Blackpool boss: Fortunes have changed for the Seasiders and Charlton Athletic

Neil Critchley believes the roles have reversed and Charlton Athletic are now enduring a bit of a sticky patch – just as his Blackpool side were when they faced the Addicks earlier in the season.
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Lee Bowyer’s side claimed a 1-0 win at Bloomfield Road in October, in a game where Blackpool played 89 minutes with 10 men due to James Husband’s early red card, to leave the Seasiders second from bottom in League One.

Critchley’s players haven’t been beaten at home since that day and are now enjoying a rich vein of form, with four wins in their last five.

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Charlton, meanwhile, haven’t won at The Valley since December 12 and their midweek defeat to bottom side Burton Albion was their third consecutive loss on home turf.

Charlton Athletic were victorious against Blackpool when the sides met in OctoberCharlton Athletic were victorious against Blackpool when the sides met in October
Charlton Athletic were victorious against Blackpool when the sides met in October

“We were in one of those moments at that time at the start of the season where everything conspired against us – luck, decisions, moments in games,” Critchley told The Gazette, reflecting on the first game between the two sides.

“It can be very difficult to deal with, but you have to stick together, remain consistent and believe in what you do.

“Charlton were in a good moment at that point, they had started the season well and that shows you the ability and quality they’ve got within their squad.

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“I’m sure it will change for them at some point and they’ll be looking to bounce back after losing in midweek, so we know it’s going to be tough.”

Despite their poor form, Charlton remain in the hunt for the top six, sitting five points adrift of the play-off spots albeit having played more games.

“You only have to look at the names they’ve got in their squad, they’ve got some top quality players for this level,” Critchley added.

“Looking at some of their games recently, I don’t think they’ve got what they deserved from their performances.

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“They’ve had a little bit of bad luck go against them and they’re probably a reflection of what can happen in this league, there’s such a fine line between winning and losing.

“You only need a couple of bad decisions or moments go against you and you get punished for it.

“I think they’re just in that moment where they’re being punished, but like the Ipswich game the other week, you know at some point – because of the quality of their players – they’ll start winning football matches.

“We just hope that’s not against us.”

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