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Blackpool 0-1 Derby: Match Report - view commentary, squad, and statistics of the game as it happened.
Martin winner sends Derby top
Chris Martin held his nerve from the penalty spot nine minutes from time to send Derby County top of the Championship with a 1-0 win at Blackpool.
Johnny Russell was brought down by Tony McMahon inside the area deep into the second half and up stepped Martin to notch his ninth league goal of the season.
The Rams are now unbeaten in 10 league games, while Blackpool remain rooted to the foot of the table with just one solitary win to their name all season.
Given the contrast in fortunes of the two sides it was no surprise Derby began the brighter, with Jeff Hendrick firing just over with only two minutes gone.
Ishmael Miller almost gave the hosts an unlikely lead, though, on 10 minutes but after bringing the ball down excellently on the edge of the area he fired just wide.
Jose Riga's side came close again three minutes later, but Peter Clarke couldn't direct John Lundstram's corner away from England international Jack Butland on his Derby debut.
Butland, who has joined on loan from Stoke City, was on hand to deny Blackpool again a minute later when McMahon was through one on one.
Blackpool missed a golden chance to take the lead in the 25th minute as McMahon's free-kick found its way to Nathan Delfouneso but he lashed over from six yards.
Once again, it was the home side who threatened on the half-hour mark as Miller met Andrea Orlandi's left-wing cross to head narrowly over from 12 yards.
Derby finally called Joe Lewis into action in the 40th minute, as the Blackpool keeper denied Russell from 12 yards with his feet.
Steve McClaren's side almost took a lead into half-time as Cyrus Christie's right-wing cross was met by Hendrick, who forced Lewis to save from six yards.
Derby had the first real effort of the second half after 51 minutes, as centre back Ryan Shotton unleashed a fierce effort from 35 yards which was well held by Lewis.
Blackpool came close after 55 minutes as Donervon Daniels attacked a left-wing corner only to head onto the roof of the net from 10 yards.
Lewis produced a superb save in the 66th minute to keep the scores level, spring high to push Russell's shot from 25 yards over the bar.
But Derby's pressure told when they won a penalty in the 80th minute as McMahon brought down Russell in the area.
Top scorer Martin duly converted the penalty and with Watford being held to a 2-2 draw at home to Nottingham Forest and Middlesbrough losing to Wolves, the win put Derby top of the pile.
Blackpool 1-3 Norwich: Match Report - view commentary, squad, and statistics of the game as it happened.
Norwich go top
Two goals in a minute from Lewis Grabban and Josh Murphy ensured Norwich came from behind to beat Blackpool 3-1 at Bloomfield Road and move to the top of the Championship table.
The hosts took the lead through Nathan Delfouneso's close range finish on 46 minutes, but a Donervon Daniels own goal levelled, before Grabban notched on 80 minutes and Murphy sealed the win 60 seconds later.
A stale first half bereft of quality briefly threatened to spark into life when a Tony McMahon free-kick was palmed behind by John Ruddy on 12 minutes.
From the resulting corner, Francois Zoko leapt highest to meet John Lundstram's in-swinging delivery, but the Norwich goalkeeper was equal to it.
The visitors responded with a half chance of their own five minutes later, when Bradley Johnson found Grabban with a right-wing cross, but his header from 10 yards was comfortably saved by Joe Lewis.
The summer signing from Bournemouth looked the most likely to break the deadlock and the forward's deflected 20-yard strike had Lewis rooted to the spot as it flew narrowly wide on the half-hour mark.
The 26-year-old then wasted the best chance of the half, three minutes before the interval, when he dragged his shot wide of the left-hand post after being fed by Wes Hoolahan inside the box.
Whatever managers Neil Adams and Jose Riga said to their respective sides at half-time had the desired effect in an action-packed start to the second period.
Just one minute after the restart Blackpool took the lead through Delfouneso's close range finish after an Ishmael Miller effort from David Perkins' left-wing cross was saved by Lewis.
The lead did not last for long, though, as Daniels headed a Nathan Redmond corner-kick into his own net to make it 1-1.
The goal gave Norwich a new found confidence and they should have taken the lead when Redmond tricked his way down the right flank and found Bradley Johnson with a peach of a cross, only for the midfielder to be denied by a brilliant save from Lewis.
The Canaries continued to press for a second and Johnson was unfortunate to see his 25-yard free-kick float just over the top left-hand corner, with the Blackpool goalkeeper stranded.
However, Norwich were not to be denied and, late on, Grabban cut inside before dispatching a right-foot shot from 18 yards that deflected off the boot of McMahon and into the top right-hand corner to make it 2-1.
Blackpool were deflated and, just a minute later, substitute Murphy killed the game off after dribbling inside the box from the left flank and finishing low past the helpless Lewis.
Blackpool finally ended their six-month winless run as Francois Zoko's second-half strike secured a 1-0 victory over Cardiff in the Championship on Friday.
Zoko netted just after the hour mark to seal three points for the Seasiders for the first time since April.
His goal also moved Blackpool off the bottom of the second tier table and gave boss Jose Riga his first victory.
Cardiff now head into the international break in managerial limbo, with prospective boss Russell Slade present at Bloomfield Road but unable to take charge until a compensation agreement is reached with his former club Leyton Orient.
It was a first league defeat for Cardiff's joint caretakers Daniel Gabbidon and Scott Young, who had hoped to sign off with an unbeaten record.
However, in what is likely to be their last match at the helm, they became the first side to be defeated by Blackpool this season on a night when the home fans held demonstrations against the club's owners the Oyston family.
Several banners were unfurled prior to kick-off and the relentless chanting early on focused on the fans' fury at the handling of the club since they dropped out of the Premier League in 2011.
But the fans ended the night in celebratory mood after Zoko's 64th minute winner.
David Perkins fed substitute Joel Dielna down the left, and he in turn found Zoko, who shuffled the ball on to his left foot before firing his first Blackpool goal under David Marshall.
Blackpool chairman Karl Oyston has allegedly been involved in an angry exchange with a supporter of the club in which he is reported to have called the fan "a retard".
The Football Association has said it is aware of the row, with Oyston alleged to have told the supporter to " enjoy the rest of your special needs day out" as part of a series of abusive messages sent back and forth.
Blackpool were not available for comment on whether Oyston sent the messages, which have been widely reported over the last 24 hours.
Blackpool 1-1 Bolton: Match Report - view commentary, squad, and statistics of the game as it happened.
Late show rescues Bolton a point
Lee Chung-yong denied rock-bottom Blackpool only their second win of the Championship season with a late equaliser for Bolton who drew 1-1 at Bloomfield Road.
Blackpool, whose only league victory this term remains the 1-0 triumph against Cardiff on October 3, took the lead on 75 minutes through on-loan striker Jacob Murphy.
But South Korean international Lee fired home eight minutes from time to keep the Trotters just above the relegation zone.
The first chance fell to Blackpool after 11 minutes as Chris Eagles, making his debut against his former side, jinked through the Bolton defence but hit his shot straight at Andy Lonergan from 16 yards.
Blackpool keeper Joe Lewis was forced into the first save of the match in the 14th minute as he beat away a fierce strike from Tim Ream from the left edge of the area.
