Caretaker boss David Dunn on Blackpool's defeat at Bristol Rovers and delivers his verdict on Ben Heneghan's red card

The Seasiders slumped to an eighth defeat in 10 in their first game since Simon Grayson's sacking as Bristol Rovers came from behind against the 10 men of Blackpool.

Pool took a second-minute lead through Gary Madine and looked in charge of proceedings until Ben Heneghan was shown a straight red card on the stroke of half-time.

Dunn's charges still had their chances to make life more comfortable for themselves with 10 men, with Matty Virtue in particular squandering two chances.

But the home side, who were without a win in 14 prior to kick-off, got themselves back on level terms courtesy of Alfie Kilgour's wonder-strike - the defender picking out the top corner from 30 yards.

The Gas then won it with a slice of fortune six minutes from time, Preston North End loanee Josh Ginnelly diverting Jonson Clarke-Harris' long-range strike into the back of the net.

The Seasiders, who have now won just one of their last 13 encounters, still had time to miss a late chance to snatch a point as Nathan Delfouneso steered wide.

Dunn, speaking post-match said: “I thought the lads were excellent.

“The way we passed the ball, the way they worked hard for each other, I couldn’t have asked for much more really.

“The decision to send Ben Heneghan off changed the course of the game because at the time we were in a really good position and controlling most of the game.

“I haven’t seen it back, so I’m not sure if it is or it isn’t, but I thought a booking he might have got away with. Sometimes when two big lads collide it looks worse than it is.

“But Ben has slipped and obviously the ref has made his mind up to show him the red card.

“Overall I’m pleased with the performance but I’m obviously disappointed with the result.

“When you see their first goal, I don’t think their lad is going to score another one like that from 30 yards ever again.

“Then there’s a fluke goal with a deflection for the second one.

“But I can’t ask for anymore from the players, they were terrific. We created chances with 11 men and I thought we even created good chances and broke them down when we were a man down.

“They popped the ball round but the pleasing thing for me was how the lads stuck together because in terms of workrate we couldn’t have asked for much more.”