Neil Critchley: Blackpool must keep reaching standards set against West Brom

That’s according to head coach Neil Critchley, who has challenged his players to back up their third-round upset with three points away to automatic promotion contenders Hull City on Saturday.

The Seasiders were in magnificent form as they claimed the scalp of the Premier League Baggies, winning 3-2 on penalties after a 2-2 draw after extra-time.

Critchley now wants to see this type of performance, which followed back-to-back defeats in League One, on a more consistent basis.

He told The Gazette: “It should give us some confidence and it shows what we’re capable of, which is why we get angry or frustrated when we don’t hit these levels.

“We have done that at times this season with some of the performances we’ve produced against some of the better teams in the division.

“We’ve just got to find that consistency, which is what we’re striving for, but this shows what we’re capable of. Now we’ve got to strive to produce this on a weekly basis.

“The games are not always going to be like this. The style of Saturday’s game was different to some we face in our division.

“But it’s up to us to find a way to play our way better when we’re playing in our division.”

Goalkeeper Chris Maxwell was Blackpool’s penalty hero, saving three spot-kicks to secure a fourth-round visit to another top-flight side in Brighton and Hove Albion.

Maxwell, who was also in top form during the 120 minutes of action, had only just returned to the fold having recovered from Covid-19.

“I am delighted for him,” Critchley said. “After the Accrington game (on December 19) he wasn’t feeling too good and he missed 10 days, which coincided with the Christmas period.

“He wasn’t feeling great for a good few of those days as well.

“To come back and produce that type of performance speaks volumes about him as a character and that’s why he’s the captain.

“He puts himself forward, he’s a leader, he’s a voice in the dressing room and for 120 minutes, plus the penalties, I thought it was an outstanding display.

“His save in extra-time was a top, top save.”

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