Blackpool then struck the woodwork on 18 minutes after Jacob Mellis' shot from 25 yards was deflected over Lonergan and bounced back off the crossbar.
It was Bolton's turn to hit the woodwork after 25 minutes as Lee saw his low shot from 18 yards bounce off the post. Liam Feeney fired wide from the edge of the box on the rebound.
Lewis again prevented Bolton taking the lead after 32 minutes when Max Clayton cut in from the left and fired a rasping drive from 20 yards, but the keeper pushed it away.
Blackpool spurned a great chance to take the lead moments later as Donervon Daniels lashed wide from eight yards, and Nile Ranger should have put the home side ahead on the stroke of half-time but he headed Murphy's corner over from six yards.
Bolton squandered a great chance to go in front in the 53rd minute as Neil Danns chipped the ball in for Craig Davies, who glanced his header wide from six yards.
Neil Lennon's side almost made a calamitous defensive error on 57 minutes, as Josh Vela overhit a backpass to Lonergan who had to react quickly to prevent an own goal.
Blackpool again threatened to take the lead in the 65th minute as Ranger's breakaway resulted in Jamie O'Hara seeing his 25-yard shot comfortably saved by Lonergan.
The Seasiders came close again as Murphy flashed a fierce right-footed shot from 20 yards just wide of the post but their pressure finally paid off.
Murphy was brought down on the edge of the area and the Norwich loanee proceeded to curl a superb right-footed free-kick past Lonergan to give his side the lead.
But the hosts' joy was short-lived as Bolton equalised against the run of play after 82 minutes.
The ball broke to Lee on the right edge of the area and the winger fired low past Lewis into the bottom corner to salvage a point for Wanderers.
Blackpool V Norwich - view commentary, squad, and statistics of the game live.
Riga hopes for fitness boost
Jose Riga will be keeping his fingers crossed that Blackpool's lengthy casualty list subsides for high-flying Norwich's trip to Bloomfield Road.
The winless Seasiders are likely to welcome experienced defender Peter Clarke back from illness while a week off will have helped midfielder Andrea Orlandi's foot problem.
However, Costa Rice international Jose Cubero - yet to make his debut for the club because of work permit problems - has picked up an injury and Jeffrey Rentmeister sustained an ankle knock against Brighton.
Riga, who was only able to name six substitutes a week ago, is down to the bare bones as it is with Jacob Mellis, Bobby Grant and Gary MacKenzie (all knee), as well as striker Steven Davies (groin) all long-term absentees.
Norwich manager Neil Adams will revert to his regular starting XI for the trip.
Adams made 11 changes for Tuesday's 1-0 defeat at Shrewsbury in the Capital One Cup, with none of them expected to retain their places.
Jonny Howson and Gary Hooper made their returns from knee and calf injuries respectively at Greenhous Meadow and could be involved in the league matchday squad for the first time this season.
Republic of Ireland international Wes Hoolahan has recovered from the ankle injury he hurt prior to last Saturday's 2-2 draw at home to Birmingham in which he was withdrawn at half-time.
Lee Clark has returned to management having been named Blackpool's new boss just 10 days after parting ways with fellow Sky Bet Championship strugglers Birmingham.
The Seasiders confirmed that the 42-year-old had been appointed to the post on a one-year rolling contract.
The position had been vacant since Jose Riga was sacked on Monday following a turbulent 15-game spell at the helm.
Chairman Karl Oyston had stressed the need for the club to quickly appoint a successor with Championship experience and Clark certainly fits the bill having managed for two seasons in the division at Blues, with whom he finished 12th and 21st.
However, the midlands outfit moved on from Clark last week following a poor run of results that had seen them win just twice this season, only one more victory than Riga managed in his short stint.
Clark told the club's official website: "I am absolutely delighted. The main objective is to try and keep the club in the Championship and build from there. It is a big challenge because of our position in the league but it's a challenge that can be overcome.
"It's one that if we achieve what we set out to achieve, which is to stay in the league, it will be a tremendous feat by the whole group. I'm very confident with the players I've got here, in what we can do going forward, that we can achieve those goals."
Clark takes over a club bottom of the Championship, seven points adrift of safety already, and with a mere four wins to their credit since last November.
He managed to save Birmingham from relegation in dramatic circumstances last season, when two goals in the final 12 minutes at Bolton prevented them from slipping into the third tier.
Riga's status as Blackpool's manager had looked highly precarious well before Oyston eventually pulled the plug on his time in charge this Monday.
Rumblings of discontent had been circulating for months with the two clashing over player recruitment following a summer of inexplicable inactivity at Bloomfield Road, and the point of no return appeared to be reached when then-Burton boss Gary Rowett was openly offered the job in September.
Rowett turned down the opportunity, though, and was this week confirmed as Birmingham's new manager following Clark's exit.
Blackpool V Bolton - view commentary, squad, and statistics of the game live.
Eagles could make Seasiders bow
New Blackpool signing Chris Eagles might make his debut against former club Bolton at Bloomfield Road.
The winger has been out of the sport since leaving Wanderers over the summer but this week agreed a two-month deal with the Seasiders.
Boss Lee Clark, still searching for his first win at the club bottom of the Sky Bet Championship, remains without skipper Tony McMahon as is suspended for another two games.
Costa Rica international Jose Cubero, central defender Gary MacKenzie and the Oriol brothers - Joan and Edu - remain injured.
Bolton boss Neil Lennon has a decision to make in goal after Adam Bogdan joined up with Hungary in midweek following his finger injury.
The 27-year-old was an unused substitute and has not played since August, and, given the form of Andy Lonergan in his absence, Lennon looks unlikely to change his stopper.
Defender David Wheater (back) will come into contention having played 90 minutes for the development squad last week, midfielder Darren Pratley is back from suspension while young forward Max Clayton will hope to keep his spot in the starting XI after scoring against Wigan two weeks ago.
Wanderers will run the rule over their returning internationals, including South Korea's Lee Chung-yong, Sierra Leone's Medo Kamara and the United States' Tim Ream, but Marc Tierney (foot) remains sidelined.
Blackpool V Rotherham - view commentary, squad, and statistics of the game live.
Millers misses Millers clash
Ishmael Miller will serve a suspension when bottom-of-the-table Blackpool welcome Rotherham to Bloomfield Road.
The striker was dismissed in the dying embers of the loss to Sheffield Wednesday on Friday, which leaves the Seasiders 10 points away from safety.
Fellow forward Steven Davies (neck) was forced off in the first half and is doubtful, while defenders Darren O'Dea and Donervon Daniels (both hamstring) also came off.
Nyron Nosworthy (groin) failed a late fitness test on Boxing Day, Nile Ranger has not been at training for two weeks, while Jose Miguel Cubero (ankle), Gary MacKenzie (Achilles) and Tom Barkhuizen (broken arm) are all targeting January returns.
Rotherham boss Steve Evans will change his side around.
Evans has kept the same side for four games in a row but after they put in a poor display against Huddersfield, despite earning a point with two late goals, he will make changes at Bloomfield Road.
Jonson Clarke-Harris and Lee Frecklington both came off the bench to score against the Terriers and they are in the frame for a starting berth.
Evans will also assess his walking wounded when they train on Saturday.
