Richardson coolly slots Sunderland ahead after 15 minutes
By Owen Phillips
Kieran Richardson's clinical first-half double strengthened Sunderland's claim for a European place as they held off a Blackpool comeback at Bloomfield Road.
Richardson slotted the Black Cats ahead after a slick counter-attack and incisive pass from Asamoah Gyan.
And he doubled the lead and his tally for the season with a first-time strike after great work by Steed Malbranque.
Charlie Adam's late penalty made it 2-1 after Nedum Onuoha was harshly deemed to have felled David Vaughan.
The Seasiders skipper's coolly slotted spot-kick gave Blackpool hope of salvaging a point from another pulsating tussle between the sides.
The goal was tough on Blackpool as they were down to 10 men with Neal Eardley off the pitch with blood pouring from a head wound after getting a kick in the face from Richardson.
But the visitors showed no mercy as Gyan released Richardson with a delightful through ball and the versatile former Manchester United man fired a measured shot across goal.
Sunderland then almost made it 2-0 when Jordan Henderson found Ahmed Elmohamady but the latter's right-wing cross just evaded Richardson.
The Seasiders responded and visiting keeper Craig Gordon was forced to make fine stops to deny both Luke Varney and the ever-inspirational and much-wanted Adam.
Varney should have scored after being sent through one-on-one by Adam and then Adam saw his 20-yard shot tipped over by the Scotland international keeper.
But Sunderland added to their lead 10 minutes before the break when Richardson raced forward, anticipated an inviting pass from Malbranque and fired a low first-time shot past Richard Kingson at the near post.
The classy Adam, who was demonstrating exactly why Liverpool are interested in luring him to Anfield, again went close for the hosts with a long-range strike - this time a curling free-kick that Gordon pushed away acrobatically.
Bruce praises players' response to adversity
Blackpool upped the tempo after the break and despite an injury to Kingson which forced boss Ian Holloway to bring on Paul Rachubka, they started to get on top.
Adam had yet another attempt saved by Gordon and substitute Marlon Harewood sent a low strike just wide.
Finally Adam did find the net from the spot after Vaughan was felled by Onuoha, but despite six minutes of injury-time, Sunderland held firm.
90:00+6:10 The final whistle is blown by the referee.
90:00+5:34 Cross by David Vaughan (Blackpool), resulting in open play. Goal kick taken long by Craig Gordon (Sunderland).
90:00+5:06 Foul by Jordan Henderson (Sunderland) on Matt Phillips (Blackpool). Free kick crossed left-footed by Charlie Adam (Blackpool) from left channel, resulting in open play. Cross by Charlie Adam (Blackpool), clearance by Anton Ferdinand (Sunderland).
90:00+4:54 Cross by Neal Eardley (Blackpool), clearance by Titus Bramble (Sunderland).
90:00+4:39 Cross by Craig Cathcart (Blackpool), clearance by Titus Bramble (Sunderland).
90:00+4:25 Cross by Neal Eardley (Blackpool), clearance by Boudewijn Zenden (Sunderland).
90:00+3:58 Goal kick taken long by Paul Rachubka (Blackpool).
90:00+3:54 Attacking throw-in by Ahmed Elmohamady (Sunderland).
90:00+3:01 Handball by Luke Varney (Blackpool). Free kick taken left-footed by Craig Gordon (Sunderland) from right side of penalty area, resulting in open play.
90:00+3:01 Booking Luke Varney (Blackpool) booked for unsporting behaviour.
90:00+1:59 Attacking throw-in by Kieran Richardson (Sunderland).
90:00+1:15 Defending throw-in by Jack Colback (Sunderland).
90:00+0:38 Foul by Asamoah Gyan (Sunderland) on Ian Evatt (Blackpool). Free kick taken right-footed by Paul Rachubka (Blackpool) from own half, passed.
89:55 Foul by Marlon Harewood (Blackpool) on Titus Bramble (Sunderland). Free kick taken right-footed by Titus Bramble (Sunderland) from own half, resulting in open play.
89:42 Cross by Ahmed Elmohamady (Sunderland), resulting in open play.
89:13 Shot by Ian Evatt (Blackpool) right-footed from left channel (25 yards), save (caught) by Craig Gordon (Sunderland).
88:56 Cross by Matt Phillips (Blackpool), clearance by Anton Ferdinand (Sunderland).
88:50 Attacking throw-in by Brett Ormerod (Blackpool).
88:33 Kieran Richardson (Sunderland) caught offside. Free kick taken right-footed by Paul Rachubka (Blackpool) from own half, passed.
