Blackpool withstood a barrage of late pressure to earn a precious point against Bristol City in their bid to avoid Championship relegation at Ashton Gate.

Goalkeeper Paul Rachubka proved to be the hero for the Seasiders as he produced a string of fine saves to keep the in-form Robins at bay.

Michael McIndoe, Jamie McAllister, Liam Fontaine and Gavin Williams all came tantalisingly close for the dominant home side but they were unable to find a way past Rachubka.

The Robins have announced themselves as real promotion contenders since the turn of the year and a phenomenal run of eight wins in 10 Championship encounters had propelled them up to fifth place prior to kick-off.

However, it has been a contrasting tale for visitors Blackpool who have notched just two wins in their past 13 league matches to see them drop down to 17th position - five points away from the relegation zone.

The game began with Bristol City looking the more likely side to take an early lead with in-form midfielder Gavin Williams and defender Bradley Orr both coming close with early half-chances.

But it was the Seasiders who registered the first shot on target as the ball broke to veteran striker Brett Ormerod, who directed his ninth-minute drive straight at goalkeeper Adriano Basso.

Striker DJ Campbell, rejuvenated since his loan move from Leicester, was lively during the opening periods and almost broke clear of the Robins defence but his path was blocked by a well-timed tackle from Liam Fontaine.

Gary Johnson's side soon found their stride and McIndoe's 20-yard strike had Blackpool goalkeeper Rachubka scrambling to turn the ball away in the 27th minute.

Genuine goalscoring chances were few and far between in the first half and Campbell's lofted effort over the City crossbar in the 39th minute was as close as either side came to breaking the deadlock.

The beleaguered visitors came out of the tunnel after the interval in attacking mood and almost snatched the lead as Charlie Adam's inswinging corner was met by Gary Taylor-Fletcher but his far-post header narrowly missed the target.

That close shave seemed to awaken the Robins and they surged forward in search of the opener - McAllister's left-footed strike from the left channel skidding inches wide of the left-hand post.

Robins winger Ivan Sproule came on to replace striker Nicky Maynard as Gary Johnson's men piled on the pressure.

Midfielder Williams watched his effort from distance drag inches wide while Cole Skuse had his strike from the edge of the area courageously blocked and Louis Carey should have hit the target with his close-range effort.

The home side were relentless in their attacking and Blackpool had Rachubka to thank for keeping them in the game as he showed great reactions to stop Liam Fontaine's header and McIndoe's drive from 12 yards.

It was back-to-the-walls defending for the visitors as they rarely broke out of their own area - defender Alex Baptiste stretching to hook another Fontaine header off the line.

However, Seasiders substitute Graeme Owens did test Basso in a rare late attack but the Brazilian goalkeeper was equal to the midfielder's drive from distance.

City striker Stern John and midfielder Williams both came close in the frantic closing minutes but neither team could break the deadlock.

Teams:

Bristol City Basso, Orr, Carey, Fontaine,McAllister (McCombe 83), Williams, Skuse (John 71), Johnson,McIndoe, Adebola, Maynard (Sproule 56).

Subs Not Used: Weale, Akinde.

Blackpool Rachubka, Baptiste, Barker, Evatt (Coid 29),Crainey, Taylor-Fletcher (Owens 68), Jorgensen, Adam, Vaughan,Ormerod (Fox 89), Campbell.

Subs Not Used: Gilks, Southern.

Booked: Ormerod, Adam.

Att: 16,855

Ref: Fred Graham (Essex).