Royston Drenthe broke the deadlock in the opening minute after being teed up by Marouane Fellaini and Denis Stracqualursi struck to double the lead five minutes later.

The Toffees had plenty of chances to extend their advantage but were unable to do so and survived several scares, with Blackpool twice hitting the woodwork in the second half before Kevin Phillips skied a penalty at the end.

Phillips then tried his luck again but hoisted his attempt over the bar.

Stracqualursi nearly got on the scoresheet again, but Gilks blocked his hook-shot from Baines’ delivery and the big forward then lost his footing as he struck another effort which went well off-target.

Harris denied Everton once more with 10 minutes to go, clearing off the line from Fellaini, who headed over soon after.

Substitute Seamus Coleman, a former Blackpool loanee, brought a save out of Gilks before the visitors twice almost pulled a goal back.

First, Lomana LuaLua saw Howard tip his strike on to the post and in the dying seconds, Blackpool earned a spot-kick when Heitinga fouled Bednar, but Phillips sent it over the crossbar.