Hamilton & Lyons help Blackpool to stunning FA Cup win

Former Shamrock Rovers defender Andy Lyons and Ireland international CJ Hamilton both impressed as Blackpool belied their poor Championship form to hammer Premier League outfit Nottingham Forest 4-1.

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The Seasiders, in the second-tier's relegation zone after a nine-game winless run, led at half-time through Marvin Ekpiteta's close-range finish.

Michael Appleton's side then soaked up Forest's second-half pressure and added further goals through Ian Poveda, Hamilton and substitute Jerry Yates before Ryan Yates headed a late consolation for the visitors.

Lyons produced a very assured performance on his Blackpool debut, while the livewire Hamilton was a constant menace on the left wing.

Forest boss Steve Cooper made 11 changes for the third-round tie and was left stunned as his new-look line-up failed to convert a host of chances before being punished on the counter by the Championship strugglers.

Blackpool were first to threaten when James Husband fired narrowly wide, while Nico Williams went closer at the other end for Forest, dragging his low effort just off target after a mazy run to the edge of the penalty area.

But it was the Championship side who drew first blood. Forest midfielder Lewis O'Brien misdirected an attempted headed clearance in the box and centre-half Ekpiteta fired home from eight yards.

Forest were stung into action and were a whisker away from equalising when Emmanuel Dennis curled a shot against the crossbar.

Brazilian midfielder Gustavo Scarpa, making his first start for Forest, forced Blackpool goalkeeper Chris Maxwell into a low save and Sam Surridge blazed into the side-netting after beating his man in the box.

Maxwell kept the Tangerines' noses in front as they came under concerted