Blackpool player ratings gallery: Mixture of 5, 6 and 7/10s as Seasiders are edged out by Sheffield United

By Matt Scrafton

Burnley FC writer

Published 30th Dec 2022, 08:00 GMT

Updated 30th Dec 2022, 12:09 GMT

Blackpool’s winless run stretched to eight games last night after suffering a slender 2-1 loss to high-flying Sheffield United.

There was no questioning Blackpool's effort or endeavour, but ultimately the Blades’ superior quality proved to be the difference as they strengthened their position in the top two.

Here’s how Pool’s players rated...

Marvin Ekpiteta gave Blackpool some hope with a close-range finish

. Hope

Marvin Ekpiteta gave Blackpool some hope with a close-range finish Photo: CameraSport - Dave Howarth

No chance with the first but positioning was questionable for the second. Made one or two good stops.

. Dan Grimshaw - 6/10

No chance with the first but positioning was questionable for the second. Made one or two good stops. Photo: CameraSport - Dave Howarth

Steady as always. Fairly reserved going forwards but gave very little away defensively. Kept things tight in the channels.

. Callum Connolly - 6/10

Steady as always. Fairly reserved going forwards but gave very little away defensively. Kept things tight in the channels. Photo: CameraSport - Dave Howarth

Defended well against Billy Sharp in the main and pulled a goal back as he prodded home from close range.

. MAN OF THE MATCH: Marvin Ekpiteta - 7/10

Defended well against Billy Sharp in the main and pulled a goal back as he prodded home from close range. Photo: CameraSport - Dave Howarth

Had his hands full with Ndiaye’s pace but stuck to his task well. Made two or three important blocks.

. James Husband - 7/10

Had his hands full with Ndiaye’s pace but stuck to his task well. Made two or three important blocks. Photo: CameraSport - Dave Howarth

Throw in for the early goal came down his side and he gave the ball away too cheaply. Needed to get across quicker for second.

. Dom Thompson - 5/10

Throw in for the early goal came down his side and he gave the ball away too cheaply. Needed to get across quicker for second. Photo: CameraSport - Dave Howarth

Marvin Ekpiteta gave Blackpool some hope with a close-range finish

1. Hope

Marvin Ekpiteta gave Blackpool some hope with a close-range finish Photo: CameraSport - Dave Howarth

No chance with the first but positioning was questionable for the second. Made one or two good stops.

2. Dan Grimshaw - 6/10

No chance with the first but positioning was questionable for the second. Made one or two good stops. Photo: CameraSport - Dave Howarth

Steady as always. Fairly reserved going forwards but gave very little away defensively. Kept things tight in the channels.

3. Callum Connolly - 6/10

Steady as always. Fairly reserved going forwards but gave very little away defensively. Kept things tight in the channels. Photo: CameraSport - Dave Howarth

Defended well against Billy Sharp in the main and pulled a goal back as he prodded home from close range.

4. MAN OF THE MATCH: Marvin Ekpiteta - 7/10

Defended well against Billy Sharp in the main and pulled a goal back as he prodded home from close range. Photo: CameraSport - Dave Howarth

Had his hands full with Ndiaye’s pace but stuck to his task well. Made two or three important blocks.

5. James Husband - 7/10

Had his hands full with Ndiaye’s pace but stuck to his task well. Made two or three important blocks. Photo: CameraSport - Dave Howarth

Throw in for the early goal came down his side and he gave the ball away too cheaply. Needed to get across quicker for second.

6. Dom Thompson - 5/10

Throw in for the early goal came down his side and he gave the ball away too cheaply. Needed to get across quicker for second. Photo: CameraSport - Dave Howarth

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