Neil Critchley remains tight-lipped when asked why Michael Nottingham was dropped from Blackpool's squad for Lincoln City defeat

The 31-year-old had started in Blackpool’s opening three league games of the season prior to the weekend defeat against Lincoln City.

But the defender found himself out of the squad altogether on Saturday having been involved in both of Gillingham’s goals in the 2-0 defeat at the Priestfield Stadium last week.

When asked why Nottingham was absent, Pool’s head coach told The Gazette: “This was the squad we picked today because we thought this would be the team and the squad that would give us the best chance of winning the game.

“There’s no reason, no, that was it.”

Nottingham’s place on the left-hand side of central defence was taken by James Husband, who produced a strong showing until being sent off five minutes from time.

With Blackpool leading 2-1 with seven minutes to go, Husband was dispossessed by Lincoln’s Brennan Johnson on the edge of his own box.

The 26-year-old desperately tried to recover but, in his attempt to win the ball back, he hauled the forward to the ground in the 18-yard box.

Husband was subsequently shown a straight red card by the referee, who also pointed to the penalty spot.

The spot kick was converted by Jorge Grant, his second penalty of the game, before the Imps went on to claim the three points against the 10 men of Blackpool with an 88th-minute winner from Lewis Montsma.

“Until that moment in time I thought he played very well. He brought a real calmness to our play and he’s a good voice,” Critchley said of Husband’s display.

“We go back to experience, he brings that to the backline. But it was just one moment he will be rueing like we all are.

“But until the 85th or 86th minute he was actually very good.”

Husband will now serve a one-match ban for his dismissal, meaning he will miss next week's rearranged game against Ipswich Town.

He will, however, be available for tomorrow night's trip to Accrington Stanley in the EFL Trophy.