Blackpool head coach sees positive signs despite opening league defeat

The Seasiders endured a frustrating start to the 2020/21 season as they went down to a 1-0 defeat to Plymouth Argyle on Saturday.

Luke Jephcott’s header after just three minutes was the difference between the two sides in a game Pool dominated for large periods.

Critchley’s side created a host of clear-cut chances but, for the third game running this season, they were unable to find the net.

It comes after Blackpool also failed to score in their opening two cup ties of the campaign.

Despite the disappointing curtain raiser, there are still plenty of promising signs with the Seasiders showing a clear intent to play on the front foot with a high intensity – exactly how Critchley wants his team to play.

It saw Critchley’s side control Saturday’s game at Home Park, but it was their wastefulness in front of goal that let them down.

“When I go away and watch the game, for an away team to come away and have 18 shots shows you what we’re about,” Critchley said.

“I’m sure most of the stats will be in our favour, but the most important stat is in Plymouth’s favour.

“The barometer for our performances, you do look at those type of stats and ask yourselves ‘are we playing the way we want to play? Is the style there? Are we dominating the game?’

“For large periods we’ve done that, but just the one thing missing was the most important thing which is why we’ve lost the game.”

While Critchley was frustrated by Blackpool’s failure to convert their chances, he believes it’s only a matter of time until his side gets among the goals.

“If we were standing here and we didn’t look like scoring, then I’d be really worried. That’s why it’s even harder to take,” he added.

“We are creating chances and some of our attacking play is really good. We’re getting into some good, threatening areas but it just doesn’t seem to happen for us in front of goal at the moment.

“But it’s only the first league game of the season, we have to show perseverance and we have to believe in what we’re doing.

“It’s something for me and my staff to make sure the boys continue to play in that manner, because if we do, I’ll be feeling a bit more positive.”

Critchley is hopeful James Husband will come back into contention for Saturday’s opening home game of the season against Swindon Town.

The left-back missed the trip to Plymouth with a hamstring injury he suffered in the warm-up prior to Blackpool’s EFL Trophy game against Barrow.

Debutant Demetri Mitchell took his place in the line-up, making his first competitive appearance for the Seasiders since arriving on a free transfer.