who beat Bristol Rovers last weekend, went in front after just nine minutes when Shrimpers goalkeeper Mark Oxley’s attempted punched clearance struck team-mate Harry Lennon and deflected into the back of the net.

Three minutes later, Blackpool doubled their lead when Nathan Delfouneso raced onto Sullay Kaikai’s through ball before beating the advancing Oxley with a neat finish.

Oxley then did well to deny Armand Gnanduillet from close range before the Seasiders made it 3-0 in the 37th minute with Delfouneso netting again from close range after Jordan Thompson’s corner.

After the break, Kaikai saw his deflected 20-yard shot tipped onto the right post by Oxley before the visitors were reduced to 10 men on the hour mark with Husband dismissed for a poor challenge on Elvis Bwomono.

Southend netted a 75th-minute consolation as Simon Cox headed home.