Critchley hails Swans after relief at equaliser

BLACKPOOL boss Neil Critchley says Swansea City are the best footballing side in the Championship.

The Tangerines held Swansea to a 1-1 draw on Saturday thanks to a late equaliser at the Swansea.com Stadium.

Once again Swansea dominated possession against their opponents but they could not convert that superiority into three points.

Critchley, though, is clearly a fan of Russell Martin’s style of play, also summing up their lack of goal threat at times.

“Swansea play a unique brand of football, they’re the best footballing side in the division and their home record is outstanding,” he said.

“We decided the best way to combat that was to change our shape today and we gave them a real problem without the ball in the first half.

“Other than the lad striking one in the top corner from 25 yards, they didn’t really get near the goal.

“In the second half, we showed real courage on the ball and we got on top of them and we made them do what they don’t want to do, which is defend.

“At times we were in control of the game and that takes real bravery and ability.

“We didn’t threaten the goal enough.

“But we were growing into the game all the time and in the end I don’t think anything can begrudge us of our point.”

Meanwhile, former Swansea striker Ali Al-hamadi has put pen to paper on a deal to join League One side Wycombe Wanderers.

The teenager was a free agent after leaving Fairwood earlier this year.

He posted a farewell message to supporters on his Instagram account explaining the reasoning behind his exit.

He has signed a one-anda-half-year deal with The Chairboys.

Wycombe boss Gareth Ainsworth said: “Ali came highly recommended from contacts of ours in the game and we’re delighted to have him on board.

“He’s still a teenager but has got plenty of experience already, getting plenty of games for Swansea’s under-23s and for his national team.

“He’s got a lot of attributes, he looks sharp in front of goal and he gives us another option up front.

“I know he’ll learn a lot from the likes of Sam Vokes, Adebayo Akinfenwa and Brandon Hanlan.”