IT should have been a night to remember for Joe Nuttall, but it turned into one of frustration for Blackburn Rovers.

When Nuttall came off the bench for his Football League debut, and scored, it seemed written in the stars that he would fire Tony Mowbray’s men to their fourth home win in five games at Ewood Park.

But as the manager had warned in the build-up, the Cod Army take no prisoners, and the chance to take full advantage of one of two games in hand was missed as Fleetwood found a second equaliser to take a point from a 2-2 draw.

Bradley Dack had made the breakthrough for Rovers after a goalless, and at times frustrating, first half.

Fleetwood’s decision to bring on Aiden O’Neill’s for Bobby Grant seemed a surprising one at the break, given Grant’s threat in the first half. But the on-loan Burnley man had a personal incentive to make an impact, and he levelled matters just after the hour.

Nuttall became an instant hit with his close range effort, which put Rovers back in front.

But again Mowbray’s men were pegged back, with Wes Burns – another Fleetwood substitute – having an impact with his leveller eight minutes from time.

Rovers had looked to get on the front foot early. Peter Whittingham advanced and took a shot from distance that was deflected behind for a corner, sparking a succession of set pieces that Rovers posed a real threat from.

But only Derrick Williams came close to making a breakthrough with a header from a recycled corner that he put narrowly over.

In the build-up to the game Ewood boss Mowbray had spoken of the importance of not going a goal behind to Fleetwood, because he felt they would be tough to break down.

And they were lucky not to be trailing when Grant got in range.

The former Accrington Stanley and Scunthorpe man produced the first chance for the away side with a shot from distance that David Raya managed to tip behind in the ninth minute.

The home defence then missed the opportunity to clear George Glendon’s corner, so would have been relieved to see Ashley Eastham glance a header wide.

After a quiet spell Grant livened things up with another dangerous drive from distance. Raya got both hands to it this time.

Rovers began to get on top as the half wore on. But they were unable to capitalise on the flurry of chances that came their way.

Graham had a good one. Shrugging off Baily Cargill’s challenge he made a yard of space for himself to shoot from 22 yards out, but the ball got stuck between Cairns’ knees.

Cairns came to the rescue again for Fleetwood, saving from Marcus Antonsson this time. Rovers had looked a threat from corners throughout the first half, but the one they earned on this occasion came to nothing.

Graham could have had a clearer sight of goal had it not been for the linesman’s flag – a close call, as he appeared to have timed his run well to get in behind Cian Bolger and Cargill.

It meant a goalless first half. But Rovers were rewarded for their patience with a breakthrough less than 10 minutes into the second.

Williams found Graham at the far post with a superb delivery. Graham’s volley was saved by Cairns but determined Dack was following up to nod in from close range for his fourth of the season.

O’Neill cancelled it out when Ashley Hunter’s initial shot was well blocked by Raya, and he was alive to the rebound.

Nuttall took his chance to shine. But the gloss was knocked off his evening when Burns hit back with eight minutes to go.

Rovers aimed to be in the top six by the end of tonight.

They achieved it, but not as comprehensively as it should have been.