'I wouldn’t put it past them' - Blackpool boss delivers interesting Sunderland verdict ahead of Lincoln City semi-final second-leg

Watch more of our videos on Shots!
and live on Freeview channel 276

Blackpool boss Neil Critchley tuned into the play-off semi-final tie between Lincoln City and Sunderland last night.

Blackpool are 3-0 up in the other semi-final having dispatched Oxford United on Tuesday.

Ellis Simms bagged a brace, scoring for the fifth time in his last three games, after Ollie Turton had given Pool an early lead with his first goal of the campaign.

The win means Blackpool are now unbeaten in their last 11 play-off semi-final ties and have won 17 of the 24 play-off games they’ve taken part in.

BLACKPOOL, ENGLAND - MAY 04: Neil Critchley, Manager of Blackpool, looks on prior to the Sky Bet League One match between Blackpool and Doncaster Rovers at Bloomfield Road on May 04, 2021 in Blackpool, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Charlotte Tattersall/Getty Images)

Michael Appleton’s side were 2-0 winners against the Black Cats at Sincil Bank, thanks to goals from Tom Hopper and Brennan Johnson on Wednesday night.

The Imps head to the Stadium of Light for the return leg on Saturday for the second stanza in front of 10,000 fans.

The winners of both semi-final ties will face off in the Wembley final on Sunday, May 30, with a place in the Championship on the line.

When asked about last night's game between Lincoln and Sunderland Critchley said: "I thought it was two good teams and there wasn’t a lot in the game.

“Lincoln started well, but Sunderland then had a period where they were on top and they hit the woodwork on a couple of occasions.

“You can praise the boy (Brennan) Johnson for closing the keeper down and he gets some fortune, so that’s that little bit of luck you might need and it’s the bad luck that went against Sunderland.

“When you’re kicking the ball against somebody, it can easily bounce off him and go behind the goal, but it drops right in front of him and 1-0 all of a sudden becomes 2-0 and the game gets away from Sunderland a little bit.

“But it was two evenly matched teams, two good teams that are well coached and well prepared.

“I’m sure Sunderland will be doing everything they can in front of 10,000 fans at the Stadium of Light on Saturday to turn it around.

“I wouldn’t put it past them, but Lincoln have got a fantastic away record as well so I’ll be watching with interest on Saturday.”

A message from the Football Clubs Editor

Our aim is to provide you with the best, most up-to-date and most informative Sunderland AFC coverage 365 days a year.

This depth of coverage costs, so to help us maintain the high-quality reporting that you are used to, please consider taking out a subscription to our new sports-only package here.

'I wouldn’t put it past them' - Blackpool boss delivers interesting Sunderland verdict ahead of Lincoln City semi-final second-leg

A message from the Football Clubs Editor

Our aim is to provide you with the best, most up-to-date and most informative Sunderland AFC coverage 365 days a year.

This depth of coverage costs, so to help us maintain the high-quality reporting that you are used to, please consider taking out a subscription to our new sports-only package here.

Your support is much appreciated. Richard Mennear, Football Clubs Editor