Blackpool take play-off advantage

(GSM) – Blackpool drew first blood in their Championship promotion play-off with Nottingham Forest on Saturday with a 2-1, first-leg win at Bloomfield Road.

Forest, out of the Premiership since 1999, took the lead in the 13th minute when Chris Cohen hit a superb effort beyond Blackpool goalkeeper Matt Gilks off the side of his foot.

The Seasiders, recovered, though, and equalized in the 26th minute as Ian Cross’ centering pass was guided into the Forest goal by Keith Southern.

With the tension building, the game came to a head on 55 minutes when Forest’s James Perch felled DJ Campbell in the area.

Ex-Rangers striker Charlie Adam stepped up to score the penalty that sent Blackpool to victory.

Blackpool, which have not played in the English top flight since 1971, will have to fend off Forest in the second leg on Tuesday at the City Ground.