Doncaster 1-3 Blackpool
- Published
Blackpool scored two late goals to earn an opening-day win at newly promoted Doncaster Rovers.
The hosts thought they had picked up a point when Rob Jones had cancelled out debutant Steven Davies' first-half opener on the hour mark.
But with three minutes remaining Gary MacKenzie's towering header put the Seasiders back in front.
The victory was secured in injury time when Tom Ince took advantage of the hosts pushing for an equaliser.
After securing an instant return to the Championship last season, Doncaster's start to the campaign suffered an early setback as Davies struck just 17 minutes in.
The former Bristol City man had the simple task of tapping home on his debut after unlucky goalkeeper Ross Turnbull had produced a double save from Angel Martinez and then Kirk Broadfoot's follow-up.
David Cotterill had a shot saved for the hosts before Richie Wellens headed over the bar from close range seconds before the break.
Doncaster continued the pressure after half-time and were rewarded with an equaliser as Jones powerfully headed Cotterill's corner into the net.
Ince missed a golden opportunity to restore Blackpool's lead in the 84th minute when he rolled the ball wide of the mark after being gifted an opening by defender Paul Quinn.
But the visitors' persistence was rewarded in the 87th minute when MacKenzie headed home unchallenged from Ince's corner.
Doncaster piled forward in search of another equaliser but, with debutant keeper Turnbull up for a corner, the visitors broke and Ince shot into an empty net from 40 yards to seal victory.
Doncaster Rovers manager Paul Dickov:
"I'm obviously disappointed with the result - and the manner of it.
"We started a little bit nervy. I don't know whether it was because it was our first game back in the Championship because once we settled down we played some good stuff.
"The Championship is an unforgiving division and you can't really afford to concede goals like that."
Blackpool manager Paul Ince:
"It was a hard game but I thought we were worthy winners in the end and I don't think the final score flatters us at all.
"Once we settled into our stride, we played quite well despite missing numerous chances.
"It put them back in the game when they equalised but my boys have got a great camaraderie about them and they never give up."
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