Dougall's brace sends Blackpool to the Championship

Blackpool came from behind to beat Lincoln 2-1 in the League One play-off final at Wembley to return to the Championship after a six-year absence. 

The Action: The Imps got off to a dreamy start when Blackpool's Ollie Turton turned Brennan Johnson's cross into his own net within 50 seconds.

Michael Appleton's men were so close to doubling their advantage midway through the first half, but Jorge Grant's superb shot struck in the bar.

Grant's close shave acted as a wake-up call for Blackpool, and the Seasiders managed to level 10 minutes before half-time when Kenny Dougall fired a low drive into the net from outside the box.

In the second period, Dougall, from almost exactly the same position at the other end of the pitch, put Blackpool ahead on 54 minutes.

Lincoln pushed vainly for an equaliser, but Neil Critchley's men held firm and protected their one-goal lead for the rest of the game.

Victory for the Tangerines means they return to the Championship after relegation from the second tier in 2014/15.

Man of the Match: Kenny Dougall: without a club and training on his own after his release from Barnsley last summer, the Australian repaid Blackpool's faith in him with two important goals to send the Tangerines back to the Championship.

Stat of the Day: Blackpool earned their sixth promotion via the Football League play-offs – at least two more than any other side.

Promotion to the @SkyBetChamp - not bad in your first full season as a manager.

What a job this man has done!#EFL | #EFLPlayOffs | #StepUppic.twitter.com/kIaTbhvlSO

— Sky Bet League One (@SkyBetLeagueOne) May 30, 2021