Neil Critchley explains why Gary Madine was brought off during Blackpool's goalless draw against Fleetwood

The striker emerged for the start of the second half at Highbury on Saturday but only lasted a minute.

The 29-year-old, who held his neck as he trudged off the pitch, was replaced by Joe Nuttall.

On Madine's withdrawal, Critchley said: “His neck just stiffened up at half time, it was really unfortunate.

“As soon as he got to the pitch in the second half it was quite clear he wasn’t going to be able to carry on.

“We missed him a little bit because we missed his ability to hold the ball up and bring other players into play.

“But I thought Joe Nuttall was a real handful and a threat when he came on and Armand Gnanduillet as well at the end.

“I thought the subs made a difference to us.”

The Seasiders delivered a strong display in what was Critchley's first game in charge.

Pool were the dominant side in the first half, catching the eye with their intensity and pressing on the front foot.

But Fleetwood were the better side in the second half, coming close through Paddy Madden's header.

But other than that, Blackpool keeper Chris Maxwell was given a quiet afternoon as he eased to a clean sheet.

“We protected him really well," Critchley added.

“Coming up against a team that is in fantastic form and are unbeaten in 11, to come here and keep a clean sheet and protect Maxi the way we did, I was really pleased with the spirit and the organisation and effort of the players - I thought it was outstanding.”