The game saw Blackpool move out the bottom four as Billy Ayre's men aimed to avoid relegation. The win took them out the bottom four for the first time in four months. The game was watched by the biggest crowd at Bloomfield Road since Boxing Day 1985. 9,386 were in attendance and certainly gave Blackpool a lift.

The crowd would later be praised by the Police despite the arrest of 13 West Brom supporters-11 outside the ground. Ian Bell told The Gazette "Considering the size of the crowd.... It has been a queit game"

Not so for Alan Cairni at 'The Birches' holiday apartments in South Shore. He had his entrance door smashed by the so called "Soccer Thugs" just after 2am.

The trouble was just a sideshow for the football though. Blackpool rocked! There first goal came after eight minutes. Present Physio "OOOOHHH" Phil Horner side-footed home a David Eyres ball, which he cooly placed into the box after David Bamber headed the ball down to him. The goal certainly lifted the Seasiders.

Although West Brom could have been back in it soon after. David Speedie crossed tha ball in from the left hand side. Bob Taylor beat the Seasiders 'keeper with a terrific header. However it failed to find the back of the net - instead it fired back off the post.

Although Taylor soon made amends for his mistake, he smashed home a header after team mate Hammilton crossed the ball to him.

Blackpool boasted new signing Andy Watson in there team and he started well although Blackpool were playing on the defensive at the time. Bamber cleared a West Brom shot away from goal before Ian Gore made an excellent tackle to win back the ball and thwart a West Brom goal attempt.

Gore was once again called into action, this time stopping Kevin  Donovan, as West Brom looked almoast certain to take the lead. The turn of the hour saw a change in the game. Blackpool won a free kick although it was indirect. Eyres cleverly touched it to the left and Horner let off a rocket. But it was blocked on the line.

However a goal soon came for the Seasiders. Eyres whipped in a corner and it was half cleared. Spooner tried to get the ball back in the box and sliced it. But the ball fell inch perfect for Phil Horner who "lashed a stinging volley" into the back of the net.

West Brom had two chances to equalise towards the end of the game but failed to come good with either. A huge relief for the Seasiders who where on there way to avoinding relegation. Below is a series of newspaper clippings from the game.

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