Ipswich Town and Blackpool have failed to break the deadlock in their Championship encounter at Portman Road, but the visitors finished the first half on the front foot.

The hosts, who could move closer to the playoff places with a win, started brightly, as Stephen Hunt almost put the Suffolk club ahead inside two minutes, but dragged his shot wide.

Daryl Murphy also saw an early effort saved by Matt Gilks as the Seasiders struggled to settle down.

With barely eight minutes gone, David McGoldrick met Luke Chambers cross and his header was only just wide of Gilks post, as Mick McCarthy's side looked the likelier to take the lead.

However, after their early bluster, the hosts saw Blackpool enjoy more attacking opportunities as the half wore on, with Faris Haroun twice testing the reflexes of stand-in goalkeeper Scott Loach.

The Tangerines tried to forge a lead before the interval with Kirk Broadfoot sending a header just wide of the Ipswich goal.