Blackpool were on the end of a 2-1 defeat away to Doncaster Rovers.

Blackpool’s problems at the bottom of League One worsened with a 2-1 defeat to Doncaster Rovers at the Eco-Power Stadium.

Goals from Owen Bailey and Hakeeb Adelakun put Grant McCann’s side in the driving seat, with a late strike from Ashley Fletcher proving to be nothing more than a consolation, as the visitors remained in the bottom four after falling under the line after the midweek round of fixtures.

On the back of Wednesday night’s 4-1 defeat to AFC Wimbledon, and the subsequent addition of Steve Thompson to Ian Evatt’s backroom staff, the Seasiders moved away from a wing-back system, and instead utilised a 4-2-3-1.

This ultimately didn’t bring a change of fortune, as the same issues continued to plague the Fylde Coast outfit.

The game’s first half chance came Niall Ennis’ way, with a flicked attempt from the forward going just wide of the post after a ball into the box from CJ Hamilton.

Down the other end, a reaction save was needed from Bailey Peacock-Farrell to stop a close-ranged header into the ground from Matty Pearson.

Robbie Gotts was also denied by the Northern Ireland international, with the 29-year-old tipping the ball over the crossbar.

The deadlock was broken just before the half hour mark. Peacock-Farrell came off his line to punch away a cross into the box, but couldn’t make contact with the ball - which allowed Bailey to head home for the home side.

Doncaster came close to doubling their lead ahead of the break, with a Neil Byrne header hitting the underside of the crossbar but not going over the line.

Following the restart, Luke Molyneux had the next real opportunity, but saw his attempt saved by Peacock-Farrell after going past James Husband down the left.

Off the bench, Josh Bowler came the closest to finding an equaliser, with a shot from distance striking the post.

Beyond that, Blackpool couldn’t produce a prolonged period of pressure to get themselves back into it.

Instead, Rovers were able to find their second, courtesy of substitute Adelakun.

There was a late consolation for the visitors through Fletcher, but it came too late to change the direction of things.

In contrast, things actually got worse for Evatt’s side, with Fraser Horsfall being sent off in the closing moments.

With nine games remaining, it’s set to be a mammoth task for the Seasiders to avoid the drop, with limited signs on offer to suggest they can turnaround their poor form of the last few months.

Here’s the full starting XI: Bailey Peacock-Farrell, Reuell Walters, Olly Casey, Fraser Horsfall, James Husband (85’), Jordan Brown, Karoy Anderson, Tom Bloxham (61’), George Honeyman (61’), CJ Hamilton, Niall Ennis.

Substitutes: Franco Ravizzoli, Leighton Clarkson, Ashley Fletcher (61’), Hayden Coulson (85’), Joel Randall, Josh Bowler (61’), Zac Ashworth.

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