Blackpool came from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Lincoln City.

Blackpool were forced into a change at half time of their meeting with Lincoln City on Saturday afternoon.

The Seasiders endured a nightmare start to the game, as they fell behind to goals from Jack Moylan and Rob Street inside the opening 18 minutes at Bloomfield Road.

A Lee Evans penalty before the break gave Ian Evatt’s side a bit of life, which ultimately led to a late equaliser from Ashley Fletcher as the contest finished 2-2.

Following a tough opening 45 minutes for Michael Ihiekwe, the defender was replaced by Andy Lyons during half time.

After being rested for a couple of games earlier this month, the 33-year-old had returned to action to produce a strong performance against his former club Rotherham United on Wednesday night, but he was unable to reach the same levels against the Imps.

Following the match, Blackpool boss Evatt explained the summer arrival on a free transfer from Sheffield Wednesday was still battling on through injury.

“He’s struggling with a toe injury issue at the moment, the same toe issue we’re trying to manage him through,” he explained.

“He was excellent on Wednesday. Michael being Michael, and with Olly (Casey) being out, he wanted to give it a go. We needed a more physical back line because of the direct balls and how big they are.

“Michael put his hand up to do it, and I give him great credit for doing that, but it was pretty sore in the first half so we had to make the change.”

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Casey was already a known doubt ahead of the Lincoln fixture, after previously being ruled out of the 3-0 win away to Rotherham United due to an abdominal fascia injury, but could be back for next Saturday’s short trip to Wigan Athletic.

“We hope Olly will be okay for next week because he’s a big player for us and he gives us that physical presence that we need at times.

“The thinking was if we could get Michael through today then we could have Olly back for next week.”

Taylor returns

There was some positive news on the injury front for the Seasiders during their meeting with the Imps, with Dale Taylor returning to action off the bench during the recent half.

The summer signing from Nottingham Forest joined fellow recent returnees James Husband, Danny Imray, Albie Morgan and Josh Bowler in the matchday squad, as Evatt’s options continue to improve.

“Three games in six days - this week has been tough,” the head coach added.

“The players have got through it, but we’re trying to get these lads up to speed as quickly as we can so we have to expose them to minutes in matches without breaking them.

“I’m itching to make changes earlier, I’m itching to make sure we take precaution, but that’s tough in game.

“We have to get people up to speed and progress. We’ve closed the gap to the teams above us which is important and we’ll just keep going.”

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