Jamie O'Hara free kick gives Blackpool vital win

A Jamie O'Hara free kick secured struggling Blackpool a vital 1-0 win against Brighton & Hove Albion in this afternoon's Championship clash at Bloomfield Road.

The visitors were first to threaten as a corner in the fourth minute had to be cleared away by Tony McMahon, before Sam Baldock saw an effort deflected away by Peter Clarke five minutes later.

After being under the cosh in the early stages, Blackpool then worked their way into the game and saw Andrea Orlandi slam a long-range effort wide in the 22nd minute.

Both sides went on to trade blows as the game went on as Elliott Parish pulled off a smart save from a Gordon Greer header, before Henry Cameron and Clarke came close for the Tangerines with dangerous efforts.

Just before the hour, Blackpool felt that they should have had a penalty when a Clarke strike appeared to hit a Brighton arm in the box, but nothing was given.

Nevertheless, the hosts took the lead in the 75th minute when former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder O'Hara curled a free kick into the top corner of the Brighton net.

Blackpool were able to see out the final stages of the game to clinch a vital three points in their fight against relegation.

Lee Clark's charges still have plenty of work to do as they remain rooted to the bottom of the Championship - nine points from the final safety position, occupied by Brighton.