MATCH REPORT: Blackpool 2-2 Carlisle

Despite a first-half where Blackpool had created the clearer opportunities, it was the visitors who took the lead with two quick goals at the start of the second period.

The unbeaten Cumbrians, roared on by a packed away end, were second best for much of the game but looked set to secure a smash and grab win.

But soon after Carlisle had found their second, Kyle Vassell reduced the arrears and it was Armand Gnanduillet who found the equaliser - scoring his third in as many games.

Both sides pushed on to find a winner in the dying moments but were forced to settle for an entertaining draw.

Both sides saw much of the ball in the first half but it was Blackpool who came the closest to opening the scoring.

Carlisle created a couple of half chances but nothing to worry Sam Slocombe in the Blackpool goal.

Blackpool started the game brightly but it was Carlisle who created the first opportunity, with Jabo Ibehre fluffing his lines when well placed in front of goal.

Pool were inches away from taking the lead when Armand Gnanduillet headed against the outside of the post with a diving header from Kelvin Mellor’s inswinging cross.

Brad Potts also went close to scoring against his former side when he cut inside and drilled a low effort straight at ‘keeper Mark Gillespie, who spilled but collected at the second attempt.

Nicky Adams found himself put through on goal for the visitors but he struggled for pace and his weak shot was easily saved by Sam Slocombe in the Blackpool goal.

Two golden chances went begging for the Seasiders in quick succession, with Jack Payne and Brad Potts both going close.

Payne worked a quick one-two with McAlister before his rasping drive was well tipped over, before Potts broke through the middle and fired disappointingly wide.

Tom Miller’s long throws were causing plenty of danger in the Blackpool defence, with the ball almost falling at the feet of Ibehre inside the six-yard box.

Blackpool then rallied towards the end of the half as they put on some good pressure, Armand Gnanduillet firing just wide after a smart turn.

Two late chances went begging for the Tangerines, with Kyle Vassell drilling a shot just wide of the far post after creating space for himself in the box. Tom Aldred then followed up with an attempt just yards out from goal which was well saved by Gillespie.

Carlisle manager Keith Curle recognised he need to make a change, making two substitutions at half-time.

The changes gave fresh impetus to the visitors, who took the lead on 50 minutes with a bit of good fortune.

Striker Charlie Wyke tapped into a virtually empty net after Ibehre’s deflected shot fell at his feet having come back off the crossbar.

The goal brought a spell of pressure from the Cumbrians, who went close to extending their lead when substitute Luke Joyce volleyed straight at Slocombe.

They didn’t have to wait long for their second, with Michael Raynes nodding in an enticing inswinging free-kick.

However just a minute later, Blackpool reduced arrears with Kyle Vassell beating his defender to head home from close range.

The three goals came in quick succession and resulted in an end-to-end game, with both sides creating chances.

Armand Gnanduillet then got Pool back on level terms, latching onto a through ball, shrugging off the defender and side footing past Gillespie.

Blackpool pushed for a late winner but were unable to make their pressure pay and were left to settle for a point.

Blackpool: Slocombe, Mellor, Aldred, Robertson, Taylor, Potts, McAlister, Payne, Philliskirk (Matt), Vassell, Gnanduillet (Daniel)

Subs not used: Lyness, Aimson, Cain, Yeates, Cullen.

Carlisle: Gillespie, Miller, Raynes, Gillesphey (Joyce), Grainger, Lambe (Ellis), Jones, Kennedy, Adams, Ibehre (Brisley), Wyke

Subs: Crocombe, Penn, Devitt, Miller

Referee: James Adcock (Nottinghamshire)

Attendance: 5,471 (2,752 Carlisle)