Neil Critchley says Blackpool are ready to pounce in play-off race
Posted Wednesday, April 10, 2024 by PA
Blackpool manager Neil Critchley insists the Seasiders are poised to capitalise on any League One slip-ups following a 1-0 win over their relegation-threatened local rivals Fleetwood.
The Seasiders snatched Fylde Coast derby bragging rights thanks to Jake Beesley’s first-half header at Bloomfield Road.
Jay Lynch kept Fleetwood in the game with his superb save from Shayne Lavery’s penalty in the 77th minute.
Victory marked Blackpool’s first win over the Cod Army since December 2020 as they closed the gap between themselves and the play-off spots to three points.
Critchley said: “It’s a big win for us for a lot of reasons. We know how much this fixture means to the fans.
“We knew [to reach the play-offs] that we would probably have to win all four of our remaining matches and that’s the first one out of the way.
“It’s out of our hands at the moment and our aim going into each game is to win and get three points. If we can do that then we can hopefully capitalise on any slip-ups from the teams above us.”
The Blackpool boss defended Lavery for his penalty miss and switched the focus to their next clash against Carlisle at the weekend.
“Look, everybody misses penalties,” he said. “Nobody misses them on purpose. Shayne, unfortunately, missed his. But thankfully it didn’t come back to cost us.
“Derbies are always intense, scrappy affairs. They’re nervy. We’re pleased to get the three points and we move onto Saturday now.
“All we can do is focus on ourselves.”
Fleetwood’s Tommy Lonergan thought he had found a crucial equaliser at the death but celebrations were cut short when his goal was ruled offside.
Manager Charlie Adam stood firm that his side will not give with Fleetwood six points off safety with just four games remaining.
He said: “It’s a disappointing result and we’re disappointed we’ve come away with nothing.
“We came here with a game plan and I thought we stuck to that very well. It’s a game that we came into thinking we could win.
“I’m proud of them, really proud of them. I’m proud that they have come here and shown some personality.
“I said to them before the game that we needed personality and bravery on the ball and they’ve shown that.
“They fought for this jersey, fought for this football club right until the very end and sadly it wasn’t to be tonight.
“It will be the same Saturday and it will be the same for the last four games, we won’t give in.
“We will be here until the end and we will keep fighting. There is absolutely no doubt about that.”
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