Ian Evatt lauds Blackpool for showing ‘a different side’ in win at Rotherham

Blackpool boss Ian Evatt praised his side for ripping up the form book as they ran out 3-0 winners at Rotherham.

The Millers’ nine-game unbeaten streak in League One was ended by the visitors, who picked up a vital three points in their quest to move away from trouble at the bottom of the table.

Danny Imray, Tom Bloxham and Ashley Fletcher struck for the Seasiders and Evatt said: “I am so proud of the players. They have executed the game plan brilliantly.

“We have shown a different side to us. My teams are associated with possession but we’ve shown that we are okay without the ball as well.

“We can transition, we can counter-attack, we can press at the right times and we can defend the box.

“You have to do that in this league and this is a place that is always challenging but I am so proud of the players. They have put in so much.

“They are learning every day and taking on board exactly what we want.

“The first goal in particular is something we work on. The detail of it is coached.

“I am very grateful to have this role and opportunity and the players are giving me everything.

“We spoke about where we are in the league not defining us.

“What will define us is if we can perform under pressure and the players have shown exactly what they can do.”

Blackpool were celebrating inside 90 seconds when they caught Rotherham napping with a swift move.

Josh Bowler slipped through Imray down the right and he smashed low past Cameron Dawson for the opener.

The away side were clinical once again with their second opportunity as Kian Spence’s hapless pass was seized upon by Bloxham, who finished off from close range from Fletcher’s cross.

Rotherham tried to scrap their way back into the game but saw efforts from Hamish Douglas and Marvin Kaleta cannon off the woodwork.

They continued to try to get back in the game but Fletcher turned in the third five minutes from the end.

Rotherham manager Matt Hamshaw admitted his frustration with his team at both ends of the pitch.

He said: “I don’t think it was a game too far but we started off sloppily.

“The goals are ridiculously poor to be honest and that knocked the wind out of the sails of the fans.

“I think it’s quite clear that in the final third we are lacking.

“We have done all right through this run of games.

“To lose in this manner, that isn’t who I am and this club is. It’s for me to put right.

“I think we had enough chances. They need to go in. You have got to take opportunities and that is the frustration for me.

“It just wasn’t our night and that is the bit that frustrates me.”