Critchley’s crowing as Madine settles it
OLD-HAND Gary Madine power-headed home to open up the floodgates for Blackpool – and that washed away Reading’s Rocky Revival Show.
Royals’ boss Paul Ince was desperate for his new charges to build on their two wins and a draw in their last three matches.
And no one could deny that his threadbare side gave their all, and even took the lead when the lively Lucas Joao scored.
But Blackpool took command with skipper Marvin Ekpiteta leading the charge with a well-headed goal to level matters before Madine,
31, put the Seasiders in front at Bloomfield Road.
Shaun Lavery hit a late goal and Josh Bowler an even later one for his fifth strike in seven games.
New Reading boss Ince said: “That was never a
4-1 game.
“We had a lovely start, but we know how Blackpool play and it was no surprise that Madine got his header.
“But listen, we are where we are. Nice football sometimes but we are naive, especially in defence.
“However, there are a lot of games left, and we have a lot to play for.”
Blackpool boss Neil Critchley said: “We had to work hard for our win.
“The game was in the balance before Gary Madine put us ahead with a well-taken goal.
“But my players always respond to setbacks. We are blessed with honest professionals. I’m delighted with the three points and that has got us back on track.”
BLACKPOOL: Grimshaw 6; Gabriel 6 (James 78th), Ekpiteta 8, Thorniley 6, Sterling 6; Bowler 7, Dougall 7, Stewart 6, Hamilton 7; Yates 6 (Lavery 83rd), Madine
7 (Beesley 88th)
READING: Southwood 7; Rinomhota
6, Morrison 6, McIntyre 6, Yiadom 7; Drinkwater 6, Dele-Badhiru 5 (Ejaria 78th); Ince 7, Swift 7, Hoillet 6 (Miete 78th); Joao 8
STAR MAN: Marvin Ekpiteta
REF: P Bankes