Blackpool 1 Tranmere Rovers 1

Scorer: Murphy (11)

Scorer: Howarth (56)

Attendance: 6,860

POOL banished memories of the 4-0 defeat on Merseyside earlier in the season to earn another creditable draw on Tuesday night (March 12).

As against Cardiff the previous Saturday, Blackpool went ahead only for Tranmere to equalise and almost take the points towards the end.

The point gained, however, will be small consolation for the Bloomfield Road crowd who will now have to wait for at least the fourth game in front of the new stands to see their first win.

It started excellently for Steve McMahon's men. After Phil Barnes had dealt with a few attempts from Stuart Barlow and Simon Howarth in the opening minutes, the Seasiders found themselves ahead.

John Murphy, who grabbed Pool's two goals at Ninian Park, got another -- his thirteenth of the season. Martin Bullock started the move, finding Danny Coid wide on the right. Coid's cross found the head of Murphy who directed a glancing header into the top right hand corner giving Tranmere keeper John Achterberg no chance. Tranmere eventually got themselves back into the game and Phil Barnes again had to be alert to block some efforts, namely another from Simon Howard on 38 minutes.

Pool remained ahead at half time but that was soon to change. For a long spell after the interval Tranmere were in complete control and they deservedly got an equaliser on 56 minutes. Richard Wellens was caught napping and dispossessed by Thornton who then played Koumas through. Barnes saved two initial efforts but couldn't prevent a third from Simon Howarth who levelled the scores.

The visitors continued to dominate after the goal and credit has to be given to Barnes and his defence for keeping the scores level. Blackpool eventually did find their way back into the game late on but never really penetrated the Tranmere defence.

Pool have another two games at home coming up -- Port Vale on Saturday and Brentford next Tuesday -- as the Seasiders look for mid-table comfort ahead of the LDV Final.