Neil Critchley explains tactical reason behind dropping in-form Gary Madine for Keshi Anderson for impressive Portsmouth win

Madine had scored three goals in four games prior to last night’s 1-0 win against Portsmouth and had been instrumental in Blackpool’s recent revival.

But Critchley has stressed all season that he’s not afraid to change a winning team or system should the situation require it, and that’s exactly what he did against Kenny Jackett’s side last night.

In replacing Madine, Critchley pushed Keshi Anderson into a more advanced number 10 role - a change that paid off with the midfielder scoring the winning goal midway through the second-half.

“We knew they would come and frustrate and get bodies behind the ball. That’s what they do and then they rely on their front players to win them the game,” Critchley told The Gazette.

“That’s the reason why we picked Keshi in that position because we thought we’d have some possession of the ball and we did, we dominated the ball.

“By providing that numerical advantage in the middle of the pitch, it caused them an issue or two and gave their centre-halves and midfield players something to think about.

“We had complete control of the game. Some of the football was brilliant and we deserved to win the game.”

Despite holding a slender one-goal lead, the Seasiders still managed to end the game strongly and were keen to push ahead for a second goal, rather than sit back and defend what they had.

“I don’t want to be a team that is holding on,” Critchley added.

“We had to do some defending near the end because they pushed a lot of players up front and we had to see out the rest of the game, which we did very well.

“We were on the front foot, we were pressing high and we were staying high up the pitch. We weren’t defending deep.

“The way to see out the game was by controlling possession and keeping the ball, because it takes the ball away from them and we did that very well.”

Anderson’s goal, which finished off a flowing counter-attacking move, was the midfielder’s first league strike for Blackpool.

And he subsequently earned the praise of his boss at the full-time whistle.

“He’s showing what he is as a player and what he’s capable of,” Critchley said.

“He’ll get better as will all the players and I think they’re starting to show that.

“I’m delighted for him because he’s an infectious character, he’s great to have around the place and for him to get the winning goal will give him a shot in the arm.”

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