Proud Neil Critchley praises his players as brave Blackpool bow out of the FA Cup at the hands of Premier League Brighton

Neil Critchley spoke of his pride after his brave Blackpool side bowed out of the FA Cup at the hands of Premier League outfit Brighton & Hove Albion.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now
Read More
Brighton & Hove Albion 2-1 Blackpool: Gutsy Seasiders knocked out of the FA Cup ...

Neil Critchley spoke of his pride after his brave Blackpool side bowed out of the FA Cup at the hands of Premier League outfit Brighton & Hove Albion.

The Seasiders delivered a gutsy display at the Amex Stadium, eventually going out of the competition to a narrow 2-1 defeat in their fourth round tie.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Pool, who had beaten fellow top flight side West Brom in the last round, went a goal down in the first-half when Yves Bissouma scored with a stunning long-range strike.

But the visitors fired back in first-half stoppage-time when Gary Madine, the competition’s top scorer, steered home to finish off a well-worked move.

The Seagulls retook the lead in fortuitous circumstances when Alex MacAllister’s hopeful effort deflected off teammate Steven Alzate and wrongfooted goalkeeper Chris Maxwell.

The depleted Seasiders, who announced five players had tested positive for Covid-19 prior to kick-off, gave everything in a bid to level, but in the end Brighton’s superior quality told.

Neil Critchley at the Amex StadiumNeil Critchley at the Amex Stadium
Neil Critchley at the Amex Stadium
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“I couldn’t be prouder of the efforts of the players today,” Critchley said.

“We’re playing against Premier League opposition and at times their quality showed. It was extremely difficult for us in how they play.

“We were always in the game when it was 2-1 and we did everything we could physically and through effort, but we weren’t just quite good enough to create that opportunity near the end that would have got us into extra-time.”

Blackpool opted to change their system for today’s cup tie, playing three central defenders in a bid to counteract Brighton’s possession-based approach.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Explaining that decision, Critchley added: “The way they play they make it extremely difficult for you, they overload the middle of the pitch, they control the game and they outnumber you.

“We decided to change today because we felt it would be the best way to stop what they’re good at. For large periods I felt we did that.

“They obviously had a lot of possession, but we tried to control where they would have the possession.

“I don’t know how far their first goal was from, it looked about 30 yards, but if it wasn’t for that wonder strike and a deflected strike, they didn’t create too many clear-cut opportunities.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“We don’t face this sort of quality every week and considering the circumstances and considering some of the players we had in the team, because some of them haven’t played for a while, our character and endeavour was first class.”

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