Matthew Connolly bagged an unlikely brace as Cardiff City claimed an impressive 3-0 win over Blackpool this afternoon to continue their 100% home record.

The central defender had not previously scored in two-and-a-half years, but he netted two headers as the Bluebirds convincingly beat their potential promotion rivals.

Craig Bellamy was the architect of Connolly's first, crossing accurately from the right for him to head unmarked past Tangerines stopper Matt Gilks.

Cardiff's second came from a more probable source as Peter Whittingham struck left-footed into the bottom corner to give the hosts a two-goal cushion after just 27 minutes.

Ian Holloway had made seven changes to the Blackpool side that were defeated by Huddersfield on Monday night, but his fresh lineup could not launch a comeback as Cardiff continued to dominate the action.

They deservedly extended their advantage in the second period when Connolly capitalised on a Gilks mistake to head in Whittingham's corner and secure them their fourth consecutive Championship home win.