Match Analysis: Blackpool 0-2 Queens Park Rangers

Queens Park Rangers moved top of the Championship thanks to victory over Blackpool this afternoon, with former Tangerine Matt Phillips scoring one and setting up the other for Charlie Austin.

Blackpool have now lost three games on the bounce but will feel that they should have been ahead after creating a number of chances in the first half.

They were made to pay as first Phillips opened the scoring with a deflected shot before he crossed for Austin to head home.

Here, Sports Mole takes a closer look at another win and a 13th clean sheet of the season for QPR.

Match statistics:

Blackpool: Shots 13 On target 4 Possession 42% Corners 3 Fouls 6

QPR: Shots 11 On target 6 Possession 58% Corners 3 Fouls 12

Was the result fair?

In the end, yes. Blackpool probably should have been in front at the break but they were poor in the second half. QPR are a side loaded with talent and in the end they overran Blackpool.

Blackpool's performance

After having five players sent off in their last two games, manager Paul Ince had a depleted squad to choose from but would have been delighted at the number of chances that his side created against QPR's stubborn defence in the first half. However, none of them were taken and Rangers made them pay. Phillips's goal was a poor one to concede as Matt Gilks cleared weakly and then failed to get a strong enough hand on his effort even though the deflection was minimal. The Seasiders' star man Thomas Ince was kept very quiet and only had one decent shot that was saved.

QPR's performance

Harry Redknapp's side have ground out so many tight wins-to-nil this season and today was another as they survived Blackpool's early pressure before proving their worth in the second half. Phillips might have felt a little nervous returning to Bloomfield Road for the first time since his summer departure but he was the star, regularly terrorising his former teammates with many runs and shots.

Sports Mole's man of the match

Matt Phillips: He got a little lucky with the goal but still wheeled away in delight, clearly not feeling bad about scoring against his former club. His cross for the second goal was a gem as he managed to pick out Austin perfectly from the right touchline. After a chunk at the start of the season through injury, Phillips is now a regular starter and offers some much-needed pace and flair in Redknapp's rigid lineup.

Biggest gaffe

There was a horrible moment from both sides in the 51st minute as first Jermaine Jenas sold Richard Dunne short and allowed Dan Gosling in. The Blackpool man had Ince completely free to his right in the area but somehow overhit the pass and then headed over after his teammate had kept the ball in.

Referee performance

Stuart Attwell had a decent game with the whistle, confidently waving away a few suspicious penalty appeals. He should have booked Kirk Broadfoot for his blatant dive in the opposition's box but decided against it.

What next?

Blackpool: The tough games keep on coming for the Tangerines as they next travel to high-flying Burnley in a week.

QPR: Rangers have a massive match next week as they host Leicester City, who are just two points behind them at the summit.