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

Blackpool were defeated 2-1 by Tranmere Rovers at Prenton Park - but there was a bit of a confusion over whether there would actually be a match.

The game got underway an hour later than planned following a heavy downpour ahead of kick off. Despite appearing to have called it off at one stage, the referee opted to check the pitch an additional time, with it deemed playable based on the second inspection.

After the action got started, Scott Banks’ opener was cancelled out by goals from Patrick Brough and Joe Ironside, as the youthful Seasiders found themselves on the losing side despite battling hard throughout.

Discussing the disruption at the start of the game, Evatt said: “Sometimes when you’re not in it, and you’re on the outside, it can see chaotic, but the referee was very receptive to mine and Andy’s thoughts, and it was the right decision to give it more time because it did improve.

“There wasn’t much to notice in the game about the conditions. Young Spenny (Spencer Knight) was unlucky to get booked in the first half because both players were sliding for the ball on a wet pitch, and it’s difficult to stop. There was no malice involved, he just carried on sliding because of the wet.

“Other than that, there was nothing else to speak of. I’m pleased we’ve all come through it unscathed.

“There was no good delaying it or putting it back to next week because our preparation for Saturday was already slightly disrupted because we had to leave players at home and some players needed minutes. We will now try to get everything in on Thursday and Friday.

“It is what it is. A postponement would’ve only been a knock on effect because if we’d played next week then Leyton Orient would’ve been disrupted. It’s good to get it out of the way and for the young players to have the experience.

“What I will say is, whatever happened prior to the game, we came to the right conclusion and the right decision. To give the referee some credit and praise, he was listening to me and Cros (Andy Crosby), and was taking in our input of how much we wanted to play the game.

“He was receptive and eventually we got the game on, so no complaints from me. The rain was like someone had turned the taps on, it was incredible for a short period - it was bad but the ground staff here worked so hard to get the standing water off the pitch.

“The referee was receptive to give us more time, which was important. No one’s got any complaints now, we played the game and got through it. The young players had a great experience so we’re onto the next game.”

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