Blackpool were held to a draw by struggling Charlton Athletic in the Championship at The Valley on Saturday.

The away side looked more likely to win the match but Charlton hung on to secure a point.

The home team started the better of the two sides. Dale Stephens twice shot from distance in the opening five minutes, first from a free kick that flew over the bar and then his strike from 25 yards sailed harmlessly high.

Stephen Dobbie came close for Blackpool but he could only fire his volley just over the bar after a knockdown from Ricardo Fuller.

Thomas Ince then went close when his shot was deflected wide for a corner after a quick counter-attack from the away side.

Dobbie saw another effort flash wide of the goal as the away team began taking control of proceedings, but neither side were able to make the breakthrough as the half ended goalless.

Blackpool picked up in the second half where they had left off in the first. Ince almost gave them the lead five minutes after the restart, but his free kick was deflected just wide of the post.

Blackpool threatened again with 25 minutes to play when Dobbie was slipped through, but the striker's shot was blocked behind by Jordan Cousins.

Cousins then found himself at the other end and unleashed a strike from 20 yards, which was tipped wide by Matt Gilks.

Dan Gosling, on loan from Newcastle United, came on as a substitute with 15 minutes to play to make his Blackpool debut. The midfielder sent an effort just wide of the post from 20 yards as the visitors continued to look the most threatening.

Ince went close again in the 89th minute as Blackpool pressed for a winner, but his shot went just past the post and the game ended goalless.