87:57 Shot by Charlie Adam (Blackpool) left-footed from own half (35+ yards), comfortable save (caught) by Craig Gordon (Sunderland).
86:35 Cross by Craig Cathcart (Blackpool), clearance by Ahmed Elmohamady (Sunderland). Cross by Luke Varney (Blackpool), clearance by Titus Bramble (Sunderland). Inswinging corner from left by-line taken right-footed by Luke Varney (Blackpool) to centre, header by Marlon Harewood (Blackpool) from centre of penalty area (12 yards), missed right. Goal kick taken long by Craig Gordon (Sunderland).
85:04 Foul by Nedum Onuoha (Sunderland) on David Vaughan (Blackpool). Assist by David Vaughan (Blackpool) from centre of penalty area.
85:04 GOAL - Charlie Adam:Blackpool 1 - 2 Sunderland Penalty taken left-footed by Charlie Adam (Blackpool), scored.Blackpool 1-2 Sunderland.
84:07 Cross by Ian Evatt (Blackpool), clearance by Jack Colback (Sunderland).
84:02 Attacking throw-in by Neal Eardley (Blackpool).
83:38 Shot by Asamoah Gyan (Sunderland) left-footed from left channel (18 yards), save (caught) by Paul Rachubka (Blackpool).
82:59 Foul by Gary Taylor-Fletcher (Blackpool) on Boudewijn Zenden (Sunderland). Free kick taken left-footed by Craig Gordon (Sunderland) from own half, resulting in open play.
82:21 Asamoah Gyan (Sunderland) caught offside. Free kick taken right-footed by Paul Rachubka (Blackpool) from own half, passed.
81:57 Cross by Luke Varney (Blackpool), clearance by Cristian Riveros (Sunderland).
81:34 Defending throw-in by Matt Phillips (Blackpool).
80:57 Attacking throw-in by Neal Eardley (Blackpool).
80:40 Cross by Luke Varney (Blackpool), clearance by Anton Ferdinand (Sunderland).
77:28 Cross by Charlie Adam (Blackpool), resulting in open play.
76:48 Foul by Ahmed Elmohamady (Sunderland) on Neal Eardley (Blackpool). Free kick taken right-footed by Neal Eardley (Blackpool) from left wing, passed. Attacking throw-in by Neal Eardley (Blackpool).
75:43 Cross by Matt Phillips (Blackpool), blocked by Jack Colback (Sunderland). Pass corner from right by-line taken by Charlie Adam (Blackpool) to short, resulting in ball out of play. Goal kick taken long by Craig Gordon (Sunderland).
75:05 Goal kick taken long by Craig Gordon (Sunderland).
73:53 Defending throw-in by Nedum Onuoha (Sunderland).
73:39 Defending throw-in by Nedum Onuoha (Sunderland).
73:29 Cross by Matt Phillips (Blackpool), resulting in open play.
72:26 Foul by Marlon Harewood (Blackpool) on Kieran Richardson (Sunderland). Free kick taken right-footed by Anton Ferdinand (Sunderland) from own half, resulting in open play.
72:00 Attacking throw-in by Matt Phillips (Blackpool).
71:51 Attacking throw-in by Matt Phillips (Blackpool).
71:35 Attacking throw-in by Neal Eardley (Blackpool).
70:59 Defending throw-in by Nedum Onuoha (Sunderland).
70:28 Brett Ormerod (Blackpool) caught offside. Free kick taken left-footed by Craig Gordon (Sunderland) from own half, resulting in open play.
69:53 Goal kick taken short by Paul Rachubka (Blackpool).
69:28 Defending throw-in by Neal Eardley (Blackpool).
68:32 Cross by Asamoah Gyan (Sunderland), resulting in open play. Shot by Jordan Henderson (Sunderland) right-footed from centre of penalty area (18 yards), over the bar. Goal kick taken long by Paul Rachubka (Blackpool). Foul by Marlon Harewood (Blackpool) on Titus Bramble (Sunderland). Free kick taken right-footed by Titus Bramble (Sunderland) from own half, resulting in open play.
67:47 Attacking throw-in by Neal Eardley (Blackpool). Cross by Luke Varney (Blackpool), resulting in open play. Defending throw-in by Jack Colback (Sunderland).
66:59 Cross by Jack Colback (Sunderland), resulting in open play. Goal kick taken long by Paul Rachubka (Blackpool).
66:37 Defending throw-in by Neal Eardley (Blackpool).
