'It was two well-matched teams': Crewe boss Dave Artell on his side's draw with Blackpool

The Railwaymen scored four minutes from time to deny Blackpool a fourth straight victory on the first anniversary of Critchley’s appointment.

Substitute Stephen Walker fired past Chris Maxwell to deal a blow to Blackpool’s hopes of cutting the gap to the League One play-offs.

The goal, the first the Seasiders had conceded in almost six hours of football, levelled matters after Dan Ballard had given Critchley’s men a first-half lead with his first goal for the club.

Dave Artell’s side had dominated the opening period, but Pool defended resolutely and took their chance from a set-piece when it came.

A fourth straight victory and a sixth win in seven looked on the cards after an uneventful second-half, but Walker struck to put an end to Blackpool’s hot streak.

Nevertheless, the Seasiders continue their unbeaten home run which stretches back to October.

"I'm pretty certain Critch will say it's a fair result," Artell said.

"We dominated the first 30 minutes and I think we had the last 15 to 20 minutes, so I'm saying we had it 50 to their 40!

"But no, I think it was two fairly well-matched teams, evenly matched and competitive.

"We should have been 1-0 up during that first 20 to 30 minute period and we're disappointed to concede off a corner and that's what has cost us the game in the end.

"Our subs helped us with the energy they brought to the team.

"In the end we could have nicked it and probably should have done. But I certainly felt that our late goal was deserved."

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