Brett Ormerod’s first-half winner ensured a fairytale victory for Blackpool in the play-off final and secured the most lucrative promotion in the history of English football.
The Seasiders twice come from behind to lead 3-2 at the break and clinch a place in the Barclays Premier League estimated to be worth £90million.
Michael Chopra put Cardiff ahead but Charlie Adam levelled with a free-kick for his 19th goal of the season before Joe Ledley restored the Welsh club’s advantage with a neat finish.
Yet the energy and desire that has been so evident in Ian Holloway’s side throughout the campaign again came to the fore as Gary Taylor-Fletcher and Ormerod struck from close range shortly before the break to put Blackpool in front.
Ormerod’s 13th goal of the season – undoubtedly the most important strike of the 33-year-old’s long career – gave the Seasiders an advantage they did not surrender.
FINAL SCORE: BLACKPOOL 3 CARDIFF CITY 2.
BLACKPOOL ARE PROMOTED TO PREMIER LEAGUE.