Anthony Patterson: 8/10
Looked comfortable with the ball at his feet and made a crucial point-blank save at 2-1 up when Blackpool were in the ascendency.
Niall Huggins: 7/10
Slightly off the pace at the start but grew into the game, looked more confident with his positioning on and off the ball as the game went on.
Frederik Alves: 6/10
Got skinned for the first goal and looked scared with the ball at his feet in the first half - went off with an injury in the second; looked to be still finding match fitness.
Bailey Wright: 8/10
Looked strong on the ball and confident in the air, and even created a chance in the first half over the top - good to see him back in the team from the start.
Dennis Cirkin: 6/10
Didn’t do much of note, and his first touch let him down a couple of times - was solid enough, although gave away a couple of free kicks.
Dan Neil: 8/10
Looks more and more confident as games go by - assured, wins challenges, passes well, and finds space where you don’t think there is any. It’s exciting to see.
Carl Winchester: 8/10
Solid in the centre and won the ball back a fair few times; his strong challenges broke up Blackpool’s play more than once and was again very assured - he and Neil are very decent together.
Jack Diamond: 8/10
Ran at their defence a lot and ran their left-back ragged - showed great pace and even won the ball back, and grabbed two deserved assists. The Lee Cattermole tucked-in shirt combo will always impress.
Alex Pritchard: 6/10
Looks neat and tidy - still didn’t impose as much as he or we would have wanted, but played some very good set pieces.
Aiden O’Brien: 10/10
Scored a brilliant hat trick, kept hold of the ball, and worked tirelessly for the team.
Tonight was his night - two brilliant goals and one deflection, but if you don’t buy a ticket…
Nathan Broadhead: 7/10
Showed sparks of pace and flair. He was offside in the first a lot but had a goal ruled out - he’s very different to our usual centre forward, hanging off the last man which is nice to see I would like to see what he and Stewart can do in a 4-4-2.
Substitutes
Elliot Embleton: 6/10
Good on the ball again and assured in midfield but didn’t do too much of note - his set pieces weren’t the best this evening, but he rightly got an ovation when he came on.
Ross Stewart: 7/10
Every time I see him I just think he’s such an upgrade on the man he’s replaced - tonight was no different. He’s much better at winning the ball and keeping possession.
Callum Doyle 7/10
Stopped a couple of crucial counter attacks, and had another meander forward which is always good to see.