Jordan Rhodes at the double as Blackpool see off Carlisle

Jordan Rhodes scored twice as Blackpool earned a well-deserved 3-0 victory against struggling Carlisle.

Blackpool dominated throughout, and the result merited their impressive performance as they move within three points of the play-off places.

The Seasiders went ahead through Andy Lyons (22), who chipped Tomas Holy after the Carlisle goalkeeper fumbled a cross.

Blackpool were in the ascendancy and pushed for another goal as Kenny Dougall saw a good effort blocked and Jake Beesley glanced one just past the post.

Lyons was denied his second by a fine save from Holy and CJ Hamilton hit the side netting with Blackpool keeping up the pressure into the second half.

Rhodes doubled the lead on 67 minutes, using his predatory instincts to react sharply after Holy saved from Beesley.

Carlisle, down in 22nd, searched for a route back into the game. Alfie McDermott and Jordan Gibson had chances but failed to take them as Blackpool preserved their clean sheet.

The outstanding Rhodes put the icing on the cake in stoppage time, finishing clinically to claim his 13th of the season.