Blackpool had goalkeeper Paul Rachubka to thank as he produced a string of fine saves to frustrate Nottingham Forest at the City Ground.

Forest were unlucky not to be ahead after eight minutes when Wes Morgan’s header hit the crossbar, before Rachubka denied Joe Garner and Nathan Tyson.

In the second half, Forest continued to press for an opener but Rachubka produced fine saves to keep out long-range efforts from Paul Anderson and Chris Cohen, while Garner also headed over when well-placed.

The visitors rarely threatened and their best chance fell to Liam Dickinson in the first half but he headed over after meeting Adam Hammill’s cross.

Forest boss Colin Calderwood made one change from the defeat to Sheffield United as Matt Thornhill came into the side in place of Robert Earnshaw who dropped to the bench.

Simon Grayson made three changes from the midweek loss at Reading with Ian Evatt, David Fox and Dickinson all coming into the starting line-up.

The home side came flying out the traps and almost made the perfect start when Chris Cohen’s free-kick picked out Morgan who saw his header come crashing back off the crossbar.

Minutes later the same combination caused Blackpool more problems as another Cohen free-kick found Morgan but his volley was saved by Rachubka.

Blackpool eventually found their rhythm and Hammill crossed for on-loan Derby striker Dickinson who could only direct the header over.

However it was Forest who continued to make the better chances and Rachubka came to Blackpool’s rescue 10 minutes before the break when he produced a fine save to keep out a header from Garner.

Just before half-time Rachubka frustrated the hosts once again when he saved Tyson’s shot with his feet.

Forest made an enterprising start to the second half and Paul Anderson’s 25-yard drive looked to be heading in but Rachubka tipped the shot around the post.

Rachubka was in fine form and palmed away a 20-yard effort from Cohen before a corner from the same player found Joe Garner, but he contrived to head wide from six yards.

Cohen’s corners were causing Blackpool problems and with seven minutes remaining he picked out Julian Bennett who headed over to the frustration of the home crowd.

Calderwood introduced Earnshaw in a bid to give his side an extra cutting edge but the Welshman fired over from 20 yards as Forest failed to make the breakthrough.