Crisis talks a turning point says Blackpool matchwinner Cullen

Cullen’s goal three minutes from time earned a crucial win at Doncaster which keeps Pool a point above the League One drop zone.

They have picked up seven points out of nine since the crushing defeat at Oldham and Cullen revealed that hitting rock-bottom at Boundary Park kick-started a fightback.

“After the Oldham game the dressing room was low,” admitted the striker. “We got together as players, had a talk about everything and got some problems off our chests.

“That has to happen sometimes and we’ve come out from that with three decent results. You need to have a serious word with yourselves sometimes.

“We have some very big characters in the group who aren’t afraid to have a go if needed. That happened and it seems to have worked so far.”

Cullen’s goal decided a scrappy and nervy encounter at the Keepmoat, meaning Pool leapfrogged Fleetwood into 19th place. But Pool are just one point in front of Town and Oldham, who beat Chesterfield 1-0 yesterday, and have played two games more.

Cullen’s first goal in 13 games delighted the former Luton man, who said: “It’s been too long since I’ve been a matchwinner, so it was really, really pleasing.

“I had a fair few chances but the keeper made decent saves. I stuck to my task and eventually got the goal.

“You just have to keep your head and keep working away. If you do that you know the chances will come.

“We had chances against Bury in the first half on Friday and none of them come off, but we stuck to the task and deserved our reward.

“I saw the full-back ball- watching, so I ran in behind him. It was a great ball from Liam Smith and I managed to get my shot away. It took a little deflection and dropped in.”

The run of form has come at exactly the right time for Neil McDonald’s men and Cullen added: “It was a big win, which was much-needed. We are really happy to have seven points out of nine.”

Cullen’s winner sparked huge celebrations, which appeared to be pre-planned. He explained: “The lads have a little golf game we play, so we did a little golf celebration. Hopefully it’s the first of many before the end of the season.”