Bailey Peacock-Farrell was called into action for the first time after just four minutes, with the Birmingham City loanee reacting quickly to push a Cedric Kipre header over the crossbar.
The Seasiders’ first real opportunity came through Danny Imray. Following some good link-up play between Albie Morgan and CJ Hamilton, the latter found the Crystal Palace loanee in the box, with an heroic block required to stop the ball from finding the back of the net.
Half chances continued to come the home side’s way, but had to wait until the 35th minute to finally break the deadlock.
A well-worked move eventually saw Jaden Philogene slipped in down the left, with 23-year-old slotting the ball to the far post out of Peacock-Farrell’s reach.
The Northern Ireland shot stopper was able to stop Chuba Akpom from making it 2-0 ahead of half time, leaving the striker frustrated by a strong hand to deny Ipswich on the break.
Following the restart, Hamilton had a chance to pull the Seasiders level. The wing-back showed some strength to get onto the end of a long ball, before forcing Alex Palmer into a save from a tight angle.
A rare chance also came Ashley Fletcher’s way, with Jacob Greaves coming up with a vital block to deflect the ball wide.
Shortly after that intervention, the defender secured the win for Ipswich, outmuscling Peacock-Farrell in the air to head home from close-range.
Substitute Scott Banks was fouled in the box late in stoppage time, but there wasn’t enough time after Fletcher’s successful penalty to search for an equaliser.
Here’s how the Seasiders performed:
7. Lee Evans - 6
Lee Evans controlled things pretty well in the whole against his former club. Photo: Gareth Evans
8. Albie Morgan - 6
When Blackpool found a way forward, it was usually through a bit of spark from Albie Morgan in the centre of the park. Photo: Gareth Evans
9. George Honeyman - 7
George Honeyman did offer the Seasiders some energy both on and off the ball. Photo: Gareth Evans
10. CJ Hamilton - 6
CJ Hamilton created a good chance for Danny Imray in the first half, after come good link-up play. Meanwhile, after the break, the wing-back forced Alex Palmer into a save after some good work down the left. Photo: Gareth Evans
11. Ashley Fletcher - 6.5
Attacking opportunities were limited for Ashley Fletcher, but he played his part off the ball, and worked hard to get back for his teammates. The striker was on hand with the Seasiders' consolation from the penalty spot late on. Photo: Gareth Evans
