THE DEMANDS of a week-long pre-season tournament may not have been to everybody's linking.

But for those who saw Sunday's hugely entertaining Joma 2010 South West Challenge Cup final at the Sports Ground, Blackpool and Havant and Waterlooville certainly did the occasion justice.

Ian Holloway's Blackpool team rounded off their stay in North Devon by fighting back from 2-0 down to end the spirited challenge of the underdogs.

Charlie Adam, Jason Euell and a late own goal by James Tyrell sent them home buoyed by a 3-2 win.

During their four games in the tournament, Blackpool may not have sparkled in the way you would associate with more established Barclays Premier League teams.

But their togetherness and down-to-earth attitude will at least give them a fighting chance for the daunting season ahead.

Holloway said: "Hopefully people will see there are some ordinary people playing in the Premier League because that's what they are.

"You try to find good characters to bring to your company and you hope they carry the same ethos as you do, work hard for each other and don't want to just pick up the money.

"We have shown we're adaptable and we can move and we can pass it."

After gaining the winning habit with victories over Accrington Stanley, Kilmarnock and Leyton Orient, those long hours on the training ground were showing as Blackpool fell behind.

Havant, only in the final because of the withdrawal of Shrewsbury Town, belied their own tired legs with a first half full of energy.

Blackpool goalkeeper Paul Rachubka had already been called into action to deny Mustafa Tiryaki, Bobby Hopkinson and Sammy Igoe before the Blue Square South side deservedly went ahead.

Turkish target man Tiryaki fired across goal for strike partner Steve Ramsey to turn in at the far post.

Former Tiverton Town midfielder Hopkinson was full of enthusiasm in the midfield and clearly relishing his battle with Charlie Adam.

And when he made a typical drive into the box, the ball ran for Tiryaki to double the advantage.

Taking the lead against a top-flight club is nothing new for the Hawks. In 2008 they famously led twice at Anfield before bowing out of the FA Cup against Liverpool.

The Seasiders gained a foothold on the stroke of half time when Ian Simpemba tripped Alex Baptiste and Adam converted the penalty.

Few players in the tournament could boast a sweeter left foot than Blackpool's Scottish midfielder and Adam brought a stunning, fingertip save from Nathan Ashmore just after half time.

The goalkeeper also made excellent stops from Brett Ormerod and Keith Southern as the pressure began to mount.

The skilful Tiryaki might have given the underdogs further hope as his dipping volley flashed past Rachubka's near post from the edge of the area.

Finally, though, the tides of Tangerine shirts piling forward told, and Gary Taylor Fletcher crossed for Jason Euell to equalise with a diving header.

It might have been a friendly final but the roars of encouragement from Holloway on the sideline showed he was determined to leave North Devon with a another win.

Just eight minutes were left when another cross from Adam looped off the unfortunate Tyrell for a winning own goal.

Even then Havant had the chance to take the tie to penalties as Harvey White broke clear, only to be denied by Rachubka.

Substitute White was one of two 16-year-olds called up at short notice, and summed up the effort on display from the Hampshire club.

Manager Shaun Gale said: "We did well with what we had left to play with. There were players out there who had played four matches in five days. I had two kids, both 16 years old, come down today.

"We gave them a fair test and I thought we did very well in the first half."

After the effort given in the previous day's semi-final defeat against Shrewsbury Town, Havant were glad to still be involved.

"It's difficult competing when a team pulls out," said Gale. "But we were more than happy to keep the competition going.

"I've been disappointed with some of the professional sides in this tournament but Blackpool deserved to be in the final.

"It's been a fantastic week and we have thoroughly enjoyed it.

"We got what we wanted out of it and it stands us in good stead to have a good season."