Latics held at Blackpool

BLACKPOOL 0, ATHLETIC 0

See longer report report with pictures.

ATHLETIC fought hard for a draw against their relegation rivals, but will rue not quite having the quality to take a much-needed three points.

Curtis Main had the best chance for John Sheridan's visitors, the substitute heading over after Danny Lafferty's saved shot spooned into his path.

Lafftery had saved Athletic's bacon in the opening stages of a frantic but low-quality contest when flicking a goal-bound header against the woodwork and out of danger.

Jonathan Forte shot just wide in the first half and Carl Winchester forced a save from Dean Lyness, while for Blackpool Martin Paterson headed straight at Joel Coleman when unmarked.

Paterson also lobbed off target when well-placed late on, but clear chances were few and far between on a night when two well-organised defences won the day.