Opinion: Is QPR dismantling the moment that will turn around Blackpool’s fortunes?

Blackpool had only scored three times in their last seven games heading into this must-win encounter, so if anyone says they saw this dismantling happening, they’re lying.

Remarkably, Mick McCarthy’s side took just 15 minutes to match that total in a crazy and blistering start to the game.

What was most pleasing, aside from the emphatic nature of the scoreline, was the intent the Seasiders showed right from the off.

Inside 40 seconds CJ Hamilton was played in behind down the left and his cutback caused havoc inside the box. Morgan Rogers was denied from close range before Andy Lyons’ follow-up struck the arm of a QPR defender. Penalty.

This is where Jerry Yates showed his true character. Without a goal in his last 19 league games, and with Saturday’s glaring miss at Bristol City still imprinted on his mind, Yates could easily have passed the ball over to one of his teammates, but there was absolutely no chance that was going to happen.

Yates immediately snatched the ball before dispatching his spot kick with aplomb, sending it hurtling into the top corner like an arrow.

Pool, with the backing of a raucous atmosphere burning their ears, smelled blood. One instantly became two and two became three as Andy Lyons and Curtis Nelson got in on the act.

McCarthy’s side were certainly helped by some kamikaze QPR defending and goalkeeping, but you’ve still got to take advantage and they did exactly that. Clinically, too.

A perfect night

It just felt like one of those nights where everything went Blackpool’s way. Even the referee was being kind to the hosts and it’s not often we’ve been able to say that this season, is it?

The Seasiders could easily have sat back and preserved their lead but they had no intention of doing that.