Marvin Ekpiteta: I'm getting better with every game for Blackpool

The defender, a summer recruit from Leyton Orient, has been an ever-present for Blackpool so far in League One, starting every game.

After a slow start, which mirrored Blackpool’s poor form, Ekpiteta has grown to become one of the first names on Neil Critchley’s teamsheet.

“I feel like my time at the club has been good so far, I’ve been enjoying it,” the 24-year-old said.

“I feel like I’m learning every game and I’m getting better every game, which is what I’ve come here to do.”

Ekpiteta has struggled to strike up a centre-back partnership so far this season as a result of injuries and suspensions.

He started the campaign alongside Michael Nottingham, who has since left the club to join Accrington Stanley.

James Husband then moved over from left-back but he was missing for a handful of games following two suspensions.

Dan Ballard is another centre-back who has missed some action as a result of a red card, which handed fellow summer recruit Daniel Gretarsson the chance to show supporters what he’s capable of.

And Ollie Turton, who predominantly plays at right-back, has also played in the centre on a couple of occasions.

Ekpiteta added: “I’ve had quite a few partners at centre-back this season but you need to get that consistency to build that partnership with somebody.

“I think it will be good once I stay with someone for a while, but we’ve obviously been unlucky with injuries and suspensions and stuff.

“Hopefully it will settle down now and I can build a good partnership with someone for the long run.

“Daniel has been good in the recent games he’s played. It’s a different style of football for him but he’s picked it up quickly, so he should only get better from now on.”

After enjoying a rare weekend off, the Seasiders now switch their focus to Saturday’s trip to high-flying Peterborough United.

Critchley’s men will be looking to build on their recent upturn in form, which has seen them win four games on the spin in all competitions.

Despite Blackpool’s revival, Ekpiteta insists he always remained confident the results would come.

“We’ve been playing well in most of the games this season. I think we’ve dominated most of them,” the defender said.

“But it was nice to actually play well and get the three points in our last league game last week and record back-to-back wins.

“Hopefully we can build on that now.”

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