Dann handed Birmingham their first away win of the season
By Sam Sheringham
Scott Dann's late winner lifted Birmingham City out of the Premier League relegation zone after a pulsating encounter with Blackpool.
Dann latched on to a header from his central defensive partner Roger Johnson before slotting past Richard Kingson.
The visitors had taken a first-half lead when Stephen Crainey's error gifted a goal to Alexander Hleb.
A DJ Campbell volley looked to have salvaged a point for the hosts before Dann's 89th-minute winner.
The goal handed Birmingham their first away league win of the season and catapulted them four places up the table to 15th.
But it was cruel on Blackpool, who had more than played their part in a riveting match in which both sides created countless chances, with the visitors striking the woodwork twice and the hosts once.
Birmingham manager Alex McLeish handed Hleb his first start since 27 November following a hamstring injury and the former Arsenal and Barcelona player served notice of his talent for unlocking defences within the first two minutes.
His delightful ball inside the full-back teed up Liam Ridgewell for a low cross from the byeline, which Matt Derbyshire could only poke wide from inside the six-yard box.
Derbyshire turned provider moments later, breaking free inside the box and squaring to his strike partner Cameron Jerome, who miskicked horribly with the goal at his mercy.
Blackpool, playing at home for the first time in six weeks due to postponements, should have taken the lead when 19-year-old winger Matt Phillips met a pinpoint cross from Charlie Adam at the far post, but his low volley was saved by Ben Foster with his legs.
The game's opening goal, on 24 minutes, came gift-wrapped from Crainey. The left-back, under no pressure, passed the ball across his own goal and straight into the path of Hleb, who advanced into the area and slotted the ball home via the legs of Kingson.
Blackpool were almost level in the blink of an eye as Phillips sprung Birmingham's offside trap to meet Adam's whipped free-kick but he could only glance his header wastefully wide.
At the other end, Hleb released Jerome, who recovered from an initial stumble to fire a shot, which was well parried by Kingson at his near post.
McLeish delighted with 'big' victory
Blackpool, no doubt energised by an ear-bashing from boss Ian Holloway, made a bright start to the second period, with Luke Varney soon firing over the bar from a promising position on the edge of the area.
Then the outstanding Adam unleashed a curling left-footed effort, which Foster palmed away at full stretch. Shortly afterwards, Adam slotted a pass into the path of Campbell, but the striker's shot was comfortable for Foster.
McLeish brought Sebastian Larsson into the fray and the Swede was soon into the thick of things.
His pass sent Jerome through on goal for a shot which he lifted over Kingson but on to a post. And seconds later Larsson curled a free-kick which smashed into the face of the same upright.
Birmingham paid a heavy price for their profligacy as Blackpool equalised from their next attack.
Holloway apologises for ref rant
Neal Eardley's cross was headed back by Gary Taylor-Fletcher to Campbell, whose smashed home a low volley from the penalty-spot.
Another surging run from Adam almost put the hosts ahead, but the Scot was denied as his low drive ricocheted off the far post.
With both sides still committed to attack, the game could have gone either way, but it was Birmingham who eventually snatched what could prove to be a vital win in their fight for survival.
Substitute Jean Beausejour's deep cross found Johnson at the far post and his nod-down was gleefully prodded home by Dann.
It was Birmingham's first win at Blackpool since 1960 - a run of 11 games.
90:00+3:25 The referee signals the end of the game.
90:00+1:21 Sebastian Larsson sends in a cross.
90:00+0:46 Jean Beausejour delivers the ball.
89:43 Centre by Neal Eardley.
88:21 The assist for the goal came from Roger Johnson.
88:21 GOAL - Scott Dann:Blackpool 1 - 2 Birmingham Scott Dann grabs a goal from inside the area to the bottom left corner of the goal. Blackpool 1-2 Birmingham.
87:34 Ian Evatt gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Cameron Jerome. Sebastian Larsson crosses the ball in from the free kick, save made by Richard Kingson.
87:16 The ball is swung over by Jean Beausejour, clearance by Stephen Crainey.
86:01 Dudley Campbell gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Liam Ridgewell. Sebastian Larsson restarts play with the free kick.
83:58 The ball is sent over by Barry Ferguson.
83:45 The offside flag is raised against Kevin Phillips. Neal Eardley restarts play with the free kick.
82:15 Centre by Stephen Crainey, Roger Johnson manages to make a clearance.
81:27 Substitution Alexander Hleb leaves the field to be replaced by Kevin Phillips.
80:13 Substitution Keith Southern joins the action as a substitute, replacing Luke Varney.
80:08 The ball is sent over by Luke Varney.
79:08 Luke Varney crosses the ball, Craig Gardner makes a clearance.
78:23 Craig Gardner takes a shot. Save by Richard Kingson.
78:19 A cross is delivered by Jean Beausejour.