65:57 Shot by Marlon Harewood (Blackpool) right-footed from centre of penalty area (12 yards), missed left. Goal kick taken long by Craig Gordon (Sunderland).
64:30 Shot by Luke Varney (Blackpool) right-footed from left side of penalty area (18 yards), missed right. Goal kick taken long by Craig Gordon (Sunderland).
64:03 Shot by Boudewijn Zenden (Sunderland) drilled left-footed from left channel (20 yards), save (caught) by Paul Rachubka (Blackpool).
62:50 Attacking throw-in by Luke Varney (Blackpool).
62:30 Substitution Sunderland substitution: Phillip Bardsley replaced by Jack Colback (injury).
58:53 Cross by Matt Phillips (Blackpool), shot by Charlie Adam (Blackpool) left-footed from centre of penalty area (12 yards), blocked by Anton Ferdinand (Sunderland). Corner from left by-line taken short left-footed by Charlie Adam (Blackpool).
57:53 Cross by Kieran Richardson (Sunderland), resulting in open play. Kieran Richardson (Sunderland) caught offside. Free kick taken right-footed by Paul Rachubka (Blackpool) from own half, resulting in open play.
57:31 Shot by Boudewijn Zenden (Sunderland) left-footed from right channel (25 yards), save (caught) by Paul Rachubka (Blackpool).
57:12 Attacking throw-in by Nedum Onuoha (Sunderland).
56:47 Foul by Luke Varney (Blackpool) on Titus Bramble (Sunderland). Free kick taken right-footed by Titus Bramble (Sunderland) from own half, resulting in open play.
56:21 Attacking throw-in by Nedum Onuoha (Sunderland).
55:39 Free kick taken right-footed by Paul Rachubka (Blackpool) from own half, resulting in open play.
55:39 Substitution Blackpool substitution: Richard Kingson replaced by Paul Rachubka (injury).
53:45 Foul by Boudewijn Zenden (Sunderland) on Richard Kingson (Blackpool).
52:45 Handball by Titus Bramble (Sunderland). Free kick taken left-footed by Charlie Adam (Blackpool) from left channel, resulting in open play.
51:30 Cross by Kieran Richardson (Sunderland), blocked by Matt Phillips (Blackpool). Inswinging corner from left by-line taken right-footed by Jordan Henderson (Sunderland) to near post, clearance by Luke Varney (Blackpool).
50:49 Cross by Luke Varney (Blackpool), blocked by Titus Bramble (Sunderland). Inswinging corner from left by-line taken right-footed by Matt Phillips (Blackpool) to centre, resulting in open play.
50:45 Attacking throw-in by Neal Eardley (Blackpool).
50:29 Defending throw-in by Nedum Onuoha (Sunderland).
Correction - 49:51 Kieran Richardson produces a left-footed shot from just outside the penalty box that goes wide left of the target.
49:51 Shot by Kieran Richardson (Sunderland) left-footed from left channel (20 yards), missed left. Goal kick taken short by Richard Kingson (Blackpool).
48:39 Inswinging corner from left by-line taken right-footed by Jordan Henderson (Sunderland) to centre, clearance by Neal Eardley (Blackpool). Inswinging corner from right by-line taken right-footed by Jordan Henderson (Sunderland) to near post, resulting in open play.
48:39 Substitution Blackpool substitution: Stephen Crainey replaced by Brett Ormerod (injury).
48:15 Shot by Steed Malbranque (Sunderland) right-footed from left channel (18 yards), blocked by Craig Cathcart (Blackpool).
47:35 Attacking throw-in by Neal Eardley (Blackpool).
47:17 Defending throw-in by Neal Eardley (Blackpool).
45:01 The referee gets the second half started.
45:00+2:01 It is the end of the first-half.
Half Time
45:00+1:14 Asamoah Gyan (Sunderland) caught offside. Free kick taken right-footed by Richard Kingson (Blackpool) from own half, resulting in open play.
45:00+0:38 Attacking throw-in by Phillip Bardsley (Sunderland).
45:00+0:28 Attacking throw-in by Phillip Bardsley (Sunderland).
44:37 Goal kick taken long by Richard Kingson (Blackpool).
42:13 Foul by Boudewijn Zenden (Sunderland) on Charlie Adam (Blackpool). Free kick taken left-footed by Charlie Adam (Blackpool) from right channel (25 yards), comfortable save (tipped over) by Craig Gordon (Sunderland). Inswinging corner from right by-line taken left-footed by Charlie Adam (Blackpool) to centre, shot by Luke Varney (Blackpool) right-footed from right side of six-yard box (6 yards), over the bar. Goal kick taken long by Craig Gordon (Sunderland).
