Premier League: Blackpool 1 Newcastle 1

Blackpool climbed out of the relegation zone courtesy of their 1-1 draw against Newcastle United at Bloomfield Road.

With just one win in their last 13 games, Blackpool desperately needed three points after an alarming slump that has seen them drop from the top six to second from bottom, and the Seasiders will view the fixture as two points lost as they dominated proceedings against Alan Pardew’s side.

But the home side gave Newcastle a head start when sloppy play was punished by a clinical finish from striker Peter Lovenkrands.

Blackpool battled back and got a controversial equaliser through DJ Campell just after the half-hour mark.

Ian Holloway’s men could not find the winner they deserved as Newcastle defended well to survive with a point, and cement their place in the top half of the Barclays Premier League.

After a jittery start, Blackpool gifted the visitors the lead in the 18th minute. Influential playmaker Charlie Adam’s long range ball was intercepted by Joey Barton, who worked the ball to Lovenkrands and he fired home from the edge of the box.

But it was just the wake-up call that Blackpool needed.

Winger Matty Phillips blazed over the bar after good work from Adam, who tried to atone for his earlier error, before Newcastle’s stand-in keeper Tim Krul twice denied Campbell efforts.

But it was third time lucky for the plucky frontman when he flicked home Adam’s near-post corner in the 33rd minute with the assistant referee giving the goal despite Jose Enrique’s attempt to scramble the ball off the line.

Krul saved well from Phillips again before Blackpool had a huge shout for a penalty turned down when Danny Simpson appeared to fall on the ball with both hands.

Enrique then cleared Alex Baptiste’s shot off the line and Campbell headed into the side netting as the Seasiders pushed for a half-time lead.

And it was more of the same after the restart with Gary Taylor-Fletcher going close with a header from six yards out, glancing just over the woodwork.

Blackpool went even closer when Adam hit a glorious low drive that came back off the foot of the post with Krul beaten.

But in a frantic finish, Blackpool struggled to snatch a winner with Luke Varney and Jason Puncheon firing off target as they tried to scramble a victory.