With 50mph winds and driving rain, Blackpool entertained Blackburn at Stanley Park, but could only manage a 2-2 draw, to frustrate Blackpool’s promotion hopes.
Blackpool had a full squad bolstered by Ian Swaine filling in for the missing Alex Diver up front. In an early attack Steve White was unlucky not to score when his shot hit the post with the keeper stranded. The first goal came from Ian Swaine after an initial short corner routine broke down and he was able to flick the ball over the diving keeper.
Despite being overwhelmingly on top Blackpool managed to concede an equaliser from a counter attack much to their dismay. This seemed to bring Blackburn to life and they went on to win several short corners, from one of which they thought they scored, only for the goal to be disallowed for being struck outside of the D.
After half-time Blackpool again took control of the game, but their attacks were being stifled and the important goal wouldn’t come. In fact Blackburn took the lead from a Blackpool mistake which left the defence in disarray and an opening for a striker to score.
Blackpool pushed on, into the wind rain and hail, and eventually Harrison Stott dribbled from his right wing and put away a shot from a very tight angle which evaded the keeper for the much needed equaliser.
With Blackpool needing three points, even the defenders were pushing forward to help the midfield and forwards find a way through the massed Blackburn defence. Pete Latimer was voted man of the match for his forays, which nearly led to a goal. In the end the team had to settle for a draw and stay 3rd in Division 5 only four points from the leaders Kirkby Lonsdale after they were beaten by second placed Formby.