Blackpool remain in a 'very strong position' despite losing unbeaten run, according to Kenny Dougall

Kenny Dougall says it’s important to remember Blackpool are still in a “very strong position” despite having their unbeaten run ended at Rochdale on Tuesday night.
By Matt Scrafton
Published 22nd Apr 2021, 08:42 BST
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The Seasiders lost for the first time in 17 outings when Ollie Rathbone handed relegation-threatened Dale a 1-0 victory at Spotland.

Despite the setback, Neil Critchley’s side remain in the play-offs and boast a three-point gap to seventh-placed Oxford United, who have played two games more.

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“We’re obviously disappointed. Whenever you don’t pick up points you’re disappointed,” Dougall said.

“We’ve had a good run and all good runs have to come to an end some day, unfortunately for us it’s come at Rochdale

“It doesn’t change things, we’re still disappointed. But it isn’t the end of the world, we’re still in the play-off spots and ultimately that’s the route we’re going to have to go down.

“The camp is still fine. We have another game on Saturday and we’ve played Saturday-Tuesday-Saturday for quite a while now, but there are no issues with that. The boys will pick themselves up and carry on.

Dougall and co were unable to stop Blackpool suffering their first defeat in 17 outings at Spotland on TuesdayDougall and co were unable to stop Blackpool suffering their first defeat in 17 outings at Spotland on Tuesday
Dougall and co were unable to stop Blackpool suffering their first defeat in 17 outings at Spotland on Tuesday
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“There were probably too many draws during that unbeaten run for our liking, but to remain unbeaten for 16 games is fantastic and it’s put us in a very strong position.

“There are five games to go. We’re not secure in those play-off spots so we need to continue picking up points and continue that into late May.”

The Seasiders will be looking to get back to winning ways on Saturday when they take on Shrewsbury Town, a side that beat them 1-0 at the New Meadow earlier in the season.

The Shrews sit 18th in the table, seven points clear of the relegation zone with five games remaining.

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“Shrewsbury beat us the last time we played them, so we know what we’re coming up against,” Dougall added.

“They look pretty safe. Not mathematically though, so they’re still fighting for their lives because all of the teams down there are picking up points.

“Whenever you play anyone in this league it’s a tough match, we know that only too well.

“If it’s a one-off loss, it’s not the end of the world. But we can’t make it two in a row on Saturday.”

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Related topics:BlackpoolRochdale