Blackpool 1-6 Bournemouth: Match Report - view commentary, squad, and statistics of the game as it happened.
Cherries top at Christmas after win
Matt Ritchie scored twice to confirm Bournemouth's place at the top of the Championship at Christmas with a resounding 6-1 victory over bottom side Blackpool.
The Cherries - beaten on Wednesday by Liverpool in the Capital One Cup quarter-final - bounced back in superb fashion to make it 12 league games unbeaten, which in turn left Blackpool rooted 10 points adrift of safety.
Ritchie scored in either half and Callum Wilson also helped himself to his 11th league goal of the campaign in the first period.
Nathan Delfouneso did grab a consolation for Blackpool on 65 minutes but Brett Pitman, Marc Pugh and Harry Arter goals ensured a comfortable afternoon for the visitors.
Bournemouth had the first opening of the game in the seventh minute as Ritchie latched on to Pugh's left-wing corner and fired left-footed from the penalty spot, only to see his effort cleared from the goalmouth by Kevin Foley.
But they took the lead in the 18th minute through Ritchie's fifth league goal of the season. Ritchie cut in from the right and fired a left-footed shot from 25 yards which Blackpool keeper Joe Lewis allowed to bobble over his hands and into the net.
Eddie Howe's side came close to doubling their lead in the 27th minute through Pugh, who drove at the heart of the defence and unleashed a fierce shot from 20 yards which Lewis pushed away low to his left.
However, the visitors deservedly doubled their lead after 41 minutes through Wilson.
Chris Eagles tried to shepherd the ball out on the byline but Charlie Daniels hooked the ball across the box where Wilson tapped into an open net from three yards.
Ritchie grabbed his second of the game in the 59th minute to make it 3-0. The midfielder picked the ball up on the left edge of the area and curled the ball superbly beyond Lewis.
Blackpool were rewarded for their improved efforts as Tony McMahon's shot was saved by Artur Boruc but rebounded to McMahon who squared for Delfouneso to tap into the empty goal.
But straight from the kick-off Bournemouth won a penalty as Darren O'Dea brought down Wilson. The penalty was converted by Pitman, who had to retake for encroachment into the box, but proceeded to strike the ball home once again to make it 4-1.
Bournemouth continued to pile on the pressure and scored again after 73 minutes as Ritchie's cross found Pugh who nodded home at the back post from six yards - prompting a mass exodus from Bloomfield Road.
And Arter made it 6-0 on 75 minutes as he picked the ball up from Dan Gosling and lashed home left-footed into the bottom corner from 15 yards.
Blackpool V Bournemouth - view commentary, squad, and statistics of the game live.
Clark to keep faith
Blackpool may name an unchanged starting XI as they bid to make it five games unbeaten against Bournemouth.
Skipper Tony McMahon returned to the line-up instead of Stuart O'Keefe last time out and manager Lee Clark will be tempted to name a similar team this time around.
Midfielder Jose Miguel Cubero returned to England this week following treatment on his ankle in his native Costa Rica.
He is eyeing a January comeback, which is when defender Gary MacKenzie (Achilles) is also set to return to training, while Tom Barkhuizen (broken arm) and Jacob Mellis (hamstring) could be back by the end of the month.
Eddie Howe is set to revert back to his usual table-topping Bournemouth line-up when they make the trip.
The former Burnley boss made six changes to the side that beat Cardiff 5-3 to reward the players that had taken the Cherries as far as a Capital One Cup quarter-final against Liverpool.
So Marc Pugh, Charlie Daniels, Andrew Surman, Steve Cook and Harry Arter are amongst the players likely to step back into the side.
Tokelo Rantie, meanwhile, is undergoing a speedy recovery from a shoulder injury he suffered in November and he could return in time for South Africa's African Cup of Nations campaign.
Blackpool midfielder Jacob Murphy has apologised for posting an image on social media which read: "We are going to lose... Again" before the Sky Bet Championship bottom club's most recent match.
The 19-year-old, on loan from Norwich, uploaded the image of himself with team-mate Donervon Daniels before Sunday's home game with Rotherham, which ended 1-1.
The Tangerines are bottom of the table with 14 points from 24 games, nine points from safety.
A statement on the club's official website from Murphy read: "It was totally unprofessional of me and a foolish thing to do.
"I'd like to offer my sincerest apologies to the manager, my team-mates, the fans and everybody at Blackpool Football Club for the hurt and embarrassment that a recent photo message I sent has caused.
"I have loved my time at Blackpool so far, and I've been really grateful for the support I've received."
"I know I have let the manager and fans down badly but I aim to repay them by working even harder and helping the team climb up the league table.
"I'd also like to make clear that Donervon Daniels had no part in this and I apologise for implicating him."
Blackpool manager Lee Clark said: "I'm extremely disappointed because I expect nothing but total professionalism from my players.
"We will now investigate this matter internally before deciding upon an outcome."
The Football Association is coming under pressure to punish Karl Oyston for branding a Blackpool fan "a retard".
The latest chapter in Oyston's controversial reign as Blackpool chairman unfolded over the weekend when a series of foul-mouthed texts between him and Tangerines fan Stephen Smith were published online.
Oyston called Smith "a retard" and told him to ''enjoy the rest of your special needs day out.''
During the text exchange, Oyston used numerous swear words and called Smith ''educationally subnormal'' and a ''sad act''.
Smith rejected Oyston's apology on the matter and urged the FA to take action against the Blackpool chairman, whose team sit bottom of the Sky Bet Championship.
He complained to English football's governing body on Monday and it is now gathering evidence before deciding whether to charge Oyston.
"I have now officially registered my complaint with the FA," Smith told Press Association Sport.
"They haven't yet contacted me, which is a bit surprising because they have been contacted by several media organisations, but they are now supposed to be garnering evidence. I hope they come to me."
Mental health charity Mencap called on the FA to take action against Oyston.
''I am glad Karl Oyston has apologised but using the language that he used is never justified," said Ismail Kaji, who works for Mencap.
''I have a learning disability and am a big football fan but I would feel ashamed to support any football club that has a chairman who uses such unacceptable language to people with a disability. This language is just as bad as using racist or homophobic words and I hope the FA treats this as seriously.''
Oyston should brace himself for a protest against his regime at Blackpool's game on Boxing Day at Sheffield Wednesday, according to Smith, who is a spokesman for the Tangerine Knights group which published the messages on their Facebook page.
''I think it is perfectly clear the fans are going to make their opinions heard and that will be done at the next match,'' Smith added.
''His apology is weak. His position as chairman is untenable. He has no choice but to resign.''
The Tangerine Knights published another series of text exchanges reported to be between Oyston and Blackpool fans on Monday night.
In those messages, Oyston reportedly makes a series of serious allegations against former manager Jose Riga and appears to criticise other supporters who contacted him after his phone number was published online.
The group has since removed the latest batch of messages from its Facebook page.
Earlier on Monday Oyston said the fact that he had received a number of abusive messages led him to respond in the way he did.
"I would like to unreservedly apologise for any offence or distress caused by my text responses reported in the media recently,'' Oyston said in a statement.
''I regret stooping to the level of those threatening and abusing my family.
