Sullay Kaikai thrilled by matchwinning Blackpool return and says: Let's build on this against Wimbledon

The forward’s well-taken second-half strike was the difference between the sides in Blackpool’s hard-earned 1-0 win.

It was the perfect way to return to the fold for Kaikai, who featured for the first time since Blackpool’s defeat at Gillingham a month ago.

The forward said: “It’s good to be back but most importantly we got the three points and the clean sheet. We can build on this now and we will look to do the same at Wimbledon on Tuesday night.”

The goal midway through the second period came after Kaikai latched on to CJ Hamilton’s pull-back. The former Crystal Palace man took it first-time, arrowing a powerful shot into the bottom corner.

Kaikai added: “I’ve had words with CJ. We have a good relationship on the pitch and off the pitch, and I’ve just told him the areas where I’ll be.

“He’s put it into that area and I was there, so I just had to concentrate on the finish and keep my head down. It’s gone into the bottom corner, which I was delighted with.

“It was a good feeling. It’s always nice to get the win but to score my first goal of the season as well was great.It’s great it came at home as well. It’s obviously a shame the fans can’t be here.”

While there wasn’t much between the teams, Blackpool boss Neil Critchley will be pleased with the way his side saw out the remainder of the game.

The Seasiders kept a clean sheet for the first time since their only other league victory of the season, the 2-0 win against Swindon Town five weeks earlier, and have climbed out of League One’s bottom four.

“It gives us something to build on,” Kaikai said. “We want to be solid as a unit. We also want to attack but do that from a solid base. That’s what we did.

“Seeing out games and managing situations is something we’ve not done so well this season, but we’ve spoken about it and it’s come off on this occasion.

“When we’re in front we need to be a bit more streetwise and work out how to close a game out.”

Kaikai is now hoping to start for the second game running when Blackpool play the first of back-to-back away games at AFC Wimbledon tomorrow.

“Every game is important, every game is going to be a tough one but we’ll be ready to go again,” the 25-year-old said.

“My legs are fine. They’re a little bit sore but I’ll be ready for Tuesday.”