Ian Holloway's side twice found themselves behind in an end-to-end first half before claiming a lead they would not relinquish on the stroke of half-time.

Cardiff were strong pre-match favourites after finishing six points and two places above the unfashionable north-west outfit at the end of the regular season.

However, the Seasiders ripped up the formbook at Wembley to secure a surprise return to the top-flight after a near 40-year absence.

Cardiff drew first blood through the lively Michael Chopra with just nine minutes on the clock.

Chopra had already rattled the woodwork in the fourth minute when he latched on to Peter Whittingham's throughball after returning from an offside position before squeezing a well-placed shot between goalkeeper Matt Gilks and the upright.

But Blackpool's legendary spirit was on display almost immediately as they clawed their way back on level terms through Charlie Adam.

The former Rangers midfielder dispatched a stunning 25-yard free-kick over the wall and into the top corner of the net to send the Seasiders fans wild.

Cardiff lost key striker Jay Bothroyd to injury soon after but managed to score against the run of play to get their noses back in front.

After repelling wave after wave of Blackpool attacks, Whittingham again opened up the defence with a perfectly weighted pass through the inside left channel and Joe Ledley found the back of the net from 12 yards.

However, Bluebirds fans had barely retaken their seats when Blackpool restored parity for a second time.

Gary Taylor-Fletcher profited from a scramble at a corner to bravely head home a loose ball to level up an entertaining game once again.

Blackpool then struck the decisive blow on the stroke of half-time. Dudley Campbell broke into the area but failed to make clean contact with the ball before it rolled into the path of Brett Ormerod and the veteran striker lashed a low shot through the goalkeeper's legs.

The second half was a more cagey affair and every time Cardiff built up a head of steam they were deflated by an injury problem.

Stephen McPhail and Kevin McNaughton were both troubled, with the latter having to be replaced in the 74th minute as Dave Jones was forced into a third and final substitution.

Dangerman Chopra rattled the crossbar with a rising shot while Ledley glanced a corner narrowly wide as the Welsh side repeatedly knocked at the door.

However, they couldn't find a way through a defence which gave everything in the final 45 minutes and at full-time it was the sea of tangerine-clad Blackpool fans celebrating the most unlikely of promotions to the promised land of the Premier League.