Was it two points dropped for Blackpool against Crewe, or a point gained? And why did Neil Critchley make an early double change?

The Seasiders were pegged back four minutes from time, substitute Stephen Walker netting a late equaliser for the visitors.

Blackpool had earlier edged their noses in front during the first-half when Dan Ballard headed home his first goal for the club.

But it’s fair to say that goal came against the run of play in an opening period dominated by Dave Artell’s side.

With Pool much better in the second period, that meant the end result was probably a fair one.

When asked for his verdict, Critchley told The Gazette: “It’s difficult. I’m not sure it’s two points dropped.

“I felt at 1-0 we were quite comfortable even though they were having some of the play.

“They didn’t really have too many chances or moments to score and we defended the box well, we defended outside the box well too.

“But you know when it’s 1-0 with the ability they’ve got, they can produce that moment of quality. Then you’re hoping they put it wide or the goalkeeper saves it.

“That’s the fine line in this division. Just look at the results, there are so many 1-0s, 1-1s, 2-1s, it’s such a fine line.

“If we take one of those chances at the start of the second-half and it goes 2-0, the game is completely different.

“It’s important we don’t get too down, it’s a point and we’re still unbeaten. But we want to try and win every game, that’s our focus every time we take to the pitch.”

Despite being in the ascendancy at the start of the second-half, Critchley opted to make a double change just before the hour-mark.

CJ Hamilton returned from injury to partner Jerry Yates in attack, Ellis Simms the man to make way, while Demetri Mitchell replaced Sullay Kaikai on the left wing.

“We just felt with the way the game was going at 1-0, they had some possession but it was in their own half,” Critchley explained.

“We felt we were controlling the game well and when they go a little higher up the pitch looking for that equaliser, they leave space in behind and we had quite a lot of good situations and counter-attack situations which we failed on badly. That was the most frustrating thing of the whole evening for me.

“Our quality, our decisions, our final ball and taking too many touches, it all let us down. If we punish them in those moments then we put the game to bed, but we didn’t do that and we’ve paid the price for that.”

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