Nothing could separate Blackpool and Brighton & Hove Albion as they fought to a 1-1 draw this afternoon.

© PA Photos

The hosts came close to taking the lead after just five minutes when Tom Ince cut inside before producing a shot that was parried by Thomas Kuzczsak into the path of Matt Phillips, but the midfielder couldn't keep his effort down.

Gary Taylor-Fletcher should have given his side the opener when he was found unmarked in the box, but he couldn't direct his header on target.

It was the visitors who finally broke the deadlock after Kirk Broadfoot and Matt Gilks left the ball for each other, allowing Ashley Barnes to nip in and give his side the lead.

Blackpool had a great chance to level the sides soon after when Elliot Grandin's shot was deflected into the path of Ince, but he could only scoop his shot over from six yards.

The home side finally found a goal 10 minutes later courtesy of Grandin's header from a fine cross, bringing the scores back level.

They almost scored again immediately after the restart but Ian Evatt's header from six yards out went over.

Both sides pushed for the winner in the closing stages, but neither could find it as the spoils were shared.