41:35 Attacking throw-in by Phillip Bardsley (Sunderland).
40:13 Foul by Gary Taylor-Fletcher (Blackpool) on Nedum Onuoha (Sunderland). Free kick taken right-footed by Titus Bramble (Sunderland) from own half, resulting in open play.
39:34 Asamoah Gyan (Sunderland) caught offside. Free kick taken right-footed by Richard Kingson (Blackpool) from own half, resulting in open play.
37:53 Outswinging corner from left by-line taken left-footed by Charlie Adam (Blackpool) to centre, clearance by Titus Bramble (Sunderland). Outswinging corner from left by-line taken left-footed by Charlie Adam (Blackpool) to far post, clearance by Titus Bramble (Sunderland). Attacking throw-in by David Vaughan (Blackpool). Defending throw-in by Nedum Onuoha (Sunderland). Defending throw-in by Nedum Onuoha (Sunderland).
35:17 Assist (pass) by Steed Malbranque (Sunderland) from left wing.
35:17 GOAL - Kieran Richardson:Blackpool 0 - 2 Sunderland Goal by Kieran Richardson (Sunderland) left-footed (bottom-left of goal) from centre of penalty area (6 yards).Blackpool 0-2 Sunderland.
34:39 Foul by Anton Ferdinand (Sunderland) on Gary Taylor-Fletcher (Blackpool). Free kick taken left-footed by Charlie Adam (Blackpool) from own half, resulting in open play.
34:00 Foul by Charlie Adam (Blackpool) on Asamoah Gyan (Sunderland). Free kick taken left-footed by Craig Gordon (Sunderland) from own half, resulting in open play.
34:00 Booking Charlie Adam (Blackpool) booked for unsporting behaviour.
33:34 Cross by David Vaughan (Blackpool), blocked by Boudewijn Zenden (Sunderland).
33:04 Defending throw-in by Phillip Bardsley (Sunderland).
32:10 Goal kick taken long by Craig Gordon (Sunderland).
31:48 Defending throw-in by Neal Eardley (Blackpool).
31:10 Shot by Matt Phillips (Blackpool) right-footed from left channel (25 yards), save (caught) by Craig Gordon (Sunderland).
30:30 Cross by Ahmed Elmohamady (Sunderland), clearance by Ian Evatt (Blackpool).
29:01 Shot by Charlie Adam (Blackpool) left-footed from left channel (25 yards), save (parried) by Craig Gordon (Sunderland). Inswinging corner from right by-line taken left-footed by Charlie Adam (Blackpool) to out of play, resulting in ball out of play. Goal kick taken long by Craig Gordon (Sunderland).
28:37 Foul by Stephen Crainey (Blackpool) on Kieran Richardson (Sunderland). Free kick taken right-footed by Steed Malbranque (Sunderland) from right channel, passed.
27:58 Shot by Luke Varney (Blackpool) right-footed from centre of penalty area (12 yards), save (parried) by Craig Gordon (Sunderland). Inswinging corner from right by-line taken left-footed by Charlie Adam (Blackpool) to near post, save (punched) by Craig Gordon (Sunderland).
27:02 Defending throw-in by Neal Eardley (Blackpool).
26:35 Cross by Ahmed Elmohamady (Sunderland), resulting in open play.
25:17 Foul by Charlie Adam (Blackpool) on Ahmed Elmohamady (Sunderland). Free kick crossed left-footed by Boudewijn Zenden (Sunderland) from right wing, resulting in ball out of play. Goal kick taken long by Richard Kingson (Blackpool).
25:10 Attacking throw-in by Nedum Onuoha (Sunderland).
24:46 Attacking throw-in by Nedum Onuoha (Sunderland).
24:24 Cross by Neal Eardley (Blackpool), blocked by Boudewijn Zenden (Sunderland).
23:51 Foul by Gary Taylor-Fletcher (Blackpool) on Titus Bramble (Sunderland). Free kick taken left-footed by Craig Gordon (Sunderland) from own half, resulting in open play.
23:22 Shot by Kieran Richardson (Sunderland) drilled left-footed from right channel (20 yards), over the bar. Goal kick taken long by Richard Kingson (Blackpool).
22:36 Foul by Ian Evatt (Blackpool) on Steed Malbranque (Sunderland). Free kick taken right-footed by Phillip Bardsley (Sunderland) from left wing, resulting in open play.
21:44 Foul by Titus Bramble (Sunderland) on Gary Taylor-Fletcher (Blackpool). Free kick crossed left-footed by Charlie Adam (Blackpool) from left wing, clearance by Anton Ferdinand (Sunderland).