''My mobile number was placed on a social media website recently and it led to a barrage of abuse about my mother, father, wife, children and myself.
''In hindsight the aim of this was clear, and I foolishly opted to challenge some of the abuse, harassment and threats.
''Given my position, I should have acted with more responsibility and reported the abusive text messages, phone calls and answer phone messages to the police, rather than get embroiled in such an exchange.''
Blackpool 0-1 Watford: Match Report - view commentary, squad, and statistics of the game as it happened.
Seasiders pay the penalty
Matej Vydra's second-half penalty saw Watford secure a 1-0 victory over struggling Blackpool to move into second place in the Sky Bet Championship.
The Czech striker made no mistake from the spot to grab the game's only goal, and give the Hornets their first win at Bloomfield Road since 2009, after Tony McMahon had brought down Lloyd Dyer on 66 minutes
A Watford-dominated first-half could have seen either side go into the break with a lead, though only Joe Lewis' heroics saved the home from an embarrassing deficit.
The game evened up after the break, with both sides creating chances and each winning a penalty, though Nile Ranger failed to do what Vydra could from 12 yards.
Apart from McMahon's third-minute effort from 25 yards, which Heurelho Gomes had to tip round the post, Blackpool rarely threatened in the first half-hour.
In a moment that typified their season so far, the home side were nearly behind after three minutes as Peter Clarke's clearance cannoned off Joan Oriol towards his own net, forcing Lewis into a reaction save.
After 23 minutes Lewis McGugan earned a corner, from which Joel Ekstrand should have scored - rising to meet a free header but denied by the crossbar.
The best chance of the half came in the 42nd minute as Watford countered a Blackpool corner but Lewis denied Ikechi Anya with a fantastic save.
Blackpool could have snatched the lead just before the break as John Lundstram's free-kick from deep found Donervon Daniels, though he could only direct his header straight at Gomes.
Five minutes into the second half Ishmael Miller headed on McMahon's long ball to put strike partner Francois Zoko through, but the onrushing Gomes was there to keep the scores level.
Troy Deeney should have put the Hornets ahead on 57 minutes after bursting through a packed Blackpool box but he put his shot straight at Lewis.
The breakthrough finally came in the 66th minute as Dyer, who had replaced McGugan eight minutes earlier, turned McMahon in the box, with the Blackpool skipper bringing him down to allow Vydra to convert low to Lewis' right.
The home side were galvanised and could have equalised four minutes later as Miller met a corner and headed beyond the stranded Gomes, only for Deeney to save with his chest and hook the ball off the line.
Watford were lucky to hold onto their lead when Daniel Pudil was adjudged to have brought down substitute Ranger, but the former Newcastle United man's penalty struck the inside of the post before rebounding clear.
Miller had a chance to equalise at the death from Lundstram's free-kick, but his header was saved well by Gomes, who earned Watford a deserved win.
Blackpool V Birmingham - view commentary, squad, and statistics of the game live.
McMahon back for Blackpool
Blackpool skipper Tony McMahon returns from a three-game ban against Birmingham.
The full-back has not played since receiving his marching orders in the draw at Fulham but will be welcomed back into the fold against Seasiders boss Lee Clark's former club.
Defender Darren O'Dea has penned a short-term deal with the club but needs both international and Football League clearance before he can make his debut, while none of Blackpool's injury absentees - including Jose Miguel Cubero (foot), Gary MacKenzie (knee) and Tom Barkhuizen (broken arm) - are ready to return.
Sergei Zenjov had his contract mutually terminated this week, while midfielder Jonathan Legear, who signed 24 hours before Clark arrived and has never featured for the club, has been told he is surplus to requirements.
Nikola Zigic is unavailable for Birmingham despite rejoining the club on loan until the end of the season.
The striker still needs visa entry clearance on his passport but should be available to face Reading next week.
Gavin Gunning, Matt Green (both knee) and Jonathan Spector (thigh) are still long-term injury absentees.
Wes Thomas is suspended with the forward serving the last of his three-game ban.
Blackpool V Ipswich - view commentary, squad, and statistics of the game live.
Tough opener for Clark
New boss Lee Clark will be thrown into the deep end at Blackpool as he tries to reduce the seven-point deficit between the Seasiders and safety when Ipswich visit Bloomfield Road.
Clark was announced as Jose Riga's successor on Thursday just 10 days after parting ways with Birmingham who, like the Tangerines, are mired in the bottom three.
The new man at the helm will at least be able to call on captain Tony McMahon again after he served a one-match suspension against Reading in a 3-0 defeat which spelled the end for Riga.
Clark may have to negotiate a long injury list, though, with Jose Miguel Cubero, Joan Oriol (both ankle), Gary MacKenzie (knee) and Steven Davies (groin) all sidelined recently.
Ipswich will have Tyrone Mings back available after a one-game ban for picking up five bookings this season.
Jonny Williams also missed last week's home draw with Huddersfield after suffering a couple of knocks in the previous loss at Cardiff but is expected to return.
However, Kevin Bru will again be sidelined against the Seasiders due to a slight groin strain.
Full-back Jonathan Parr is another struggling for fitness after receiving treatment this week.
Blackpool V Derby - view commentary, squad, and statistics of the game live.
Duo set for Seasiders return
Basement-dwelling Blackpool hope to welcome Joan Oriol and Jose Miguel Cubero back into their ranks for Derby's visit to Bloomfield Road.
Full-back Oriol and midfielder Cubero both sat out Saturday's 3-2 loss at Huddersfield with ankle-ligament damage, but manager Jose Riga is upbeat about their prospects of appearing on Tuesday night.
Estonia forward Sergei Zenjov could also come back into the fray having returned from international duty in an unfit state, while midfielder Andrea Orlandi (foot) will hope to be involved after being an unused substitute in Yorkshire.
Both defender Gary MacKenzie (knee) and striker Steven Davies (groin) remain sidelined.
Jack Butland will make his debut for Derby following his arrival at the club on loan from Stoke.
The England Under-21 international has been brought in after first-choice goalkeeper Lee Grant suffered an ankle injury during the 3-0 win over Reading on Saturday.
Grant was not the only player to get injured at the Madejski Stadium. Forward Jamie Ward will also miss out at Blackpool after a thigh problem forced him off against the Royals, while skipper Richard Keogh (concussion) and midfielder Craig Bryson (illness) are doubts after also having to come off at the weekend.
Either Jake Buxton or Ryan Shotton would replace Keogh in central defence while Johnny Russell is the likely choice to replace Ward.
Blackpool 1-0 Birmingham: Match Report - view commentary, squad, and statistics of the game as it happened.
Clark haunts former club Blues
Steve Davies' second-half strike helped Blackpool to only their second Sky Bet Championship win of the season as Lee Clark's men beat his former side Birmingham 1-0 at Bloomfield Road.
Davies scored the only goal in the second half to give bottom-of-the-table Blackpool all three points and lift them to within eight points of safety.
The defeat is Birmingham's first in their last six games and their first since Gary Rowett took charge, while the Seasiders are now three games unbeaten.
David Cotterill came close to giving Birmingham the lead after eight minutes but saw his low free-kick from 25 yards pushed away by Blackpool keeper Joe Lewis.
The hosts thought they had gone in front after 13 minutes when Davies swept Chris Eagles' cross into the net from six yards, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside.
Stephen Gleeson called Lewis into action again in the 20th minute with a right-footed volley from 25 yards which was comfortably held by the Blackpool keeper.
The home side threatened to go in front in the 24th minute as Eagles' free kick from the right edge of the area was met by Davies who saw his header from six yards deflected onto the roof of the net.
The best opening of the first half fell to Birmingham after 33 minutes as they cut Blackpool open down the right and Lee Novak saw his effort from 12 yards cleared off the line by Kevin Foley.
Rowett's side continued to push forward and just a minute later Gleeson's cross went over Lewis and was met by Michael Morrison, who could only head across the face from four yards with the goal gaping.
Eagles had the first opening of the second half as he picked the ball up 25 yards out and unleashed a right-footed shot which was high and wide of Darren Randolph's goal.
And Davies gave Blackpool the lead after 55 minutes as he latched on to a long ball forward from Lewis and rolled Paul Robinson to poke the ball past Randolph from 18 yards.
Clark's side threatened again in the 63rd minute as Jacob Murphy broke down the right and powered his shot at goal from 18 yards but Randolph parried away.
Murphy almost caught Randolph out from distance when he took a shot from 40 yards after 65 minutes and the Birmingham keeper had to back-pedal to push it over.
The Blackpool winger troubled Randolph once more after 79 minutes as he cut in from the left and forced the keeper to hold low down to his right.
Substitute Mark Duffy wasted a chance to equalise from a 25-yard free kick as Blackpool held on for the victory.
Blackpool 1-1 Rotherham: Match Report - view commentary, squad, and statistics of the game as it happened.
Telford gets Tangerines the point
Substitute Dom Telford marked his Blackpool home debut in style, equalising late on to earn the Tangerines a 1-1 draw against Rotherham at Bloomfield Road.
Sky Bet Championship basement side Blackpool had been looking like falling to their 14th defeat of the season after Middlesbrough loanee Emmanuel Ledesma opened the scoring in the 57th minute.
But the Seasiders, who had been outclassed in the first 45 minutes and were grateful for a first-half penalty save from Joe Lewis, hit back with Telford nudging home from close range in the 84th minute.
The visitors started the brighter with Ledesma seeing his low free-kick pushed around the post by Blackpool goalkeeper Lewis in the second minute.
The home side's number one then had to be alert to smother at the feet of Jonson Clarke-Harris just minutes later before denying Tom Lawrence with another diving save.
Lawrence was proving to be a real threat with the former Manchester United forward creating another opening on 13 minutes when he played in Lee Frecklington - but Lewis palmed the Rotherham man's curling shot wide.
Just four minutes later, Lewis was again the Blackpool hero, getting down low to his left to save Lawrence's penalty after the Leicester loanee was adjudged to have been tripped in the box by Seasiders captain Tony McMahon.
In a rare attack, Blackpool almost capitalised immediately on the counter but Jacob Murphy's shot went straight at goalkeeper Adam Collin.
Rotherham threatened again on 38 minutes, with Jordan Bowery stealing the ball in midfield but the former Aston Villa frontman saw his shot come back off the post before Richard Smallwood followed up with another good effort which Lewis parried.
Blackpool came out after the break much improved however and had the ball in the net on 54 minutes but Nathan Delfouneso was adjudged to be offside following Orlandi's shot.
Orlandi then looked to have made the breakthrough just a minute later after waltzing his way past three defenders into the box - but his shot ricocheted back off the right post.
It proved a decisive moment as Ledesma picked up his first goal for the Millers shortly afterwards, twisting and turning on the edge of the Blackpool box before slotting the ball into the bottom corner.
The hosts pushed forward in search of an equaliser and although Clarke-Harris curled a shot over the bar at the other end, the hosts continued to push men forward and a long ball forward by keeper Lewis caused mayhem in the Rotherham defence leaving Telford to prod home on the angle.
Neither side could find the winner with Blackpool now having won just once in 13 games and the Millers just once in 12 games.
Blackpool 1-0 Cardiff: Match Report - view commentary, squad, and statistics of the game as it happened.
Blackpool claim first win
Blackpool finally ended their six-month wait for a victory as Francois Zoko's second-half winner moved the Seasiders off the foot of the table and gave boss Jose Riga his first victory.
Zoko struck just after the hour mark to seal three points for the Seasiders for the first time since last April, 160 days ago, as they defeated managerless Cardiff 1-0 in the Sky Bet Championship.
The Bluebirds now head into the international break in managerial limbo, with prospective boss Russell Slade present at Bloomfield Road but unable to take charge until a compensation agreement is reached with his former club Leyton Orient.
It was the first league defeat for joint caretakers Daniel Gabbidon and Scott Young, who had hoped to sign off with an unbeaten record.
However, in what is likely to be their last match at the helm, they became the first side to be defeated by Blackpool this season on a night when their fans held several demonstrations against the club's owners.
The Seasiders fans, who forced several stoppages to a home game against Burnley in April by invading the pitch and throwing tangerines on to the turf, had earmarked this televised fixture as one to publicly protest against the club's owners, the Oyston family.
Several banners were unfurled prior to kick-off and the relentless chanting early on focused on the fanbase's fury at the handling of the club ever since they dropped out of the top flight in 2011.
Riga had insisted he had to remain focused on events between the white lines - for fear of "no sleep" otherwise - and his team showed lots of attacking intent early on, with Tony McMahon's cross-cum-shot narrowly flying off target and the lively Ishmael Miller going close on two separate occasions.
Cardiff's defending was desperate at times and only Fabio's last-ditch challenge in the area prevented Nathan Delfouneso from pulling the trigger.
Riga's men regained the upper hand after the interval, yet attention soon turned to the stands again as fans poured down to the advertising hoardings - and some on to the pitch - after 53 minutes in their latest show of dissent.
That specifically-timed protest, a nod to the FA Cup's Matthews Final in 1953, did curb Blackpool's stranglehold on proceedings.
Fabio linked well with Ravel Morrison, who was starting for the first time in a Bluebirds shirt, before prodding wide and John Brayford's deflected effort only just missed the target.
However, just as the South Wales side began to turn the screw, the Tangerines claimed a 64th-minute lead on the counter.
David Perkins fed substitute Joel Dielna down the left, and he in turn found Zoko, who shuffled the ball on to his left foot before firing his first Blackpool goal under David Marshall.
Cardiff's managerial duo turned to Adam Le Fondre and Federico Macheda off the bench and the latter should really have equalised but he produced a tame side-footed effort shortly after Zoko's strike.
Blackpool continued to throw bodies in the way, though, and could have doubled their advantage in the 89th minute when Miller lead a breakaway attack. He squared for Delfouneso, who was somehow denied by Marshall from point-blank range.
Yet the visitors failed to capitalise, Le Fondre blazing over in stoppage-time as Blackpool ended their long, long wait for a victory.
Blackpool 0-2 Ipswich: Match Report - view commentary, squad, and statistics of the game as it happened.
Clark starts with defeat
Lee Clark's reign as Blackpool boss began with a 2-0 defeat as goals in either half from David McGoldrick and Daryl Murphy handed Ipswich victory at Bloomfield Road.
