Steve McMahon's side got off to the perfect start when John Murphy put them into the lead inside two minutes.

Southend were restricted to long-range efforts on goal as Blackpool dominated possession for long periods. And the Seasiders gained their reward when defender Danny Coid buried Mike Sheron's cross on 55 minutes. Murphy took advantage of a fortunate deflection from Tony Dinning's shot to control the ball on his chest and sweep the ball past Darryl Flahavan in the Southend goal.

Southend seemed shell-shocked by the nightmare start to the first-ever final in their 98-year history and allowed their opponents to pass the ball at will around the penalty box. But Blackpool could have paid the price for some poor finishing and over-elaboration in their build-up play as a host of chances to extend their lead were wasted. Flahavan had to be alert to keep out Coid after the outstanding Martin Bullock played him through.

On 25 minutes, Bullock crossed for Murphy but the striker decided to set up Mike Sheron and the chance was wasted.

Southend went close through the free-kick of Mark Gower, but were always being stretched by the impressive Bullock and Sheron.

In the second half defender Coid made an amends for an earlier miss with a clinical finish after Sheron had crossed to the far post. Southend continued pressing for the goal that would give them hope but efforts from Leon Constantine and Kevin Maher were well saved by Blackpool keeper Lee Jones.

Blackpool: Jones, Grayson, Flynn, Elliott, Coid, Bullock (Richardson 90), Wellens (McMahon 90), Dinning, Jaszczun, Sheron (Blinkhorn 74), Murphy.
Subs Not Used: Barnes, Davis.

Booked: Jaszczun.

Southend: Flahavan, Jupp, Cort, Warren, Wilson (Bramble 63), Hunt, Gower (Jenkins 85), Maher, Pettefer, Constantine, Broughton.
Subs Not Used: Emberson, McSweeney, Stuart.

Booked: Maher.

Attendance: 34,031

Referee: R Pearson (Co Durham).