Neil Critchley gives his verdict on Blackpool's winning return to action in pre-season clash against Southport

Goals from Grant Ward, Sullay Kaikai, Keshi Anderson and Jerry Yates sealed a comfortable win for the Seasiders against their National League North opponents.

It was Blackpool's first game since March 10, an absence of 151 days.

“It feels great to be back," he told The Gazette.

“I was really excited yesterday in training when I realised we were close to getting back.

“It was just nice to see the players putting the tangerine shirt back on and putting their boots and pads on.

“When I saw them coming out for the warm-up I just thought to myself ‘we’ve got a game’, it was quite a surreal moment but it was a nice feeling.

“It was a good workout and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I’ve got mixed feelings about the performance though.

“There was a bit of rustiness but that’s to be expected when you have a new group playing together and you’ve got your new signings trying to implement a new way of playing.

“It’s going to take time to gel but I saw some promising signs from different individuals and that’s something we’ll try and build on in the next few weeks.”