7 Steffen: Relatively quiet in the first half other than set-pieces, made a couple of decent saves after the break.

7 Smith: So reliable and consistent. Another rock solid showing – and almost scored a beauty of a goal early in the second half.

8 McNair: Justified his selection with a focused defensive display. A couple of crucial blocks and a second half goal.

7 Lenihan: Key to another home clean sheet.

7 Giles: Solid defensively and created the third goal with corner from the right.

7 Howson: Helped set the tempo and controlled the game throughout.

7 Hackney: Disciplined after an early booking and as neat and tidy as ever on the ball

8 Forss: Tireless on the right and caused Blackpool no end of problems with his movement. Excellent.

8 Akpom: Two more goals – his first sublime. So many classy touches, it’s clear to see how confident he is.

8 McGree: Brilliant through-ball for Akpom’s second. Blackpool couldn’t get a grip of his movement.

7 Archer: Helped to set the tone with his running early on. Already has good understanding with fellow forwards.

Substitutes:

7 Barlaser (for Hackney, 63): Tidy from the bench.

Jones (for Forss, 75) N/A

Mowatt (for Howson, 84): N/A

Bola (for Giles, 84): N/A

Substitutes not used: Roberts, Fry, Crooks,

BLACKPOOL: Maxwell 7, Connolly 5, Goode 5, Nelson 6, Lyons 6; Bowler 6 (Rogers, 70), Trybull 5 (Madine, 70), Patino 5 (Dougall, 59), Hamilton 6; Lavery 6 (Carey, 59), Yates 6 (Poveda, 81)

Man of the Match: Chuba Akpom. Two more goals, his first a measure of his confidence.