Dave Jones is still hoping Cardiff can gatecrash the Championship play-offs after they laboured to a 3-1 victory over Blackpool at Ninian Park.The FA Cup finalists are five points off the top six with four games to play after goals from Stephen McPhail, Trevor Sinclair and Peter Whittingham secured all three points.

Andy Morrell pulled one back for the Seasiders with 18 minutes remaining, and Bluebirds boss Jones admitted his side had made hard work of the win.

"It was a tough match as Blackpool are a very hard-working team," he said.

"We took our foot off the gas after the third goal and probably had to work far harder than necessary in the closing minutes.

"I am asking the lads to keep going and that is very hard as we haven't the numbers in the squad. They are running at full pelt and I have told them that is how they will steer clear of injuries.

"We haven't given up on the play-offs but it is difficult for us with the cup final coming up, but we will all keep on working hard."

Blackpool were far livelier in the opening period but McPhail's superb volley gave City the lead slightly against the run of play.

The Irish international was waiting outside a crowded goalmouth and as the ball came out to him he rifled his shot high into the net.

Blackpool continued to have more possession but with Roger Johnson in superb form at the back for Cardiff, they rarely troubled the home goal.

Tangerines manager Simon Grayson brought on veteran striker Paul Dickov at the start of the second half but it was the Bluebirds who went further ahead in the 49th minute.

Aaron Ramsey, playing further up the field than usual, mis-hit a shot and the ball found its way to Tony Capaldi. His cross was met by Sinclair, who side-footed home from close range.

It was 17-year-old Ramsey who made City's third goal when he broke away before slipping a pass out wide to Whittingham.

The former Aston Villa midfielder took a couple of steps before drilling a low shot into the net.

Substitute Morrell pulled a goal back when he glanced in a cross from Dickov but although the visitors went up a gear in the closing stages, they were unable to prise open a solid City defence.

"We started well but a great strike from Stephen McPhail put us on the back foot," said Blackpool boss Grayson.

"It was a disappointing performance with no energy or life in it and that is surprising for this team.

"We did a little better after scoring the goal but it was too little and too late."

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