Chelsea FC's hopes of retaining their title are still alive after a 3-1 win at Blackpool FC moved them within nine points of leaders Manchester United FC.

John Terry gave Chelsea a first-half advantage and a quickfire double from Frank Lampard after the interval enabled Carlo Ancelotti's side to follow up their victory over United last Tuesday with another three points. Chelsea have a game in hand on Sir Alex Ferguson's men and must yet travel to Old Trafford as they bid to mount a late challenge.

Terry rose unmarked to head in a 20th-minute corner at Bloomfield Road, though Blackpool then pressed for an equaliser until the visitors' second goal after 63 minutes. Salomon Kalou was felled and Lampard confidently converted the penalty. Three minutes later the midfielder claimed another after bursting through the home rearguard, before Jason Puncheon hit a deserved late consolation for Blackpool.

Chelsea, who host FC København in their UEFA Champions League round of 16 return with a 2-0 advantage on 16 March, still sit fourth while Blackpool are 15th and just two points above the relegation zone.

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