Blackpool player ratings V Wigan Athletic: Two score 4/10 in EFL Trophy struggle

The home side took the lead after just three minutes. Connor Barrett was gifted time and space to open up some room for himself on the edge of the box, before slipping a shot past the unmoved Luke Southwood.

Brad Burrowes came close to doubling Latics’ lead just after the 20-minute mark, with a shot from the edge of the box taking a small touch onto the post.

Scott Hogan also came close to added his name to the scoresheet, but saw his attempt saved by Southwood after taking the ball past Josh Earl.

Blackpool’s chances proved limited in the first half. The closest Ian Evatt’s side came was a shot from Leighton Clarkson, which went straight into the hands of Joe Walsh, while Tom Bloxham had an effort blocked from close-range.

This prompted a triple change at the break, with Olly Casey, Albie Morgan and Josh Bowler all being introduced.

It was still Wigan who had the first clear chance after the restart. An attempt from Archie Harris called Southwood into action, with the summer signing getting down low to stop the shot.

Gary Caldwell’s side did double their lead on their next attack, with Hogan heading home a Barrett cross.

Bowler came close to pulling one back for the Seasiders, smashing the crossbar after cutting in from the right.

Moments later, Blackpool were back in the game, with Bloxham converting the penalty he won after being brought down by Finley Burns in the box.

This didn’t deter Wigan - who made it 3-1 through Murray, after the midfielder found himself unmarked at the back post to head home from close-range.

Heading into stoppage time, Yates closed the gap again with an instinctive finish in the box, but Ian Evatt’s side couldn’t find another to level the scores and salvage something.

Here’s how the Seasiders performed: