Blackpool have point to prove as they battle West Ham for Premier League promotion

 
10 May 2012

Blackpool's Matt Phillips feels his side have something to prove when they face West Ham in the npower Championship play-off final.

Blackpool secured their place at Wembley with a 3-2 aggregate win over Birmingham after tonight's semi-final, second leg at St Andrew's finished 2-2.

But they will have their work cut out against the Hammers, who beat Ian Holloway's side 4-0 at home and 4-1 away in the league this season.

"We feel we've got a point to prove after they beat us convincingly in the two games in the league," Phillips told Sky Sports 1.

"We're going to go there and give it a good effort."

Goals from Stephen Dobbie and Phillips put Blackpool in command in the tie, but Birmingham hit back to level and force a nervy finish.

"It was a difficult test over both legs," Phillips added. "Coming here was always going to be hard but we dug in and showed what team spirit we've got."

Blackpool boss Holloway added: "Words are going to fail me. I'm so proud.

"We got ourselves in a brilliant situation and what a fantastic fightback that was. If they had got the equaliser I could not see us coming back.

"But we're going to Wembley again, it's just magnificent.

"Halfway through the second half I felt fine. Once they got a goal it changed everything. It got the crowd on their side and we forgot to play.

"At the end of the day it was about finishing with one more goal than them and I am very proud of my boys for coming through."

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