The struggling Seasiders sacked Jose Riga on Monday having won just one out of 15 games in all competitions this term, with 11 defeats coming in that spell.
And former Birmingham manager Clark - appointed on Thursday - failed to inspire an upturn in fortunes for the Championship's bottom side, who fell behind on 26 minutes.
McGoldrick opened the scoring with his fifth league goal of the season and Murphy added the second on the hour mark for the Tractor Boys, who registered their first win since September 27.
The visitors twice came within inches of taking an early lead in the eighth minute as Stephen Hunt rattled the bar with a left-footed free-kick from the edge of the area, before the ball rebounded to Teddy Bishop who struck narrowly wide from 20 yards.
Straight down the other end, Nile Ranger forced Bartosz Bialkowski to push his right-footed strike - which deflected off Hunt - round the post.
The home side spurned a golden chance to take the lead in the 15th minute as Ranger mis-kicked from six yards having been superbly found by Ishmael Miller's left-wing cross.
And Ipswich made them pay as Bishop's mis-hit shot fell to McGoldrick, who tucked home from inside the six-yard box.
Blackpool struggled to make any impression on the Ipswich goal as the half wore on, with the referee's whistle frequently breaking up the play in a first half littered with fouls.
Clark's men launched a number of attacks in first-half stoppage time, but on each occasion they were frustrated by a lack of quality in the final third as Ipswich took a slender lead into the break.
The hosts started the second half brighter but Ipswich threatened to double their advantage after 53 minutes. The ball fell to McGoldrick after a goalmouth scramble but Jeffrey Rentmeister blocked his effort from six yards.
Ranger had Blackpool's first clear-cut chance of the second period but he headed wide from eight yards from a right-wing cross after 55 minutes.
Hunt almost put the game beyond Blackpool in the 59th minute, but he could only hit the side netting with his left-footed effort from close range after McGoldrick's blocked strike fell kindly to the Republic of Ireland international.
Ipswich did double their lead on 60 minutes, though, as Luke Hyam's cut-back from the by-line found top scorer Murphy who struck home left-footed from six yards for his eighth of the season.
Mick McCarthy's side threatened again after 77 minutes from Paul Anderson's right-wing corner, which narrowly evaded the onrushing Smith on the six yard box, but the Tractors Boys saw out the game and got back to winning ways.
Blackpool have sacked head coach Jose Riga after just four and a half months in charge.
The former Charlton boss has seen his side pick up only six points from their opening 14 games since he took charge - a run which has left them rooted to the foot of the Sky Bet Championship.
Working with a threadbare squad, which contained just eight players when the new season started, the 57-year-old has publicly questioned their transfer policy on a number of occasions.
Former Birmingham manager Lee Clark had been heavily linked with the Blackpool job, even before Riga's departure, which was announced on Blackpool's website on Monday evening.
Blackpool have accepted a £30,000 fine, half of which is suspended, after the club were found guilty of fielding an ineligible player in their Sky Bet Championship clash with Millwall earlier this season.
Donervon Daniels joined the Seasiders on August 1 on a 28-day youth loan from West Brom, but was not correctly registered at the time of the August 30 fixture in question.
The defender, who has now made 17 appearances for the club, played the full 90 minutes of the 2-1 loss to the Lions at The Den.
Blackpool chairman Karl Oyston said in a brief statement on the club website : "The process and outcome is one that we feel is fair. We'd now like to draw a line under this matter and focus on the rest of the season."
An independent football disciplinary commission ruled on the punishment and also ordered Blackpool to pay the costs of the hearing and those of the Football League.
Blackpool fans have launched a petition demanding the resignation of chairman Karl Oyston.
Oyston apologised earlier this week after a series of derogatory texts he sent to Blackpool fan Stephen Smith were published online.
Oyston called Smith "a retard" and told him to ''enjoy the rest of your special needs day out''.
Smith has sent the transcript of his heated text exchange with Oyston to the Football Association, which will decide over the coming days whether to charge the Blackpool chairman.
Smith has rejected Oyston's apology and is now demanding the Tangerines chairman resign and allow club president Valeri Belokon to buy the club.
The petition, launched on change.org, was set up on Christmas Eve morning at around 10am. Within four hours, 1,000 people had signed the petition, which called on Oyston to "step down from any position of influence in Blackpool FC immediately".
The text in the petitions says Oyston's comments make him "unsuitable to hold a position of influence within our famous community football club."
Oyston's father Owen bought the club in 1987. His son has been chairman since 2000.
Belokon owns a 20 per cent stake in the club. On Tuesday the Latvian called on the Oystons to relinquish their ownership of the club in light of the latest controversy surrounding the family's reign at Bloomfield Road.
Belokon told BBC Radio 5 Live he was "in shock" at the nature of the messages, which he said were "unacceptable".
Belokon said he would be interested in taking over the club, but only if the Oystons were removed.
Smith has given his backing to Belokon.
"I 100 per cent support Valeri," Smith told Press Association Sport.
"I met Valeri in March to talk about the future of the club as I thought it was going in the wrong direction.
"He was a real gent. He talked about how he thought the football club should be run - as a community asset, there for the people, fully transparent... he said there would be no closed doors, and that's why I support him."
Even though Blackpool were promoted to the Barclays Premier League in 2010, Oyston has endured a rocky relationship with many of the club's supporters.
They now sit bottom of the Sky Bet Championship. Last weekend they lost 6-1 to Bournemouth.
"I think the Blackpool fans will be more elated if Oyston goes than they were when Blackpool got promoted to the Premier League," Smith added.
"That's the depth of bad feeling towards him in the town."
In October, fans staged a walkout in protest against Oyston's ownership and fans are likely to voice their dissent during the club's next home game against Rotherham on December 28.
"A few more people might turn up for the next home game," Smith said.
"It will put more money in his pocket but given what has happened, the feeling is fans actually want to go to the game to express their anger and I think that's what's going to happen."
Oyston said in his text row with Smith that he would ban the Blackpool supporter, but he intends to go to the game.
"I haven't had any confirmation off him whether I am banned or not so I think I might try my luck and see what happens," he said.
Blackpool are yet to respond to requests for a comment on the matter.
Blackpool V Cardiff - view commentary, squad, and statistics of the game live.
Seasiders' issues mount
Blackpool's injury problems are once again mounting up as the side propping up the Sky Bet Championship welcome Cardiff to Bloomfield Road.
Costa Rica international Jose Miguel Cubero was forced off against Middlesbrough in midweek with an ankle problem while fellow midfielder Andrea Orlandi also had to be substituted because of a foot issue.
Experienced defender Peter Clarke is continuing to battle against illness, while Bobby Grant and Gary MacKenzie (both knee), as well as striker Steven Davies (groin), all have long-term problems.
Boss Jose Riga, who could hand debuts to Andre Blackman and Formose Mendy, must decide whether to welcome Nile Ranger back into the fold after he appeared to vent his anger at being left out of the squad at the Riverside on Twitter.
Cardiff loanee Joe Lewis will be unable to play against his parent club, so goalkeeper Elliot Parish is expected to assume the gloves.
