'We more than matched a Premier League team': Neil Critchley's verdict on Blackpool's FA Cup upset against West Brom

The Seasiders caused an FA Cup upset against the Premier League Baggies, edging through 3-2 on penalties with Chris Maxwell making three superb stops.

The entertaining cup tie had ended 2-2 after 120 minutes, Blackpool being pegged back on both occasions after Jerry Yates and Gary Madine had scored their goals.

"It was a great game and a really top performance from our players right the way from Maxi in goal to all the subs, everyone contributed. It was a massive effort,” Critchley said.

“Our performance was outstanding, we more than matched a Premier League team.

“Our record on penalties hasn’t been the best this season, so to win the tie on penalties is a great feeling. I thought it was a deserved victory as well.”

Critchley added: “They were fantastic goals, top, top goals.

“I thought we started really well in the first-half, but as you’d expect when you’re playing against good players they had some control of the game.

“But we defended well and we sprung a really good counter attack. Gary was nice and calm, Bez Lubala got nice and wide and Dan Kemp got in there and it’s fallen for Jerry in the six-yard box right at the back post.

“The second goal was a breakaway goal as well, Jerry playing a lovely ball into Gary who was fantastic with the way he led the line.

“Both were really good goals and we created some other good chances in open play as well. If there was going to be a team that looked the most likely to win during the 90 and extra time, I thought it was going to be us.”

Thankfully the Seasiders showed impressive nerve to win the penalty shootout 3-2, Chris Maxwell being the spot kick hero with three superb saves.

“You get the players together and you open it to the floor so to speak and ask for people to nominate themselves and step forward,” Critchley said on Blackpool’s approach to the shootout. “We’ve got players who do that.

“You don’t have to give your five nominated players to the referee now either so the players can actually change throughout the shootout if they wish.

“We had an order and fair play, they stepped up. We didn’t score them all, but it was Maxi’s day today, he was the hero.

“He also made a magnificent save during extra-time, so I’m delighted for him.

“He’s very good on penalties because he’s good at reading and anticipating where the player is going to put the ball, so I always fancy him to save one or two.

“He’s pulled off three really good saves and he makes them look easy because he’s already moving and anticipating where the player is going to put it.

“He’s won us the game in the penalty shootout, but I wouldn’t want to single anyone out today because I thought, to a man, right across the board our team performance was outstanding.”

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