IT may have come deep into injury time with virtually the last kick of the game, but Tony Ellis' goal against Gillingham on Tuesday night (November 18) was no more than the Seasiders deserved.

Despite losing both David Linigham and Phil King in the first 20 minutes with a back problem and hamstring strain respectively, the team were quick to regroup and fought tooth and nail for their point.

A spell of early pressure saw Junior Bent beat the offside trap, only for Ellis to head over the crossbar.

But the home side had the brighter start, Guy Butters just putting a free kick over the bar and top scorer Ade Akinbiyi forced two saves from Steve Banks.

It was after a disputed penalty from Butters in the 32nd minute, after Gary Brabin was judged to have held back Akinbiyi, that the visitors really stepped up their game.

Phil Clarkson's cross was intercepted by Butters, while a Brabin free kick was sent over the bar before the break and then it was all one-way traffic in the second half.

A cross from Bent glanced the top of the bar, Lee Philpott hit the upright and both Andy Preece and Clarkson saw good chances go wide.

But that man Ellis popped up to save the day with a shot from close range following a neat header down from Preece.

Manager Nigel Worthington said after the game: "The lads kept going until the last minute which speaks volumes for their fitness.

"It was a well deserved point, if we had come away with nothing it would have been an injustice."

He added of the penalty: "I thought it was a harsh decision.

"The linesman said it was for Gary Brabin putting his arm across his chest, but surely in a contact sport you're going to get that.

"It's not as if he's taken his legs away. The lad's made a meal of it and he's got the penalty."

Blackpool are at home this Saturday when they entertain York at Bloomfield Road.

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