Rovers player ratings from the 2-1 defeat at Blackpool

Thomas Kaminski 6

Beaten by the spin of the ball for the first, and despite making a good save in the lead-up to the second, was beaten by Yates’ follow-up. Long kicking still requires some work.

Tyler Magloire 5

Indecisive in his positioning in the first half where he was given a tough time by Anderson and looked nervy on the ball. Both goals came down the Rovers right-hand defensive channel.

Hayden Carter 5

Struggled to impose his physicality against Madine in the opening stages, but did that better as the game went on.

Daniel Ayala 7

Won 13 headers across the game, including several in the opposition area where he went close to grabbing an equaliser. Booked in the first half for flattening Madine in an aerial challenge, and could get a big enough block to Lavery’s shot for the opening goal.

Harry Pickering 6

Given a tough test by Bowler in the opening stages, but largely stood up to that. Much of Rovers’ better play in the second half came down their left. Hit a first half free kick over the top.

Lewis Travis 6

Rovers were second to the ball in the first half, and it wasn’t until the second half that they got to grips with the game. Not the best start to his time as captain.

John Buckley 7

Had 71 touches, and was at the heart of most of Rovers’ good passages of possession. Claimed an assist with an excellent cross for Brereton. Slotted in at right back for the closing stages and will have been in consideration to start there.

Joe Rothwell 6

Had three attempts on goal, and tried to take some responsibility on the ball in the second half, but was fairly anonymous in a first half where his set plays were a real disappointment.

Tyrhys Dolan 6

Was never short of willing, but was an isolated figure in the first half. Got more support in the second from Brereton and that brought Dolan into the game. A late flicked header forced a backpeddling save from sub keeper Moore.

Ben Brereton 7

Marked his 100th appearance with his 10th goal of the season, confidently volleying home from a Buckley cross. Had a curling effort saved by Maxwell moments later, and looked their main threat of goal. Was shackled well in the first half, and lost the ball four times.

Sam Gallagher 5

Injuries worries continue after limping off with a hamstring strain. Couldn’t stem the flow of Blackpool pressure down the Rovers right before being forced off having made just 15 touches.

Subs

Tayo Edun (for Gallagher, 43) 7

Added some much-needed tenacity and went close to an equaliser when his cross-shot was deflected just wide late on. On this evidence, won’t be long until he’s forcing his way into the starting line-up.

Reda Khadra (for Magloire, 81) 5

Presented with the ball in some promising positions, but couldn’t deliver anything telling from the flank.

Dan Butterworth (for Rothwell, 89) 5

Another attacking option thrown late on.

Not used: Aynsley Pears, Bradley Johnson, Leighton Clarkson, Ian Poveda

Blackpool: Maxwell (Moore, 62), Sterling, Keogh (Husband, 46), Ekpiteta, Garbutt, Anderson, Wintle, Dougall, Bowler, Lavery (Yates, 21), Madine

Subs: Connolly, Stewart, Mitchell, John-Jules