Opposition view: Critchley admits Blackpool were made to work hard for victory over Cobblers

Blackpool manager Neil Critchley admitted his side were made to work a lot harder than the final 3-0 scoreline suggested after their victory over Northampton on Saturday.

The Cobblers started well and went close early on, but Blackpool scored against the run of play through Luke Garbutt before Jerry Yates scored twice in the final 14 minutes.

"It was comfortable in the end but before we got the second goal it was anything but," said Critchley. "I thought Northampton started very well and we knew they would because they had nothing to lose.

"The way they play makes it difficult for you because they get the ball forward early, they turn you and they force you to keep the ball up the pitch.

"They pick off second balls and the pitch was difficult as well so it was very tough for us, especially in the first part of the game, but the goal came at a good time for us.

"We had a big chance just before half-time, which we missed, and when it's only 1-0, all it takes is a long ball or a set-piece to change the game.

"But we defended brilliantly well and the second goal deflates them and gives us a lift and then we have obviously gone on to win the game convincingly, but I don't think that tells the whole story."