Blackpool are 90 minutes away from yet another trip to Wembley, the first under new ownership

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After one of the finest first leg performances in playoff history, Blackpool are 90 minutes from their first trip to Wembley under new ownership.

The Seasiders swept aside their Oxford counterparts at the Kassam Stadium as two early goals from Ollie Turton and Ellis Simms, followed by a second for the latter in the second half, have put Blackpool in a commanding position.

Neil Critchley has been quick to keep emotions in check to ensure a professionalism heading into the second leg as fans return to Bloomfield Road for the second time this season.

However, he spoke of the mentality around his squad already standing up to the test and expects nothing other than a 100% performance to quickly put the tie to bed before Oxford have anything to cling to.

Luke Garbutt and Sullay Kaikai will face late fitness tests and, given the nature of the aggregate scoreline, they may well be rested as a precaution, with Grant Ward not expected to play any part either.

That being said, Blackpool have had the fortune of welcoming back a couple of long term absentees in recent times, including Keshi Anderson who played a pivotal role on Tuesday night and they will hope a weeks rest before a potential trip to Wembley would aid their cause in that regard.

As for the visitors, Karl Robinson is firmly of the belief that this tie is still all to be play for and that his side were unfortunate in the first leg.

The manager will remain in the stands throughout his club’s time in the playoffs and will feel a desire to stage a remarkable comeback, the likes of which the EFL playoffs have never seen, given he rejected the Blackpool job before Critchley’s appointment.

He will look to his forward line to create chances to get that vital early goal, although he will be well aware of the threat Blackpool can pose on the break, having picked off an expansive Oxford to all but kill off the tie with the third goal.

Brandon Barker was kept quiet on Tuesday night but he will be the key spark as Oxford look to aggressively pressurise the Tangerines at Bloomfield Road.

With Lincoln’s professional display against Sunderland, the League One playoffs are the most well setup to call the final but professionalism is key and Blackpool have had that in abundance this season.

If they are able to get through another 90 minutes without issue then it will be the first time under the ownership of Simon Sadler that the club have a chance of a Championship return.

It has been a remarkable turnaround under Sadler’s stewardship and Neil Critchley has been a masterstroke of an appointment when it comes to Blackpool’s long term aspirations.

Whatever happens from here it has been a superb season after such a poor start for the Seasiders and it is inevitable they will make the step up if not this campaign then the next.

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