Blackpool were defeated 2-1 by Ipswich Town in the third round of the FA Cup.

Ian Evatt states he was pleased by elements of Blackpool’s performance in their 2-1 defeat to Ipswich Town in the third round of the FA Cup.

Jaden Philogene edged the Championship outfit in front during the first half, before Jacob Greaves secured the Tractor Boys’ progression in the closing stages.

The Seasiders were able to battle well against their higher league opponents throughout, but couldn’t find a way back into the contest prior to a stoppage time Ashley Fletcher penalty.

“I’m disappointed to go out, but proud of the way the players have tried to execute a different performance - it’s not something we want to do in our division; we want to be front-footed and aggressive, but today we had to give respect to the opposition and play in more of a block to frustrate them,” Evatt said.

“We switched off once in the first half, and didn’t close the middle of the pitch fast enough, and we got punished, but that’s what you get when facing quality players.

“We had chances, but didn’t quite take those moments when we needed to, and just when we started to throw the game open more, we conceded a corner. We reacted the right way against a really good team.

“I’m disappointed to be out but not disheartened, I think there was a lot to like.

“There’s been context to the last two results in League One, which we don’t need to go into, but today we wanted to come here and show we were a good team and we’re trying to do the right things.

“This is an excellent football team with an excellent coach, so it’s great to come up against them and show we can be competitive.”

There were some calls for a foul on Bailey Peacock-Farrell for Ipswich’s second goal, but Evatt wasn’t left too disappointed by the referee’s call not to blow up.

“The lad jumped early and put his arm across Bailey on his shoulder - which probably prevented him from getting to the ball and jumping early enough,” he added.

“Those things go for and against you sometimes, and possibly the penalty went for us to even it up. I’m not too disappointed by that, but it’s part of the game. It’d be interesting to see what would happen if VAR was in.”

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