Rovers showed three changes from the side that drew at Colchester; Joe Wright and Alfie May returning and Aaron Taylor-Sinclair making his first start of the season.
The home side created the better chances in the first half and Blackpool goalkeeper Sam Slocombe was called upon to make saves from Wright, May and Tommy Rowe. Blackpool’s main threat came on the break, and Brad Potts did have the ball in Marko Marosi’s net, only to see the effort ruled offside.
The turning point came when Matty Blair, rather harshly booked early in the game, was adjudged to have committed a foul in the centre circle and was shown a second yellow card. Rovers rejigged, with Harry Middleton replacing May and restricted Blackpool to few efforts on goal, although Marosi was forced to make a smart save from Nathan Delfouenso.
Just when the game appeared to be heading for a draw, Mathieu Baudry inexplicably handled a cross and Blackpool were awarded a penalty. Mark Cullen took it and slammed his shot against the base of the post.
In the final minute Will Aimson took on substitute Will Longbottom and although he was held back contact seemed to be outside the box. However, referee Carl Boyeson pointed to the spot, and despite consulting his better placed assistant he stuck to his decision. Jordan Flores stepped up this time and his low shot beat Marosi.
So, Rovers’ lead in League Two is cut to three points with three games still to play.
by John Coyle
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