Taylor-Fletcher 41       Ledley 37

Blackpool reached the promised land of the EPL after a pulsating Football League Championship play-off final at Wembley.

The match, billed as the most valuable in world football at £88m, was decided in a frantic first-half - the Seasiders coming from behind twice to lead, before surviving a Bluebirds onslaught, inspired by the near-unplayable Michael Chopra.

Chopra gave Cardiff a ninth-minute lead, having already hit the post, with a low right-foot shot past Blackpool keeper Matt Gilks.

Blackpool levelled within four minutes, Charlie Adam curling a magnificent 25-yard left-footed free-kick past David Marshall.

Cardiff striker Jay Bothroyd limped off shortly afterwards. But Joe Ledley restored the Bluebirds’ advantage on 37 minutes, converting Peter Whittingham’s fine through-ball.

Again Blackpool struck back immediately, Gary Taylor-Fletcher heading home from close range, having struck the post moments earlier.

And right on half-time they led for the first time, Brett Ormerod lashing his right-foot shot home after the ball broke kindly to him ten yards out.

The luckless Chopra struck the crossbar with a magnificent effort on 57 minutes. And the luckless City were unable to find an equaliser, as pre-season relegation favourites Blackpool made a romantic return to the top-flight after a 39-year absence.