Blackpool gain point at Middlesbrough

Rock-bottom Blackpool survived a late rally from Middlesbrough to claim a point at the Riverside Stadium this evening with a 1-1 draw.

Daniel Ayala gave the home side the lead when he sent a looping header beyond Blackpool keeper Joe Lewis on 19 minutes.

The visitors restored parity six minutes later when Ishmael Miller got the final touch on a cross that was fizzed into the box.

Boro had goalkeeper Dimitrios Konstantopoulos to thank for keeping it level when he denied Andrea Orlandi's deflected effort.

Emmanuel Ledesma went close towards the end of the half when he hit a powerful effort that flew just wide of the post.

Moments later, it was Blackpool's turn to threaten the goal when David Perkins struck the post for the Seasiders.

Lewis was forced into a save to deny substitute Kike late on after the Spaniard had got on the end of Grant Leadbitter's corner.

Kike was then denied again alongside Emilio Nsue, with both having shots blocked as the visitors stood firm to take a point away from home.