Neil Critchley on the postponement of Blackpool's game against Peterborough United and why the fixture wasn't moved to Sunday

Neil Critchley says there was nothing Blackpool could do to “beat the elements” following the postponement of their game against Peterborough United on Saturday.

The game was called off on Friday after a local referee inspected the Bloomfield Road pitch on Friday afternoon.

Due to the frozen pitch, the official felt the surface was unplayable, resulting in Blackpool’s second postponement in just five days after their midweek fixture against Burton Albion was called off barely 10 minutes before kick-off.

“After Tuesday, the weather was consistently below zero for a few days,” Critchley explained.

“We were doing everything we could and Paul (Flynn) and his grounds staff were working tirelessly through the night to try and get the game on.

“Unfortunately, whatever we did, whatever we tried, sometimes you can’t beat the elements and it was decided on Friday afternoon to call it off.

“A local referee came down and I was there, it was quite apparent with the weather and the forecast that the pitch was not going to improve enough for the game to go ahead.”

Blackpool’s cancellation was just one of several games to be called off on Saturday in what was a depleted league programme.

Some clubs opted to move their games back to Sunday, but Blackpool decided not to join suit.

The Seasiders had previously purchased extra frost sheets and gas blowers to get the game on, but The Gazette understands the pitch remained unplayable due to the air temperature expected to remain below zero.

On the potential to move the game back to Sunday, Critchley said: “It was discussed on the Friday when it got called off.

“There were a lot of complications in that because we’re playing on Tuesday and Peterborough are playing on Tuesday.

“If we were to move those games, that would then have a direct impact on the other two teams’ you’re playing - Rochdale in our case and Gillingham (away) for Peterborough.

“At that stage on Friday, there was no guarantee the pitch was going to thaw out for Sunday. We had to make the decision quick and both clubs thought it was the best course of action.”

With temperatures now rising back into positive figures, there are currently no concerns about Tuesday night’s game against Rochdale.

“The weather has picked up in the last 24 to 48 hours,” Critchley said. “It’s a lot milder and there’s no rain, so fingers crossed everything should be okay.

“We’re training today and I don’t see any reason why the game won’t be going ahead tomorrow night.”

Thanks for reading. If you value what we do and are able to support us, a digital subscription is just £1 for your first month. Try us today by clicking here