Bolton Wanderers have missed out on the playoffs on a dramatic final day in the Championship, thanks to a 2-2 home draw with Blackpool.
The visitors had two gilt-edged chances in the first five minutes, with Matt Phillips twice failing to hit the target from close range.
Darren Pratley then went close to turning into his own net as Bolton made a nervous start to the match.
The home side responded strongly as Craig Davies hooked a volley wide from close range.
Mikel Alonso then drove past the far post from range as Bolton struggled to test Matt Gilks in the opening exchanges.
© Martin Rickett / PA Photos
The deadlock was broken on 21 minutes by a fine Blackpool move as Wanderers were carved open by a sweeping counter.
A neat interchange of passes found Phillips just outside the penalty area and he curled an unstoppable drive into the top corner.
Things got worse for Bolton before the break as Blackpool went two ahead when Ludovic Sylvestre turned home Neal Eardley's cross for his fourth goal of the season.
© AP Photos
Wanderers boss Dougie Freedman made an early change as Marvin Sordell replaced Rob Hall, with Chris Eagles halving the deficit quickly with a thumping strike.
© Martin Rickett / PA Photos
A rapid turnaround was complete just before the interval as a deflected effort from Craig Davies beat Gilks to draw the home side level.
Freedman's side went within inches of a third goal early in the second half, with Sordell's strike from close range scrambled clear off the line by Gary MacKenzie.
Pratley and Alonso also tested Gilks, with Blackpool dangerous at the other end thanks to the pace of Phillips and Thomas Ince.
Lee Chung-yong hit the side-netting from close range late on after fine approach play from Eagles, as Bolton desperately searched for a late winner.
Bolton searched frantically for a winning goal in stoppage time but were unable to find the decisive strike as the home side narrowly missed out on a playoff spot.
Liam Power