77:47 Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Craig Cathcart by Alexander Hleb. Direct free kick taken by Craig Cathcart.
77:20 Effort from just inside the area by Charlie Adam hits the post.
76:53 Neal Eardley produces a cross, Scott Dann manages to make a clearance.
76:24 The ball is swung over by Stephen Crainey, Jean Beausejour makes a clearance.
75:29 Substitution Jean Beausejour on for Matt Derbyshire.
75:14 Jason Euell produces a right-footed shot from just outside the box that misses to the right of the target.
74:58 Brett Ormerod takes a shot. Save by Ben Foster.
74:49 The ball is delivered by Charlie Adam, clearance made by Liam Ridgewell.
74:14 Ian Evatt concedes a free kick for a foul on Liam Ridgewell. Ben Foster restarts play with the free kick.
73:37 Outswinging corner taken from the left by-line by Charlie Adam.
72:18 Luke Varney takes a shot. Sebastian Larsson crosses the ball, save made by Richard Kingson. Blocked by Craig Gardner.
71:44 Luke Varney crosses the ball, Jason Euell takes a shot. Save by Ben Foster.
71:17 Liam Ridgewell delivers the ball, Craig Cathcart makes a clearance.
69:50 Matt Derbyshire is caught offside. Richard Kingson takes the direct free kick.
69:50 Substitution Gary Taylor-Fletcher goes off and Jason Euell comes on.
69:50 Substitution Brett Ormerod joins the action as a substitute, replacing Matt Phillips.
69:04 Centre by Neal Eardley.
68:56 Stephen Crainey produces a cross, Liam Ridgewell manages to make a clearance.
68:49 The ball is swung over by Stephen Crainey, Craig Gardner makes a clearance.
67:03 The assist for the goal came from Gary Taylor-Fletcher.
67:03 GOAL - Dudley Campbell:Blackpool 1 - 1 Birmingham Dudley Campbell grabs a goal from inside the penalty box to the bottom right corner of the goal. Blackpool 1-1 Birmingham.
65:24 Foul by Ian Evatt on Craig Gardner, free kick awarded. Direct effort from the free kick comes in from Sebastian Larsson, Richard Kingson makes a save.
64:30 Cameron Jerome has an effort at goal from deep inside the penalty area that bounces off the post.
64:12 The ball is delivered by Neal Eardley, Ben Foster makes a fantastic save.
64:06 The ball is delivered by Stephen Crainey, Liam Ridgewell manages to make a clearance.
63:39 Matt Phillips crosses the ball, clearance made by Craig Gardner.
63:29 Matt Phillips produces a cross, clearance made by Roger Johnson.
63:05 Outswinging corner taken from the right by-line by Sebastian Larsson, Charlie Adam makes a clearance.
62:41 Craig Gardner takes a shot. Craig Cathcart gets a block in.
62:00 The referee penalises Ian Evatt for handball. Ben Foster takes the free kick.
61:35 Neal Eardley sends in a cross, Stephen Carr makes a clearance.
60:19 Free kick awarded for a foul by David Vaughan on Alexander Hleb. The free kick is delivered right-footed by Sebastian Larsson from left channel.
59:16 Dudley Campbell takes a shot. Save made by Ben Foster.
58:35 The ball is swung over by David Vaughan, clearance made by Scott Dann.
58:01 Matt Derbyshire sends in a cross, clearance made by Stephen Crainey.
56:52 Substitution Keith Fahey leaves the field to be replaced by Sebastian Larsson.
56:14 Craig Gardner takes the outswinging corner, clearance made by Charlie Adam.
55:41 Booking Ben Foster receives a caution.
54:51 Shot by Matt Phillips from 18 yards. Scott Dann gets a block in.
54:47 Luke Varney sends in a cross.
54:33 The referee blows for offside. Richard Kingson takes the indirect free kick.
Correction - 53:37 Craig Gardner takes a shot. Blocked by Ian Evatt.
53:37 Craig Gardner takes a shot. Ian Evatt gets a block in.
53:31 The ball is crossed by Matt Phillips.
53:07 Matt Phillips takes a shot. Liam Ridgewell gets a block in.
52:09 Luke Varney produces a left-footed shot from deep inside the six-yard box which goes wide of the right-hand upright.
51:50 Charlie Adam takes a shot. Save by Ben Foster.
49:10 Keith Fahey concedes a free kick for a foul on David Vaughan. Craig Cathcart restarts play with the free kick.
48:54 Luke Varney has an effort at goal from just outside the box which goes wide of the left-hand post.
47:50 Barry Ferguson challenges Gary Taylor-Fletcher unfairly and gives away a free kick. Ian Evatt takes the direct free kick.
47:09 Luke Varney produces a cross.
46:00 Matt Phillips challenges Keith Fahey unfairly and gives away a free kick. Free kick taken by Ben Foster.
45:01 The second half begins.
