Blackpool boss Neil Critchley reflects on 'nearly' game after EFL Trophy exit at Fleetwood

Luke Garbutt gets a cross over for Blackpool at Highbury on Tuesday

Fleetwood Town defeat Blackpool on penalties after goalless Trophy tie

There was little to separate the two sides throughout the game at Highbury as both had chances, although Pool probably had the better of the opportunities.

After a goalless 90 minutes, Pool midfielder Ethan Robson was the only player to miss in the shoot-out.

Critchley felt the commitment was there from the Seasiders but not quite the execution.

The head coach said: "The more we speak about it and the more we think about it - and I'm sure when I rewatch the game and reflect on it - this was a 'nearly' type of game.

"I thought the players showed real intensity and passion to the game and I can't fault our players at all."

Critchley felt his side gave as good as they got in the contest and was ultimately disappointed to be knocked out after progressing to this stage as group runners-up.

Matty Virtue made his long-awaited return to the side, playing the first half, which was among the positives for the Pool boss.

Critchley, whose side won 1-0 on the same ground in League One on Saturday, added: "It was a tight game again. There wasn't an inch given by either team on the pitch.

"There were committed players and not a lot in it between either team.

"We were better in the first half. I thought we played really well in the first half.

"We had some really good moments, both in counter-attacks from winning the ball back and from our good play as well.

"We had one or two chances that might have changed the game if we had scored but we missed them.

"I was a bit disappointed in the second half. I think we ran out of legs a little bit.

"We played really well as a team, limited them to very little and we're disappointed to go out on penalties.

"There were some positives, though: Matty Virtue played 45 minutes, Jordan Williams played 45 minutes and some players got 90 minutes.

"There are some positives to take but we're disappointed to go out." #

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