IPSWICH Town fought back from behind to secure a point from their topsy-turvy 2-2 draw at home to Blackpool.

Gwion Edwards’ close-range strike gave them a flying start but the in-form Tangerines turned the match on its head thanks to goals from Joe Nuttall and skipper Jay Spearing.

However, Paul Lambert’s Blues rallied in the second half and grabbed a deserved leveller through Luke Garbutt’s penalty.

Kayden Jackson nearly grabbed a winner but his cheeky back-heeled effort was cleared off the line.

This was the first of two key League One matches in quick succession for Town, with leaders Wycombe Wanderers at Portman Road on Tuesday.

And while understandably disappointed not to win, they can be satisfied with a hard-earned point, given the fact they found themselves on the back foot early in the second half.

Town got off to the best possible start, erasing any fears of them being lacklustre after the international break.

Their track record in that respect is woeful but, far from being ring-rusty, they started with the bit between their teeth.

Danny Rowe nearly gave them a third-minute lead, capitalising on a misplaced pass in midfield, driving forward but then slotting wide of the right-hand post.

However, Town’s opener followed soon after when Janoi Donacien’s right-wing cross was headed back into the danger zone by Garbutt.

Edwards pounced from close range, smashing the ball into the roof of the net.

It was a dream start but one that failed to give the hosts impetus.

Blackpool, in contrast, grew into the game and deserved to be on level terms of half-time.

Nuttall grabbed their equaliser after the ball fell kindly into his path.

Blackpool got their noses in front eight minutes into the second half, when Luke Chambers was adjudged to have fouled Sullay Kaikai.

Referee Stephen Martin pointed to the spot – much to the hosts’ dismay, as the ball appeared to be running out of play – and the Tangerines took full advantage through captain Spearing.

From being ahead, Town found themselves chasing the game but they were quickly on level terms thanks to a penalty of their own, converted by Garbutt.

Keeper Jak Alnwick dived the wrong way after the referee spotted a handball in the area.

Town pushed for a winner and looked far more convincing in the second period.

Jackson thought he had won it with a back-healed effort that was cleared off the line by Spearing.

And they very nearly snatched it at the death when substitute Alan Judge flicked on Jon Nolan’s ball forward – only to be denied by a diving save from Alnwick.

Town remain second in the table, five point behind Wycombe, who beat Doncaster Rovers 1-0.