Blackpool head coach's message to his players going into Portsmouth clash

The Seasiders head to the south coast in fine form, having won three of their last four games.

Nevertheless, Critchley’s side will need to keep that run going if they’re to reduce the gap to the play-offs, which currently stands at eight points although Blackpool do have games in hand.

“We’re in good form, we’re confident. We’re winning games more often than we’re losing, which is nice,” Critchley said.

“As a coach, you’re greedy and you always want more. We’re on a run and you want to keep that momentum going.

“When we went to Ipswich (where Pool lost 2-0), we really wanted to win and kick on. We want to go down to Portsmouth and really make a statement, win the game and get in the hunt where we want to be.

“There’s plenty of games to go, but we’re thinking ‘come on, the games will run out eventually and at some point we need to put a run together.’”

Blackpool are bidding to seal a league double over Kenny Jackett’s side, having beaten Pompey 1-0 at Bloomfield Road earlier in the campaign.

Keshi Anderson scored the only goal of the game as the Seasiders claimed the scalp of a side that currently sit fourth in League One, four points adrift of the top two.

“We played very well on the night,” Critchley added. “That was their first away defeat of the season and until they lost at Bristol Rovers in midweek, that was their only defeat on the road.

“That just shows you what a tough team they are to play against, so we know exactly what we’re going to face.

“We played very well that night and deservedly won the game, so we have shown we can beat the best teams in this league.

“We’ve been pretty consistent on the whole, although we’ve had the odd half of the odd game where we could have done more.

“You look at Ipswich away and Shrewsbury away, I look at those performances and say we didn’t deserve anything out of those games.

“All the other games I think we have merited picking up points, so hopefully we can get down to Portsmouth and pick something up.”

The Seasiders will be without Marvin Ekpiteta, who sustained a hamstring injury during Tuesday night’s 1-0 win against Rochdale.

Critchley is hopeful of having Gary Madine back involved, although he was unable to provide any guarantees.

The striker has missed Blackpool’s last three games after being given injections to help an ongoing groin issue.

Anderson, Daniel Gretarsson and CJ Hamilton remain long-term absentees.

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