Neil Critchley: Blackpool boss proud after Nottingham Forest given 'proper fright'

Head coach Neil Critchley was proud of how Blackpool belied their League One status to give Premier League club Nottingham Forest a "proper fright" in Wednesday's FA Cup replay defeat.

The Seasiders fought back from 2-0 down at Bloomfield Road to take the third-round tie to extra time.

But Chris Wood's winner meant the home side bowed out despite their heroics.

"I loved the performance tonight, loved how we played," Critchley told BBC Radio Lancashire.

"It was a terrific atmosphere, the supporters were brilliant and they appreciated the effort of the players.

"It's just so disappointing - we've come so far and given so much but we've got nothing to show for it.

"We went right to the end and we've given a Premier League team a proper fright."

Critchley was critical about the lack of VAR, which was in operation in the initial tie at the City Ground, saying "the integrity of the competition has to be questioned".

VAR is only used in the competition when a Premier League side is at home.

However, he was also keen to point out the positives in his side's performance.

One of the heroes of the night for Blackpool was Albie Morgan, albeit it was his backpass which led to Danilo's goal for the visitors.

The 23-year-old midfielder set aside that disappointment to drive the Tangerines on, scoring a wonderful edge-of-the-box strike to reduce their arrears before Kyle Joseph equalised.

"I think he's been outstanding recently," Critchley said of Morgan.

"He plays with full energy, personality and courage, he's looking like a top player, scored a terrific goal.

"He epitomised the full performance, the energy he put in that game was unbelievable."