Blackpool player ratings V Tranmere Rovers: Youngsters give solid account as senior players score sixes and sevens

Blackpool were defeated 2-1 by Tranmere Rovers in their final EFL Trophy group outing.

After a postponed kick off, with the game taking place an hour later than scheduled due to a heavy downpour at Prenton Park, the Seasiders edged their way in front after 18 minutes.

Scott Banks produced some quick foot work to avoid several challenges in the box, before releasing a shot past Jack Barrett.

Tranmere thought they had found an immediate equaliser, but Ravizzoli was just about able to stop the ball from crossing the line.

On their next attack, the home side were able to pull themselves level, with a shot from Brough taking a massive deflection to wrong foot Blackpool’s Argentine keeper.

After naming a number of Seasiders youngsters in his starting XI, Ian Evatt started to introduce further academy players off the bench in the second half.

It took the home side a bit of time to really make their mark against their junior opposition, before edging their way in front through a Joe Ironside header.

With qualification from Group B already confirmed for both teams ahead of kick off, the result only impacts their positioning, with Blackpool going through second.

Here’s how the Seasiders performed:

7. Lee Evans - 6

Lee Evans spent most of the game sat in front of the back three to offer additional protection. The midfielder was loose with a couple of passes, with one error resulting in a yellow card as he attempted to stop Tranmere from countering. Like Ashworth, the midfielder was replaced a the break. Photo: Gareth Evans