Report: Blackpool 4-1 Reading

Blackpool comfortably dispatched Reading at Bloomfield Road in Sky Bet League One.

A Jordan Rhodes hat-trick and a first league goal for Kylian Kouassi sealed the three points before a Sam Hutchinson consolation for the Royals.

The visitors were lively in the opening stages but couldn't breakthrough the Seasiders defence until Dom Ballard stretched the backline, however Dan Grimshaw scooped up before he could get a shot away. Blackpool ventured forward themselves soon afterwards with Kenny Dougall's strike from the edge of the area narrowly deflecting behind for a corner which was eventually cleared.

In the 18th minute, Kylian Kouassi fed through CJ Hamilton who broke into the area and was brought down by the Reading defender to earn a penalty which Jordan Rhodes duly dispatched to open the scoring for the Seasiders. That goal saw Blackpool take control of proceedings and, at the second attempt, Owen Dale's delivery caused all manner of problems with Kylian Kouassi heading home at the back post in the 27th minute to double the Seasiders' lead.

Every opening for Blackpool looked primed for another goal and Jordan Rhodes' collected the ball in the area and calmly slotted home into the far corner to put the Seasiders 3-0 ahead after just 30 minutes. Reading had a rare opportunity minutes later as Femi Azeez looked to get the run on James Husband but the Blackpool defender timed his tackle to perfection to avert the danger.

The Seasiders continued to threaten to put further light between themselves and Reading and Matty Virtue looked to make it four as his volleyed effort dragged wide of the target as Blackpool took a commanding lead into half time.

HT: Blackpool 3-0 Reading

Kenny Dougall was replaced by Jensen Weir at half time as Reading searched for an early goal back to gain a foothold in the game - Dom Ballard's spinning effort easily held by Dan Grimshaw. But that search for a lifeline was soon put to bed as Jordan Rhodes scored his hat trick with a smart finish into the bottom corner after outmuscling his marker to make it 4-0.

Sonny Carey replaced Matty Virtue as Shayne Lavery made his return from injury in place of goalscorer Kylian Kouassi on the hour mark. As the Seasiders continued to control proceedings, Owen Dale was replaced by Callum Connolly with 20 minutes remaining. 

Rhodes remained hungry for more and found a half yard to fire at goal once more, seeing his effort blocked behind for a corner. Shayne Lavery was next up to test the Royals defence with his placed effort heading narrowly wide of the far post. Sam Hutchinson dispatched a rare Reading chance in the 78th minute to give the visitors a consolation effort. 

Jordan Rhodes earned a well deserved Bloomfield Road standing ovation as he was replaced by Karamoko Dembele as the game came to a close on a successful afternoon for the Seasiders.

FT: Blackpool 4-1 Reading