Blackpool left it late to defeat Doncaster and reclaim a playoff spot courtesy of substitute Armand Gnanduillet.
Both sides got off to a quiet start, but the football on show was quite impressive, with both sides happy to hold onto the ball. Blackpool were the least patient however, often reverting to a long ball. This impatience was further indicated with Nuttall dragging wide from distance in the 12th minute.
Blackpool were really struggling creatively, but were largely without defensive issues. In the 25th minute they once more used the long ball as Henghan's sweeping pass found Hardie, but he could not quite execute the flick to finish.
Doncaster were being forced into similar tactics in a tight match. Sadlier shot from distance in the 28th minute, but again the shot drifted off target.
Blackpool could have easily taken the lead seconds later. Hardie was causing severe issues for Donny and would create a yard of space to bring a brilliant save out of Lawlor. Blackpool may not have been on the front foot necessarily, but the best chances were coming their way.
Doncaster would have their own chances though. In the 40th minute Ennis was found on the penalty spot and despite twisting and turning, Virtue managed to block the eventual shot. A block that kept scores level going into the break.
Doncaster should have taken the lead early in the second half, and they would have done were it not for a remarkable Alnwick save. He beat away a Whiteman shot that was destined for the bottom corner to keep the scores equal on 52 minutes. Doncaster continued to press Blackpool as this time Sadlier lashed wide on 56 minutes. Blackpool were giving Doncaster space and living dangerously.
For all both sides toiling, it was a mistake that almost gifted Blackpool the lead. Lawlor scuffed into Hardie who was put clean through, but despite hitting the target, his left footed effort couldn’t get past the keeper. It was by far the best chance the game had seen by far.
Doncaster would better even that though, with Ennis rounding the keeper in the 72nd minute. But even he couldn’t score, as Tilt made a miraculous recovery to head off the line and keep the scores level.
Doncaster were slowly increasing the pressure towards the end. Taylor saw a shot saved in the 85th minute as they desperately searched for what would be the winner.
There was to be a winner though, and it wouldn’t be for Donny. Gnanduillet intercepted a cross-field pass and knocked the ball into Feeney who burst forward. After running half the pitch, the wingback delivered the ball back into Gnanduillet in injury time. He made no mistake, directing the ball back from where it came and beyond the keeper.
Blackpool had snatched the win and against a side that was yet to lose. Some of Pool's problems remained, and this can not be forgotten, but it was a dramatic upturn from the weekend.
Tilt was a revelation, Hardie caused problems and Alnwick arguably won Blackpool the match by keeping a remarkable clean sheet.
Despite all this though the issues were still there. Doncaster could and should have scored multiple goals, with the defence often panicking in tight situations. Alnwick and a heroic Tilt were the main reasons behind an unlikely clean sheet.
Attackingly too there were issues. Despite Hardie being persistent and looking the most likely to score, you really could not see a goal coming from anyone else. There was no spark from Nuttall who, although generally tidy, lacked in decision making and movement.
The midfield seemed to have improved though, with the addition of Virtue providing a level of solidity. But again, Husband as a wingback is really not working, but it was good to see Blackpool playing it more on the ground in the build up.
It was the perfect response to Saturday, but Blackpool remain far off their peak.