20:37 Goal kick taken long by Craig Gordon (Sunderland).
18:42 Shot by Luke Varney (Blackpool) right-footed from left channel (20 yards), blocked by Boudewijn Zenden (Sunderland). Handball by Boudewijn Zenden (Sunderland). Free kick taken right-footed by Neal Eardley (Blackpool) from left channel (20 yards), blocked by Anton Ferdinand (Sunderland). Cross by Gary Taylor-Fletcher (Blackpool), save (caught) by Craig Gordon (Sunderland).
17:30 Handball by Steed Malbranque (Sunderland). Free kick taken right-footed by Richard Kingson (Blackpool) from own half, resulting in open play.
17:17 Attacking throw-in by Phillip Bardsley (Sunderland).
16:42 Attacking throw-in by Matt Phillips (Blackpool).
16:16 Asamoah Gyan (Sunderland) caught offside. Free kick taken right-footed by Craig Cathcart (Blackpool) from own half, resulting in open play.
14:48 Assist (pass) by Asamoah Gyan (Sunderland) from right channel.
14:48 GOAL - Kieran Richardson:Blackpool 0 - 1 Sunderland Goal by Kieran Richardson (Sunderland) left-footed (bottom-right of goal) from left side of penalty area (12 yards).Blackpool 0-1 Sunderland.
14:07 Foul by Kieran Richardson (Sunderland) on Neal Eardley (Blackpool). Free kick taken right-footed by Craig Cathcart (Blackpool) from own half, resulting in open play.
13:42 Defending throw-in by Phillip Bardsley (Sunderland).
12:48 Foul by David Vaughan (Blackpool) on Kieran Richardson (Sunderland). Free kick taken left-footed by Phillip Bardsley (Sunderland) from left channel, resulting in open play.
12:27 Defending throw-in by Phillip Bardsley (Sunderland).
11:53 Cross by Jordan Henderson (Sunderland), blocked by Ian Evatt (Blackpool). Cross by Jordan Henderson (Sunderland), clearance by David Vaughan (Blackpool).
11:37 Cross by Ahmed Elmohamady (Sunderland), clearance by Craig Cathcart (Blackpool).
10:42 Goal kick taken long by Craig Gordon (Sunderland).
10:29 Attacking throw-in by Neal Eardley (Blackpool).
9:34 Inswinging corner from right by-line taken left-footed by Charlie Adam (Blackpool) to far post, resulting in open play.
8:41 Shot by Asamoah Gyan (Sunderland) curled right-footed from left side of penalty area (18 yards), missed right. Goal kick taken long by Richard Kingson (Blackpool).
8:07 Asamoah Gyan (Sunderland) caught offside. Free kick taken right-footed by Ian Evatt (Blackpool) from own half, passed.
7:40 Goal kick taken long by Richard Kingson (Blackpool).
7:14 Cross by Jordan Henderson (Sunderland), header by Steed Malbranque (Sunderland) from centre of penalty area (12 yards), over the bar.
6:55 Cross by Boudewijn Zenden (Sunderland), clearance by Ian Evatt (Blackpool).
6:12 Foul by David Vaughan (Blackpool) on Kieran Richardson (Sunderland). Free kick taken left-footed by Craig Gordon (Sunderland) from own half, resulting in open play.
5:46 Handball by Kieran Richardson (Sunderland). Free kick taken right-footed by Ian Evatt (Blackpool) from left channel, resulting in open play.
5:13 Attacking throw-in by Stephen Crainey (Blackpool).
4:03 Foul by Steed Malbranque (Sunderland) on Elliot Grandin (Blackpool). Free kick taken left-footed by Charlie Adam (Blackpool) from right wing, resulting in open play. Goal kick taken long by Craig Gordon (Sunderland).
3:57 Attacking throw-in by Neal Eardley (Blackpool).
3:25 Goal kick taken long by Richard Kingson (Blackpool).
3:02 Attacking throw-in by Phillip Bardsley (Sunderland).
2:36 Defending throw-in by Nedum Onuoha (Sunderland).
1:16 Inswinging corner from right by-line taken left-footed by Boudewijn Zenden (Sunderland) to far post, resulting in open play. Goal kick taken short by Richard Kingson (Blackpool).
0:19 Defending throw-in by Phillip Bardsley (Sunderland).
0:00 The match gets underway.
Live text and data provided by The Press Association.
E-mail this to a friend 
Printable version 
Bookmark with:
What are these?