Blackpool substitutions explained with problem flagged for Middlesbrough loanee

Blackpool endured an underwhelming evening in their first EFL Trophy group outing of the season away to Wigan Athletic.

The Seasiders suffered a 3-2 defeat at the Brick Community Stadium, and will look to rectify things in this competition against Crewe and Aston Villa U21s at home next month.

Connor Barrett broke the deadlock in the opening exchanges, before Scott Hogan doubled the advantage on the opposite side of the break.

Goals from Tom Bloxham and Jerry Yates came either side of one for Fraser Murray, leaving them as nothing more than consolations.

After a disappointing first half, Ian Evatt made three changes at the break.

Zac Ashworth and Theo Upton were replaced due to tactical reasons, while Middlesbrough loanee Finley Munroe was withdrawn as a precaution after receiving treatment in the opening minutes of the contest.

“We felt like we needed some energy on the pitch,” explained assistant coach Stephen Crainey said.

“Finley (Munroe) had a little knock, as you saw in the first half, so we wanted to protect him. It was a really severe dead leg that he couldn’t shake off, but the other two were tactical.

“We felt like the players who came on lifted the energy. We’re disappointed to lose the game, but we’ll rest up and go again.”

Upton enjoyed some bright moments in the first half before being subbed, with the 18-year-old allowed to feature in the game as part of his loan agreement with AFC Fylde - whom he joined last month.

“He’s been great since pre-season,” Crainey added.

“He’s got a real great attitude, and if he keeps doing that then I think he’s got a really good chance to have a real career in the game.

“He’s on loan with Fylde and has done really well there. He’s impressed us throughout the whole of pre-season with his attitude.”