Sonny Carey’s brace ensured Blackpool avoided an FA Cup upset with a 2-0 victory against Gillingham at Priestfield.

The forward’s left-footed drilled effort just prior to the interval put the Seasiders in front before he secured the win with a neat finish in the third minute of second-half added time.

Blackpool’s Elliot Embleton had a couple of early chances to break the deadlock, his first effort hit the side netting from a tight angle before a second more central shot was gathered by veteran Glenn Morris.

Visiting keeper Richard O’Donnell was at full stretch moments later when Jack Nolan decided to shoot on the turn from 25 yards, however the effort went just wide of the left post.

The League One side got themselves in front just before the interval when Carey received a short pass from Embleton, shifted the ball onto his left foot before drilling an effort in off the post from 20 yards.

The hosts bossed possession for much of the second half but were indebted to Morris who made a strong save from sub Jordan Rhodes, before Jacob Wakeling spared Shad Ogie’s blushes by clearing a mistimed defensive header off the line.

Blackpool made sure of victory in added time when Carey went through on goal and slotted past the oncoming Morris.