Bristol Rovers player ratings v Blackpool: 'physical' 8/10 received but 6s across the board in League One defeat

Bristol Rovers saw defeat at home in League One at the hands off play-off hopefuls Blackpool as their unbeaten league run came to an end.

Bristol Rovers' unbeaten run of nine matches in the league came to an end this afternoon as two first-half goals from Blackpool was too much for the Matt Taylor's side.

CJ Hamilton gave the visitors the lead inside the opening five minutes as he curled the ball into the top left-hand corner from the edge of the area, after great play on the left wing by Kyle Joseph.

Karamoko Dembele doubled Blackpool's lead inside 20 minutes as he fired his shot past Matt Cox into the left-hand side of the goal, as Joseph got his second assist of the match.

Chris Martin pulled one back for the Gas five minutes later as he scored from an almost impossible angle, looping the ball over Richard O'Donnell.

After a fast start to the match, the Seasiders found themselves 1-0 thanks to a brilliant finish by Hamilton and Luke Thomas had a brilliant chance moments later to level proceedings for the Gas, but his effort was fired straight at O'Donnell from close range.

Neil Critchley's side soon found themselves 2-0 up as Dembele had space on the edge of the area, firing his shot pass the helpless Cox.

Rovers were given a lifeline as top-scorer Martin came up with the goods once again for Matt Taylor's side as his effort was too much for the visitors' keeper.

Luke McCormick had a chance to score Rovers' second just before the interval, as Martin turned provider, but the former Chelsea man fired his effort at O'Donnell who saves with his legs.

The second-half had much fewer clearcut chances for both sides as both keepers weren't tested on too many occasions.

Jack Hunt's cross on the hour mark caught O'Donnell scrambling, as the ball was headed off the line and Cox made a smart save moments later when Blackpool looked to extend their lead.

The Gas felt aggrieved right at the death of the match as substitute Aaron Collins looked to have been blatantly fouled in the penalty area, however referee Gavin Ward waved play on.

Here is how the Rovers players faired in their 2-1 defeat at home to Blackpool...

Follow us
©National World Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved.Cookie SettingsTerms and ConditionsPrivacy notice