Rotherham United boss Matt Hamshaw refuses to hide behind 'game too far' excuse after sobering defeat

The Millers conceded two early goals and were put out of their misery late on by the impressive Ashley Fletcher.

A first League One loss in 10 games halted Rotherham's recent momentum but Hamshaw is not hiding behind his lack of options.

"I don't think it was a game too far," he said.

"We started off sloppily and the goals we conceded were ridiculously poor, if I'm honest. That knocked the wind out of the fans.

"We still created enough opportunities but it's quite clear we're lacking in the final third.

"We've done alright through this run of games but it's my responsibility as a manager that things don't catch up with you."

Danny Imray opened the scoring after 90 seconds before Tom Bloxham doubled Blackpool's lead with only 18 minutes on the clock.

Hamish Douglas and Marvin Kaleta were both denied by the woodwork as Rotherham rallied but the visitors survived and wrapped up just their second away win of the season when Fletcher took advantage of generous defending.

"It's really frustrating and annoying," added Hamshaw.

"It's probably the lowest ebb at home. The Donny and Cardiff games were disappointing but to lose in that manner is not who I am or who the club is.

"I haven't seen them yet but the stats will suggest we had a better xG. It's all rubbish because you've got to take your opportunities. That's the frustration for me."

With key frontman Sam Nombe among those still on the casualty list, Jordan Hugill was the only available striker on Wednesday night.

Kaleta did return, however, after a month on the sidelines to provide Hamshaw with his only attacking option on a bench packed with defenders.

Jamal Bapitiste also made his comeback as an early replacement for Reece James.

"Marvin probably came back a bit sooner than he probably should have done," said Hamshaw. "Fair play to him for coming on but it probably caught up with him towards the end.

"(Jamal) Bapitiste and Tom Holmes are back, Zak Jules should be back soon, so we've got numbers coming back.

"It was a weird game. I get the frustration – and I'm as frustrated as anyone – but this wasn't a 3-0 where we got battered. I'm not saying we were anywhere near the levels required but it could have been a different day."

James was forced off inside the opening half-hour after taking a blow to the head and he was soon joined on the sidelines by Josh Benson, who left the ground nursing a muscle injury.

The pair are major doubts for Saturday's long trip to Plymouth Argyle.

"Reece James got a facial injury," said Hamshaw, whose team now sit 15th in League One. "He's done something to his jaw.

"Josh Benson has a calf issue. It doesn't look good because he didn't have anybody near him. That's never good.

"These things happen. We seem to take two steps forward and then two back. That's the frustration."