The Bluebirds could be without defender Matt Connolly, who is considered touch-and-go due to a hamstring strain.
On-loan West Ham forward Ravel Morrison will be hoping to make his first start for the club after a pair of substitute appearances.
Caretaker managers Scott Young and Danny Gabbidon are expected to be in the dugout once more for Cardiff, with the arrival of prospective manager Russell Slade having been delayed due to compensation issues with his former club Leyton Orient.
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ArticleComments (0) Prince Buaben offered new deal
Hearts have put a new three-year contract extension on the table to keep midfielder Prince Buaben at Tynecastle, Sky Sports News understands.
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The 26-year-old midfielder, who has been capped twice by Ghana, signed a one-year deal with Hearts during last summer but it is understood the Edinburgh club is now offering him a new and improved three-year deal.
Buaben has scored four times in 15 appearances in all competitions for the Scottish Championship leaders this season.
Hearts remain the only side in Britain unbeaten in their league following their 4-1 defeat of Queen of the South at Tynecastle at the weekend, in which Buaben missed a first half penalty.
They are nine points clear of Rangers and travel to second-from-bottom Cowdenbeath on Saturday.
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e have the personnel. The trick is keeping them fit. Carrick and Blind have missed large chunks of the season, while the defence has been one muddled mess of intermittent stooges, all coming and going at various intervals thus far. We may be just short of title winning quality, but we're half way through. An injury crisis to either of the top two could change things. Optimistic, yes, but not unrealistic.
HarryBoulton One Point And One Conclusion For United P
arish is the man to blame for this shambles. Pulis must be chuckling into his left over turkey sandwich. I pray this doesn't mean the Neil Warnock media machine will kick in now and he'll be back on the telly box.
magicfuller Warnock sacked by Palace W
e almost found a new way to lose, just when I thought it was getting boring Giroud does that. Although Arsenal are deservedly called 'soft' the entire midfield is out injured. Still must admit MU are managing to win despite a similar raft of absentees. Think the Gunners have good players but poorly coached.
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A police report in the wake of the fourth-round tie - which Celtic won 4-0 - also confirmed that one Hearts supporter was arrested at the match for the same offence.
In a statement on Wednesday Budge, who claimed almost 100 seats in the away end of the ground were damaged during the afternoon, said such behaviour is “unacceptable and dangerous” and stressed in line with her previous statement of zero tolerance that any individual found guilty will not be allowed back into the stadium.
"I was appalled at the vandalism carried out by visiting supporters on Sunday," she said. "Having recently spent significant sums to replace broken seats in the Roseburn Stand, for the benefit, primarily, of our away supporters, I was hugely disappointed to witness the destruction of close to 100 seats.
"Similarly, the graffiti on walls, tiles, doors - basically all types of surfaces - was quite disgraceful and this is not to mention the damage to toilets.
"I have discussed all of these matters with members of the Celtic executive and we are working co-operatively to address the issues. No club should be on the receiving end of such unacceptable behaviour and no club should be put in the position of having to defend such behaviour.
"The most distressing emails/reports I have received are of intimidation both to fans and to staff from away fans. Everyone gets frustrated when officials and police appear to take little or no action.
"This is something I will discuss with the authorities but as many of us know, their response is very often influenced by a need not to further inflame a situation. The only real answer is to try to remove those people who cause the problems and who spoil the whole experience for so many others."
But Celtic released a statement of their own claiming the match between the sides at the Edinburgh venue has become increasingly 'difficult' over the past few years.
It read: "As recent years have shown, the fixture between Heart of Midlothian and Celtic at Tynecastle Stadium has become a difficult one. This follows various incidents, including an attack on the Celtic manager and continued sectarian abuse directed at Celtic management, staff and players.
"Celtic representatives met with Ann Budge and her executive team yesterday (Tuesday) and were made aware of particular issues which arose at the match on Sunday.
"In addition to these issues, missiles were thrown into the Celtic support, a Celtic supporter sustained injuries at the match after being hit with coins, and sectarian abuse was again directed at Celtic staff and players.
"We are also aware of a home supporter again attempting to enter the field of play at Tynecastle, this time to approach one of our players. We are addressing these matters with Heart of Midlothian and welcome the desire of Ann Budge to seek a positive and enjoyable matchday experience for all football supporters at Tynecastle.
"We look forward to working with her to achieve this. Celtic supporters have a long and proud record of positive support for the club. Our fans have developed an excellent reputation and this is something we cherish and wish to preserve.
"It is very important to note that the vast majority of Celtic supporters and Scottish football supporters behave impeccably at matches.
"With regards to the reported incidents at the match on Sunday, we would like to re-iterate that any form of offensive or inappropriate behaviour is contrary to our core values and the club will deal with those responsible in the appropriate manner.
"We share the concerns expressed by Ann Budge and her aim to eradicate all forms of offensive behaviour from Scottish football.
"We can assure Heart of Midlothian that we will be pleased to continue to co-operate with them fully to ensure that all issues from this match concerning both sets of supporters are addressed."
And Celtic striker Anthony Stokes backed up his club's version of events and was critical of Budge's comments, writing on social media: "Maybe Ann budge should worry about her own fans, never had so many sectarian comments directed at me in a ground like Tynecastle the other day."
Hearts take on Ronny Deila's sode on the back of a 2-0 victory over Rangers which lifted them nine points clear in the race for the Championship title.
Goals from Jason Holt and Jamie Walker secured the points for Robbie Neilson's men last Saturday and Gordon, who spent seven years with Hearts, says they will be desperate to build on that performance.
Speaking to Sky Sports News HQ, Gordon, who won the Scottish Cup with Hearts in 2006, said: "They will be right up for this on Sunday. They are still undefeated in the league so it makes it a big game and one where they will probably fancy their chances.
"But that is good for us as they will come out and look to try and win the game and hopefully it will be a nice open match and one that the fans will enjoy."
And Gordon, who returned to the Scotland squad against England earlier this month after a four-year absence, believes victory at Tynecastle on Sunday will go a long way to helping the Hoops achieve their ultimate goal this season.
"I have one Scottish Cup to my name with Hearts and I am desperate to win everything in Scotland," he added.
"We still have a chance to do that (the treble) this year. We have a lot of hard game but that has to be the aim... try to win them all.
"We're at Celtic and we're top of the league now and favourites in pretty much every game we go into, certainly domestically, and that has been our aim since the start of the season."
Watch Hearts take on Celtic live on Sky Sports 2 from 3.15pm this Sunday
For seven minutes this Tynecastle showdown lived up to all its hype with the fans in full voice and both sets of players fired up as the runaway Championship leaders got stuck into their Glaswegian visitors currently topping the Scottish Premiership.
But a moment of madness from Morgaro Gomis changed everything as the Hearts skipper saw red after flying into Scott Brown with an ugly two-footed challenge and with Van Dijk scoring soon after, the contest was over with the Dutchman adding a second after the break, and Anthony Stokes and a controversial John Guidetti penalty compounding the misery.
The Jambos would have welcomed Celtic with happy Cup memories from 2012 when they lifted the trophy and although they suffered a 7-0 demolition at home at this stage of the competition last season, their fine run in the second tier would have ensured a buoyant spirit at the start.
