RHODES SEES FIRST RED BUT TANGERINES DENY POMPEY

BLACKPOOL boss Neil Critchley was delighted to hold Portsmouth to a point with ten men for over 50 minutes after Jordan Rhodes was sent off for the first time in his career.

- James Reid

The veteran striker saw red two minutes before the break for leading with his left arm in an aerial challenge with defender Joe Rafferty.

Critchley disagreed with the decision, saying: “I think it’s a harsh sending off. It really puts you behind the game and gives you a mountain to climb.”

He was, though, proud of his players for digging in after the break and earning a point against the promotion-chasers.

“I’m really pleased we’ve picked up a point,” he said. “You’d be pleased before the game with where they are in the league, but obviously we’ve gone down to ten men quite early on.

“We showed great character. We had some chances and, on another day, could have nicked it, but we take the point. They had their chances, of course they did. We had to defend well they did. We had well. They are one of the best teams in the league for a reason.

“The crowd were fantastic and really got behind us when we needed them. You fill the crowd with passion and it really helps. When everyone’s together it’s brilliant.”