Finding a way to win, defending resolutely and impressive home form: Matt Scrafton's verdict on Blackpool's scrappy win against Rochdale

Neil Critchley’s side were forced to hold on for their 1-0 win on Tuesday night against a Rochdale side that are well and truly in a relegation scrap.

That might not appear entirely convincing, but given Blackpool came into the game on the back of an unscheduled 10-day break due to back-to-back postponements, it was just a case of getting back to winning ways in whatever way possible after their Ipswich Town disappointment.

As Critchley pointed out post-match, the last time his side returned from a 10-day break they went to Shrewsbury and produced a stinker of a display to lose 1-0.

Pool’s second-half display against Rochdale wasn’t much better, but on this occasion they had something to hold onto and deserve praise for the manner in which they saw the game out against an admittedly free-scoring side.

While Rochdale are porous at the back, conceding an eye-watering 55 goals so far this season, it’s fair to say they pose a threat at the other end of the pitch, scoring more goals than league leaders Lincoln City.

But Blackpool limited Brian Barry-Murphy’s side to just two shots on target and Chris Maxwell didn’t really have too much to do, other than an early stop from Alex Newby’s lob and a routine save from Stephen Humprhys’ free-kick.

While the Seasiders were far from their free-flowing best, especially in the second-half, you never got the feeling Rochdale were about to score. They had the upper-hand for the majority of the second period but the only real opening they created was a free header for substitute Jimmy Keohane, who nodded well wide of goal.

In fact, Pool, who were decidedly disjointed in the second period, especially after Marvin Ekpiteta went off with what looked to be a worrying hamstring injury, came the closest to scoring when Sullay Kaikai clipped the outside of the post with a 30-yard free-kick.

It was Kaikai’s first-half strike that proved to be the difference between the two sides in this tight encounter.

The winger, who has stepped his game up in recent weeks after what has been a frustrating campaign so far, has only scored three times this season, but all three have proved important as they’ve come in 1-0 wins at Bloomfield Road.

The Seasiders were by far the better side in the first-half and had an impressive calmness and composure about their play. Kevin Stewart was instrumental as Pool moved the ball quickly between the thirds and kept Dale under pressure with sustained attacks.

Kaikai, combining well down the left with James Husband, was a constant threat and his set-piece deliveries were a danger throughout for a nervy-looking Dale defence. Jordan Gabriel, meanwhile, got forward again and again down the right-hand side and caught the eye with his direct, penatrative runs.

Critchley’s side were in total control thanks to their patient build-up which left their opponents pinned into their own half.

Kenny Dougall and Jordan Thorniley both went close to opening the scoring early on following a Kaikai set-piece, which Dale struggled to deal with all evening, before Jerry Yates had a close-range effort ruled out for offside.

Nevertheless, Pool didn’t have too long to wait to edge their noses in front as Kaikai drilled home what proved to be the decisive goal on the 20-minute mark.

It followed a deep cross from Husband, who ended the game at centre-back following Ekpiteta’s withdrawal, which was kept alive at the back post by the retreating Matty Virtue.

The midfielder, playing out of position on the right flank once again, headed the ball back into the danger area where it fell kindly for Kaikai, who stabbed home through a sea of bodies to hand the Seasiders a deserved lead.

Had Blackpool built on this and found a second, chances are this encounter would have ended up looking very one-sided. But in the end, a one-goal margin proved to be enough as Maxwell claimed his 10th clean sheet of the campaign.

What is more impressive is that this victory continued Blackpool’s impressive form on home turf, where they remain unbeaten since October.

Since losing 1-0 to Charlton Athletic, Critchley’s side have won eight of their following nine games in all competitions, conceding just four times.

If Pool are going to take advantage of their games in hand and pull themselves into contention for the top six, chances are their home form will prove key.

The Seasiders, who have now won three of their last four games, just had to do whatever it took to claim a victory after a stop-start couple of weeks.

Rochdale, who became increasingly desperate in the final stages, constantly throwing themselves to the floor in the penalty area, were one of the most limited sides I’ve seen this season.

Northampton Town, who offered very little during their 2-0 defeat at Bloomfield Road earlier this month, are also in contention for that honour. Both sides look to have a tough battle on their hands if they’re to maintain their third tier status.

As for Blackpool, they’ll know themselves they’re going to have to be far better than this is they’re to beat Portsmouth on Saturday.

While Pompey suffered a surprise defeat to Bristol Rovers on Tuesday and will be without their manager Kenny Jackett due to health reasons, they’re still a very strong side who are well in contention for automatic promotion.

But Blackpool aren’t exactly out of it themselves. Critchley’s side now sit seven points off the play-offs with two games in hand. With 21 games still left to play, that’s not an awful position to find yourselves in.

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