Gomis suffered a couple of late challenges in the early exchanges but there was no excuse for his lunge on the Celtic captain and apart from a wasted free-kick by Alim Ozturk a few minutes after his skipper's marching orders, they were unable to offer any further threat to Craig Gordon's goal.
With James Keatings cutting a lonely and isolated figure upfront, Hearts were forced further and further backwards and Celtic’s patience was finally rewarded with their opener on 28 minutes.
The wilting Hearts defence struggled to clear from a corner and despite Stokes not connecting properly at an attempted cross, the ball fell to Van Dijk who smashed the ball home.
The possession was relentless from the visitors and as the interval approached, it was a miracle Celtic weren’t two goals up as Van Dijk scooped over from one yard after a low driven corner from Stokes evaded everybody.
Six minutes into the second period and Celtic doubled their lead with a Guidetti spot-kick, but it was harsh on Hearts with Brad McKay being wrongfully penalised for taking out Guidetti's legs when there was no contact.
Hearts were incensed but worse was to come with a second goal in two minutes when Brown set up Stokes on the edge of the box to rifle in a third.
A dispirited defence switched off for Stefan Johansen's corner and Van Dijk made it four as he leapt up brilliantly to nod in his second of the afternoon from six yards.
Substitute Kris Commons was unfortunate to have a goal ruled out having stabbed in after Neil Alexander spilled his earlier shot, while Hearts did offer some resilience with Robbie Buchanan going close with a long range shot.
But it was all too comfortable for Ronny Deila's players with many of the Hearts fans heading for the exit early in the second half, but how different it could have been had their skipper kept his feet on the ground.
The Gorgie head coach was unhappy at skipper Morgaro Gomis' sending off for his challenge on Scott Brown, but was even angrier about Celtic's penalty after the interval when John Guidetti went to ground without any contact from defender Brad McKay.
The Swedish striker scored from the spot to add to defender Virgil van Dijk's first-half strike and further goals from Anthony Stokes and Van Dijk again eased Celtic into the fifth round.
Asked if he tried to speak to Collum after the game, Neilson replied: "I tried to, he wasn't speaking to me. Some of them do, some of them don't. I don't know what the rules are, they change all the time.
"I've watched both incidents. I'm disappointed on the outcome of both. Everyone knows what the outcome of those decisions should have been but the one man who makes the decision didn't see it like everyone else.
"We were in a game last week where two (Rangers) players were booked for tackles that were far worse than Morgaro's tackle. Morgaro goes in and wins the ball and the referee decides it's a sending-off.
"We can't really argue against it because they always have things they can say - it's reckless, or at pace - but for me the second one, the penalty, is the real changer in the game.
"I am more annoyed at that but I'm also more annoyed that you can't speak to them. If somebody makes a mistake I would rather they just came and said 'look, I did it' and we could move on."
Asked if he thought Guidetti dived, Neilson replied: "The fact you are asking me the question probably answers your own question, doesn't it? I'm not going to try to get players sent off or booked retrospectively.
Everyone else will make decisions on that. We can only focus on ourselves and from my point of view it was the wrong decision."
Celtic boss Ronny Deila was understandably more relaxed about the two decisions and said: "I haven't spoken to him (John), but from my position it looked like a penalty. I think we had control of the game at that point. The red card was more important than the penalty.
"It's hard for me to say if it was a red card, but it was good that we maintained our tempo. We had good pressing and got the four goals which made the victory comfortable."
After another fine performance by Van Dijk, who would have had a hat-trick if he had not missed a first-half sitter, Deila expects there to be interest from England in the Dutchman when the January transfer window opens.
However, the Norwegian does not want him to move to an "average Premier League team".
He said: "I really hope he can stay here and that we can keep him. That is the priority. If he is going, I hope it is to the biggest clubs and not an average Premier League team.
"He has everything you need to do it at that [top-four club] level. But I hope we can keep him to challenge for the four competitions and that would be good for him, too.
"He is our player and we have a long contract, so I really hope we can keep him."
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Register Hearts v Alloa Match Preview Match Report Match Rating Hearts ease to another success
Scottish Championship leaders Hearts maintained their nine-point advantage over Rangers as they eased to a 2-0 win against Alloa Athletic.
Last Updated: 20/12/14 at 18:00 RSS FeedBookmark with del.icio.usSave to iGoogleSave to My YahooSubmit to redditShare on StumbleUpon Callum Paterson: Netted second goal for Hearts More of the games that matter
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First-half goals from James Keatings and Callum Paterson were sufficient to see off the Wasps as Robbie Neilson's side maintained their record of being the only unbeaten side in senior British football.
Keatings scored his sixth of the season with a crisp strike from just inside the box and Paterson (29) latched onto Jamie Walker's cross to double the home side's advantage.
Hearts have won 14 of their 16 games this season, conceding just eight goals, and there was plenty of enterprise and endeavour on show to keep the crowd of 15,224 entertained.
Stephen Simmons hit the post before half-time as Alloa looked for a toe-hold but Hearts were able to keep them at arms length and went close themselves to extending their lead when Miguel Pallardo's 22-yard left-foot effort came back off the crossbar.
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More Match Results Saturday, 27 December 2014 17:30 Falkirk 0-1 Raith 15:00 Alloa 1-1 Q of South Cowdenb'th 1-3 Dumbarton Livingston 0-1 Hearts Report 12:15 Hibernian 4-0 Rangers Report Tuesday, 23 December 2014 19:45 Cowdenb'th 0-2 Hearts Report Saturday, 20 December 2014 17:30 Dumbarton 0-3 Falkirk 15:00 Hearts 2-0 Alloa Report Q of South 1-2 Cowdenb'th Raith 1-3 Hibernian Report Footer 365 Follow us on Twitter Join our Facebook Page Premier League: Sam Allardyce accuses referee of guessing wrongly over disallowed Alex Song goal
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Robbie Neilson's side are the only senior side in Britain not to have tasted defeat this season and they had 7,000 fans cheering them on as James Keatings' first-half goal proved decisive at Almondvale.
The home side were appealing for a penalty early on as Michael McKenna went down in the Hearts box under pressure, but the referee was not interested.
Adam Eckersey then found Keatings at the far post but he could not hit the target although he had a chance to atone from the penalty spot soon after when Jason Holt was fouled; his spot-kick was firmly struck but blocked by the legs of Livi keeper Darren Jamieson.
Sam Nicholson's header was well saved before King deftly teed up Keatings (25) and it was third time lucky for the Hearts man who swept in his fourth goal in as many games from four yards.
Neil Alexander made an excellent save to deny Jordan White's low shot from 12 yards while White was threatening again when he tested Alexander with a firm header.
It was the visitors who finished on top as Callum Paterson set up Nicholson, who shot straight at the keeper when he should have scored but it was not to matter as the victors' thoughts turned to next week's sold-out Edinburgh derby.
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Premier League: Sam Allardyce accuses referee of guessing wrongly over disallowed Alex Song goal
Premier League: Arsene Wenger says Arsenal are showing signs of consistency after West Ham win
Premier League: Newcastle overcome Everton 3-2 thanks to Papiss Cisse, Ayoze Perez and Jack Colback
Callum Paterson: Netted second goal for Hearts
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