Asamoah Gyan's Sunderland avenged last month's defeat to Richard Kingson's Blackpool at the Stadium of Light by beating the Seasiders 2-1 in their own backyard thanks to two first-half goals from Kieran Richardson.

Sunderland opened the scoring after 15 minutes when Richardson was put through by Gyan and slotted past his Ghana team-mate Kingson who was advancing out of the Blackpool goal.

Moments later, Gyan also raced clear of the Blackpool defence but an out-of-position Kingson recovered well to make the tackle on the edge of his box.

Blackpool created few chances until just before the half-hour mark when Craig Gordon was forced to make two fine saves.

The first was from Luke Varney who spurned a golden chance when he went through one-on-one with the keeper.

Then Gordon turned Charlie Adams's vicious shot over the crossbar.

Blackpool's pressure was undone by Richardson's second goal in the 36th minute. This time the decisive pass came from Steed Malbranque and Richardson kept a cool head to slot past the keeper once more.

Sunderland were again grateful to Gordon in the 42nd minute when he pushed over a superb 20-yard free-kick from Adam.

Blackpool were forced to make a change in the 49th minute, Brett Ormerod replacing Stephen Crainey after he limped off.

Five minutes later Kingson was left with a cut on his head following a brave block from Zenden, who had been put through by Richardson. He was unable to continue and was replaced by Paul Rachubka between the posts.

It was another blow for manager Ian Holloway, with his side trailing by two goals.

Blackpool responded, though, and almost pulled a goal back in the 59th minute when Varney set up Adam in the six-yard box but Gordon was equal to his effort and turned it over the bar.

Holloway decided to go for broke three minutes later and brought on fit-again striker Marlon Harewood for Grandin.

Harewood was quickly into the action and got the better of Titus Bramble in the 66th minute but dragged his shot the wrong side of the post.

Blackpool were anxious to get back in the game and Adam curled a shot wide from an acute angle in the 77th minute after being picked out by Matt Phillips.

They eventually pulled a goal back in the 85th minute with Adam scoring from the penalty spot after David Vaughan was nudged by Bramble. However, it was too little too late.