Huddersfield 0 Blackpool 0

Last updated : 31 August 2002 By Footymad Previewer

Blackpool goalkeeper Phil Barnes was the visitors hero, producing four top class saves to earn his side a point at the MacAlpine Stadium.

Barnes, 23, a £100,000 signing from Rotherham United, was the difference between the two sides and has now gone a remarkable 379 minutes without conceding goal.

In the same period Steve McMahon's side had earned three goalless draws, while Huddersfield had only scored once in their previous two home matches, so a goal feast was never likely.

Town boss Mick Wadsworth, still searching for his first home win, gave a debut to former Scottish international Kevin Gallacher.

The former Blackburn and Newcastle star showed some good touches from early on but it was another veteran, team-mate Kenny Irons who caught the eye with a passing masterclass in the heart of midfield.

Unfortunately most of his team-mates where not on the same wavelength as they struggled to break down a resolute Blackpool side who are now unbeaten in five games.

Striker Paul Dalglish went close for the visitors early on only to be denied by town keeper Scott Bevan but after that it was Barnes who was to be the busier of the two keepers.

After 18 mintues he produced a superb one-handed save, diving to his right to palm away Scott MacDonald's shot on the turn from Gallacher's cross.

Two minutes later, the Terriers thought they should have had a penalty when John Thorrington went down under skipper Ian Hughes' challenge in the area but referee Roy Pearson waived away the Town players' appeals.

Town substitute Danny Schofield's shot with his first touch of the ball was tipped over by Barnes and then on the stroke of half-time Barnes again did well to palm away Irons' pinpoint free-kick which appeared to be heading for the top corner.

Midway through the second half, the keeper was the hero again, blocking McDonald's near post efforts with his legs.

For their part, Blackpool created few chances. Striker Richard Walker should have done better with a header after an error by Eddie Youds.

Right on the stroke of time substitute Scott Taylor could have won it but he was denied by a fine stop from Huddersfield keeper Bevan