Blackpool End Rotherham’s Unbeaten Run with Commanding 3-0 Victory
Struggling Seasiders Stun In-Form Millers
Rotherham suffered their first league defeat since September as Blackpool pulled off a surprise 3-0 victory in South Yorkshire. The result at the New York Stadium on Wednesday evening delivered a pre-Christmas reality check to the hosts, who had appeared to be building momentum with nine games unbeaten in League One heading into the festive period.
The match held particular significance for both clubs. Rotherham United entertain Blackpool this evening which will be 14th taking on 22nd in the League. For Blackpool, languishing near the relegation zone, this represented an opportunity to secure vital points, while Rotherham aimed to maintain their upward trajectory under manager Matt Hamshaw.
Early Goals Set the Tone
The match exploded into life almost immediately. Blackpool raced into the lead in only the second minute when Danny Imray was slipped in by Josh Bowler and finished low beyond Cameron Dawson. The Crystal Palace loanee, making his first start since the end of September, couldn’t have asked for a better return to the starting line-up.
The Seasiders doubled their advantage just 16 minutes later. They went two up after 18 minutes when Kian Spence’s wayward pass was seized upon by Tom Bloxham, who then got on the end of Ashley Fletcher’s cross to prod home. The early setback left Rotherham chasing the game, and matters worsened when they lost two more men during their second home third-tier reverse of the campaign to injuries.
Rotherham’s Frustration Mounts
Rotherham tried to get their way back into the game before and after the break but the woodwork twice saved Blackpool. Despite dominating possession and creating opportunities, the Millers couldn’t convert their pressure into goals. Goalkeeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell proved instrumental for the visitors, producing several important saves to preserve Blackpool’s clean sheet.
Ashley Fletcher sealed the comprehensive victory late on, scoring his 11th goal of the season to complete a memorable evening for Ian Evatt’s side.
Implications for Both Clubs
The result has significant ramifications for the League One table. Struggling Blackpool picked up the points to help them move to within a point of Exeter in 20th. This crucial away victory provides breathing space in their battle against relegation and offers hope that their season can be salvaged.
For Rotherham, the defeat dropped them a place in the table to 15th, seven points away from the play-off reckoning. The loss serves as a reminder of the competitive nature of League One, where momentum can shift rapidly. Manager Matt Hamshaw will need to rally his troops quickly as the demanding festive fixture schedule intensifies, with squad depth now a concern following the injury setbacks.
Both teams will look to build on contrasting emotions from this encounter when they meet again in the reverse fixture at Bloomfield Road on 29 December, offering Rotherham an early opportunity for revenge.