Half Time
45:00+1:12 The referee calls an end to the first half.
44:44 Barry Ferguson challenges Dudley Campbell unfairly and gives away a free kick. Charlie Adam takes the free kick.
44:10 Keith Fahey takes the outswinging corner, clearance by David Vaughan.
43:54 Cameron Jerome takes a shot. Save made by Richard Kingson.
43:40 Luke Varney crosses the ball.
41:04 Outswinging corner taken right-footed by Keith Fahey from the right by-line to the near post, Luke Varney makes a clearance.
40:17 Stephen Crainey delivers the ball, Header from deep inside the penalty area by Matt Phillips goes harmlessly over the crossbar.
39:29 The ball is delivered by Neal Eardley, clearance made by Barry Ferguson.
39:22 A cross is delivered by Stephen Crainey, Liam Ridgewell manages to make a clearance.
38:15 Shot from just outside the box by Craig Gardner goes over the crossbar.
37:47 Outswinging corner taken from the right by-line by Keith Fahey.
35:19 Gary Taylor-Fletcher takes a shot. Ben Foster makes a save.
35:14 Centre by Neal Eardley, clearance by Scott Dann.
34:02 The ball is swung over by Matt Phillips.
32:53 The ball is delivered by David Vaughan, Gary Taylor-Fletcher gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Roger Johnson. Ben Foster restarts play with the free kick.
32:15 A cross is delivered by Neal Eardley, Ben Foster makes a save.
32:07 The ball is swung over by Matt Phillips, blocked by Liam Ridgewell.
31:03 Handball decision goes against Matt Derbyshire. Craig Cathcart takes the free kick.
28:39 Neal Eardley takes a shot. Save by Ben Foster.
Correction - 28:03 Centre by Luke Varney.
28:03 Charlie Adam sends in a cross.
27:51 Outswinging corner taken from the right by-line by Luke Varney.
25:54 Handball decision goes against Matt Derbyshire. Ian Evatt takes the free kick.
25:11 Charlie Adam fouled by Matt Derbyshire, the ref awards a free kick. Charlie Adam delivers the ball from the free kick left-footed from left wing.
24:43 Cameron Jerome takes a shot. Save by Richard Kingson.
23:25 GOAL - Alexander Hleb:Blackpool 0 - 1 Birmingham Alexander Hleb finds the net with a goal from close range low into the middle of the goal. Blackpool 0-1 Birmingham.
22:58 Luke Varney is caught offside. Free kick taken by Ben Foster.
22:54 Charlie Adam crosses the ball.
22:14 Charlie Adam delivers the ball, clearance made by Scott Dann.
21:33 A cross is delivered by Neal Eardley.
20:39 Luke Varney challenges Roger Johnson unfairly and gives away a free kick. Free kick taken by Scott Dann.
20:11 Centre by Matt Derbyshire.
18:28 A cross is delivered by Stephen Carr.
Correction - 17:33 Charlie Adam takes a shot. Ben Foster makes a save.
17:33 Charlie Adam takes a shot. Save by Ben Foster.
16:25 Alexander Hleb produces a left-footed shot from just outside the penalty box that goes wide left of the target.
16:20 A cross is delivered by Keith Fahey.
15:55 Corner from left by-line taken by Keith Fahey.
15:19 Corner taken by Keith Fahey from the left by-line played to the near post, Craig Cathcart makes a clearance.
15:04 The ball is swung over by Matt Phillips, Scott Dann makes a clearance.
14:46 The ball is sent over by Matt Phillips, Roger Johnson manages to make a clearance.
13:59 Dudley Campbell challenges Scott Dann unfairly and gives away a free kick. Ben Foster takes the direct free kick.
13:32 Outswinging corner taken by Charlie Adam from the left by-line.
13:02 The ball is swung over by Charlie Adam, Matt Phillips takes a shot. Ben Foster makes a save.
12:29 Handball by Dudley Campbell. Ben Foster restarts play with the free kick.
11:56 The assistant referee flags for offside against Matt Derbyshire. Richard Kingson takes the free kick.
10:51 Matt Phillips takes a shot. Ben Foster makes a save.
8:56 Neal Eardley takes a shot from just outside the penalty area which clears the crossbar.
7:12 Matt Derbyshire challenges David Vaughan unfairly and gives away a free kick. Craig Cathcart restarts play with the free kick.
6:03 The ball is swung over by Alexander Hleb, Ian Evatt manages to make a clearance.
5:54 The ball is crossed by Matt Derbyshire.
5:11 A cross is delivered by David Vaughan.
4:34 Matt Derbyshire is ruled offside. Richard Kingson restarts play with the free kick.
4:28 A cross is delivered by Cameron Jerome.
1:13 The ball is delivered by Liam Ridgewell, Matt Derbyshire produces a right-footed shot from close in which goes wide of the right-hand upright.
0:00 The referee gets the game underway.
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