BLACKPOOL warmed up for their two mega-trips to the south of England with their best performance of the season on Tuesday night.

Unfortunately, the Seasiders had nothing to show for it.

Steve McMahon's side were all over Grimsby, especially in the opening stages of the second half, but just couldn't find a way past a resolute defence.

They even managed to beat experienced keeper, Aidan Davidson twice, only to see efforts from John Murphy cleared off the line, while Neil Danns had a goal chalked off for offside.

But, on 71 minutes, Grimsby's first corner of the second half wasn't cleared by the Seasiders defence and bounced kindly for Tony Crane. The former Sheffield Wednesday defender made no mistake from close range to secure his first goal for the Mariners. From there, former Seasider, Paul Groves, strung four defenders and four midfielders acorss the middle which gave the home side, including Sean Doherty, who made a late debut, little room for manovere.

The Seasiders head to Brighton on Saturday for one of their longest trips of the season. Steve Coppell's side are unbeaten at the Withdean Stadium and have reacted well to relegation and the loss of star striker, Bobby Zamore.

Zamora has been replaced by diminutive striker, Leon Knight. The former Chelsea man has a place in Seasiders history after scoring twice for Huddersfield in the first game at the new-look Bloomfield Road last February. His second goal in that game memorably lead McMahon to complain: "We've let a midget score with a header at the far post!"

And the Seasiders will barely have time to rest before their longest trip of the campaign, to Colchester on Saturday, October 11.

Blackpool claimed three points against Notts County, but it was never easy against the strugglijng Magpies.

Pool dominated the opening exchanges and looked capable of getting behind the Notts defence at will. A deserved goal came on 10 minutes when Southern slid the ball to Taylor.

He took it round keeper, Steve Mildenhall, before taking a shot. The ball was going over the line but Southern, making his first league start since May, tapped home just ahead of Mike Sheron, with no defender in site.

But Notts were back on level terms within 10 minutes. A quick throw by Steve Jenkins found the lively Simon Baldry. Gareth Evans was adjudged -- harshly -- to have brought his former Huddersfield team-mate down, and Mark Stallard converted the penalty.

Stallard, still one of the division's most deadly front-men, almost added a second after a sloppy Chris Clarke back pass. However, Lee Jones saved superbly from point blank range.

Evans' involvement lasted only another two minutes. The left-back went down in some distress after a challenge. He had to be stretchered off, leaving the Pool fans worrying for the future of a youngster who has improved with every game since returning from a 16 month injury nightmare.

Initial indications are, however, that Evans took a painful kick to the calf and will not face a further stretch on the sidelines.

Notts continued to take the game to the Seasiders, with Ian Baraclough hitting the bar with one long range effort.

But, just before the break, the Notts defence were carved open again. The outstanding Richie Wellens bisected two Notts defenders with a superb ball to the onrushing Neil Danns, who rounded Mildenhall before firing the ball into the far corner from an acute angle.

In truth, the second half was uneventful. Notts had more of the ball, but Blackpool had the better opportunities. Mike Sheron twice came so close to notching his first Blackpool goal, once after an exquisite turn in the box, the other after another slide-rule pass from Wellens. Danny Coid also saw a powerful volley saved, but faled to kill off their opponents.

The Eagles wing back to Bloomfield Road for the second round of the Carling Cup. Crystal Palace won the FA Cup third round clash at Bloomfield Road in January, but will be back in town on Tuesday, October 28 after the Seasiders defeated Birmingham.

Blackpool's next game at Bloomfield Road could be a real family affair. John McMahon, brother of Steve, is in caretaker charge at Tranmere Rover, who play Blackpool in the LDV Vans trophy on October 14. John, who has lead Tranmere's succesful youth scheme in recent years, took over after the sacking of Ray Mathias following a poor start to the season.