Sunderland, Lincoln City, Portsmouth or someone else - Neil Critchley has no preference who Blackpool face in the play-offs

The Seasiders booked their spot in the top six with a game to spare on Tuesday night with a 2-0 win against Doncaster Rovers.

It makes Sunday’s final day game against Joey Barton’s already relegated Bristol Rovers side a side rubber, although Pool are still playing for their final league position which will determine who they face in the semi-finals.

As it stands, Pool sit third and will face sixth-placed Portsmouth. But Oxford United and Charlton Athletic are both hot on Pompey’s heels.

Depending on how results go on Sunday, the Seasiders could still face either Sunderland or Lincoln City, who have already booked their place in the play-offs.

When asked if he has any preference, Critchley told The Gazette: “No, I don’t honestly. They’re all good teams.

“Sunderland were very good against us, Lincoln have beaten us and drawn with us and who knows with the final one, whether it’s Portsmouth, Oxford or Charlton.

“They’re all good teams and big clubs, so it’ll be tough.”

While Tuesday night’s game was played behind closed doors, Blackpool’s win was met by jubilant scenes thanks to a group of supporters congregating outside the ground.

The fans were constantly chanting and banging on the gate behind the North Stand during the game, before setting off a smoke bomb.

At full-time, they moved outside the main entrance where they were joined by Critchley, Jerry Yates and some of his Blackpool teammates.

Critchley said: “I did hear them during the game, they were obviously making a bit of a dint outside!

“A few of them have parked themselves outside the front door as well and were celebrating. Rightly so, too.

“They should enjoy this moment. I want them to celebrate and hopefully in a few weeks’ time we can get some fans in here and I know they’ll be right behind the team.

“We know how passionate the Blackpool supporters are about their team so I’m really looking forward to that semi-final here.”

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