AT first glance a point from Ninian Park seems to be an excellent result for the Seasiders.

However many would have hoped for all three points when, after half an hour, Pool were two goals up.

In the end though, despite the early advantage Blackpool did well to hang on. After Pool had scored their second on 27 minutes, Cardiff immediately grabbed a goal back and for Blackpool not to crumble after the Bluebirds 65th minute equaliser is something Steve McMahons men should be accredited for.

McMahon himself commented after the game that although he was disappointed with the result, he could not complain about his players commitment and resolve to hang on in the second half.

After all, Pool found themselves lucky to 2-nil up after half an hour anyway since the goals, both from John Murphy, were against the run of play. Pool were bombarded by a vibrant Cardiff in the opening 15 minutes. The home side cut open the Blackpool defence on 3 or 4 occasions and Phil Barnes had to be on top form to prevent an early goal.

So you did have to feel for the Bluebirds when they found themselves two goals down. Murphy grabbed the first of his two on 18 minutes, turning Scott Young 6 yards out to bundle the ball past Neil Alexander.

Ten minutes later Murphy grabbed his 12th of the season when he nodded in at the back post from a Paul Simpson corner.

Unfortunately thats where the goal flourish ended for Blackpool and Andy Campbell immediately hit back for the home side.

Phil Barnes could only parry Graham Kavanaghs low drive and Campbell was on hand to tap it in from 5 yards.

Scott Taylor should have made it 3-1 to Blackpool before half time when he could only shoot wide when put through on goal.

Cardiff had a few chances themselves to level the scores but the teams went into the break with score still at 2-1 to Blackpool.

Cardiff started the second half strongly and only some excellent keeping from Barnes delayed an equaliser but eventually the inevitable happened.

Twenty minutes into the second half Campbell grabbed his brace with a superb half volley into the top corner.

In previous matches, Pool would have collapsed at this point and conceded another. But Pool, backed by the introduction of sub Ian Hughes, for once stood strong and never really looked like giving away a valuable point despite long periods of pressure.

The draw against Cardiff, who are pushing for the playoffs, puts Pool a single place higher to 16th in the table as results go their way elsewhere in the division.

Cardiff 2

Campbell (29,65)

Blackpool 2

Murphy (18,27)