SOUTHEND United were held to a third successive stalemate this afternoon, drawing 1-1 at Blackpool.

Marc-Antoine Fortune fired Blues into an early lead.

But Blackpool hit back just before the break with Clark Robertson on target to ensure the game again ended all square.

Blackpool came close to opening the scoring inside the first minute when Sean Longstaff smashed a 12 yard shot against the top of the crossbar.

But, after surviving the scare, Blues began to get back in the game and opened the scoring in the 10th minute of the match, with Fortune on target.

The experienced Frenchman reacted sharply after a fine 25 yard free-kick from Anthony Wordsworth had bounced back off the right post and netted with a prodded effort from close range.

Moments later, Fortune scuffed a 12 yard shot straight at Blackpool goalkeeper Joe Lumley before his strike partner Simon Cox was slightly fortunate to remain on the pitch.

Having already been booked for dissent, Cox caught Curtis Tilt with a late challenge but referee Andy Haines decided against showing a second yellow card, much to the anger of the hosts.

However, Blackpool’s mood was lifted on the stroke of half-time when Clark Robertson brought them back level.

The defender netted with an accurate effort into the left hand side of the goal after Shrimpers shot-stopper Mark Oxley had superbly denied Danny Philliskirk.

At half-time Blues boss Chris Powell opted to make his first change of the afternoon with Theo Robinson replacing Cox in attack to stop the striker being sent off.

But it was Blackpool who threatened first with Longstaff and Kyle Vassell both being denied in quick succession by Oxley.

Moments later, Vassell sliced a close range effort wide of the left post before Powell made a second change with Sam Mantom being handed his Shrimpers debut as he replaced Fortune in the 74th minute.

And the alteration almost resulted in Blues netting a late winner as Jason Demetriou struck the inside of the right post with a low, left footed shot after latching onto a fine through ball from Dru Yearwoood.