Blackpool's Neil Critchley on victory over Carlisle United

The Tangerines’ victory was rarely in doubt from the moment Andy Lyons put them in front, with Jordan Rhodes wrapping it up with two second-half efforts.

Critchley’s side were a cut above a struggling Blues team for the most part but the home boss insisted it was not a breeze on a windy afternoon.

"I think we looked a good team in difficult and trying conditions,” said Critchley.

“We're coming up against a team who are fighting to stay in this division and are looking to make it difficult and stop us from playing.

“It's not easy to break that down, particularly when they get men behind the ball. Sometimes you have to show perseverance and patience, and we did that.”

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Lyons chipped a stranded Tomas Holy in the 22nd minute after the Blues keeper failed to deal with a cross.

Experienced finisher Rhodes then ruthlessly put Carlisle to the sword, as Blackpool remained eighth in the table.

Critchley, speaking to the home club’s website, added: “I thought we played the conditions really well.

Jordan Rhodes scores Blackpool's third (Image: Richard Parkes)

“he messages to the players this week and before the game were about the next few months and how important they can be.

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“This is the part of the season where you can earn your crust a little bit and it might not be free-flowing, pretty football at times, you may have to grind the game out and find a way to win.

“I felt we did that in good fashion.”

The Blackpool boss also praised 33-year-old Rhodes who made no mistake when presented with two good chances in United’s box.

"When the ball falls to Jordan's feet like it did for the third goal, odds on you know what he's going to do," added Critchley.

"We watch Jordan every day in training, and he's a good example to all the other strikers to aspire to the heights he has in his career.”