Blackpool 3 Luton 2: Ex-Hatters striker Mark Cullen hits treble to complete Seasiders comeback win in League Two play-off semi first leg

MARK CULLEN got the Blackpool fans singing again — and dreaming of Wembley — with a hat-trick against his old team.

The striker who moved to Bloomfield Road two years ago for £180,000 stunned the Hatters in this rip–roaring clash.

Rex Features

He even brought some joy to a club that may have reached the play–offs but are still subject to a boycott by fans over their hatred of owners the Oystons.

Keep up to date with ALL the EFL NEWS

There were only 2,234 home fans there to see Cullen hold his nerve from the penalty spot to grab his third and inspire a famous comeback victory for the Tangerines.

Cullen, 25, said: “I had missed my last penalty against Doncaster so it took a bit of courage to stand up and take responsibility this time around.”

For once Blackpool’s supporters made almost as much noise as the visiting section.

And for once — after a five–year slide that took the club all the way from the Premier League to the fourth tier of the Football League — there is new hope about the place.

Cullen added: “I’m delighted but this wasn’t just about me — all the lads put their bodies on the line and we are going to have to do that again on Thursday night.”

Reuters

Nathan Jones’ Luton side went into the game as firm favourites to reach the final. But he will be worried after his team, having finished seven points ahead of Gary Bowyer’s latecomers, were torn apart in the second half.

Boss Jones said: “I’m disappointed because we went into the game with the second-best defensive record in the league.

“So our performance at the back was totally out of character.

“We are still in the tie but we have to show up on Thursday night.”

Rex Features