Blackpool
1-1
Birmingham Birmingham City

Ince (17')

FT(HT: 1-0)

Davies (48')

Preview

Blackpool record fourth successive draw

By Liam Power, Reporter | 27 November 2012

Birmingham City defender Curtis Davies heads home an equaliser at Bloomfield Road to condemn Blackpool manager Michael Appleton to a fourth successive draw.

Michael Appleton's search for a first win as Blackpool manager goes on after Birmingham City equalised early in the second half at Bloomfield Road.

Thomas Ince scores for Blackpool on November 27, 2012 © PA Photos

Blackpool were ahead after 15 minutes through Thomas Ince, who scored his 11th of the season from close range after Kevin Phillips had a neat volley saved by Jack Butland.

The home side thought they had extended their advantage ten minutes later when Phillips finished instinctively, but the veteran striker was offside.

Ince and Nathan Delfouneso caused Lee Clark's side problems for much of the first half, using their pace to break clear in wide areas.

Birmingham weathered the storm before the break with some spirited defending but struggled to pose a threat, with Marlon King cutting a frustrated figure as the lone front-man.

Curtis Davies celebrates scoring the equaliser for Birmingham on November 27, 2012 © PA Photos

The Blues drew level early in the second half when Curtis Davies headed home a Wade Elliot corner.

Peter Lovenkrands came agonisingly close to putting Birmingham ahead minutes later, hitting the underside of the crossbar after pouncing on a pinpoint cross from Elliot.

Blackpool had a strong penalty shout in the closing stages when Tiago Gomes was brought down in the area but the referee waved away his protests.

Both sides chased a winner in five minutes of injury time but Appleton was forced to settle for a fourth successive draw as Blackpool boss by some resolute Blues defending.