Ipswich Town, Blackpool in stalemate

Ipswich Town were frustrated in their quest to reach the Championship playoff places as they played out a goalless draw with Blackpool at home.

Mick McCarthy's side, who started the game just outside the playoff spots, enjoyed plenty of early pressure and could have been ahead inside two minutes had Stephen Hunt made his shot count.

The hosts' bright start continued with Daryl Murphy's effort producing a fine save from Matt Gilks.

The Blackpool goalkeeper needed to be watchful again on eight minutes when David McGoldrick headed Luke Chambers's cross just wide of his post.

However, Ipswich appeared to run out of steam after their blistering start and Blackpool started to come into the game, as both Faris Haroun and Kirk Broadfoot went close to scoring before the interval.

The Suffolk club's best chance of a goal came midway through the second half when Jay Tabb sprung the offside trap, but his weak effort was comfortably gathered by Gilks.

Ipswich felt they should have had a penalty moments later when McGoldrick's pass was blocked by Tony McMahon. The hosts believed that it was handled, but the referee waved away their appeals.

It was as close as the Tractor Boys came to scoring, while both Haroun and substitute David Goodwillie had late chances for Blackpool.