While Wanderers weren’t in action due to international call-ups, there was still some League One action this weekend.

One game, in particular, had an impact on the play-off picture as Blackpool ran out 3-0 winners against Stevenage at Bloomfield Road. Jordan Rhodes, Owen Dale and CJ Hamilton were all on target for the Seasiders.

The result means Stevenage remain just one point above the Whites despite having played two extra games at this stage. Steve Evans’ side were beaten 3-2 at the Toughsheet Community Stadium earlier this month.

Meanwhile, Blackpool are up to seventh and just one point behind Ian Evatt’s men as they aim to bounce back from last season’s relegation from the Championship.

“We knew we’d have to fight very hard to get anything– it’s never easy against a Steve Evans side,” said Critchley.

“They’re tough and they have a method that they stick to, and they’re very good at it. It’s a really good win for us though and a clean sheet is very pleasing.”

He added: “This just keeps us moving forward in the right direction now. We need all of our players to contribute and we saw that today.

“Sometimes you have to be patient, and expectations are different this season, but I’m delighted because I think this was a relatively comfortable win for us against a quality team.”

Carlisle, who beat Wanderers 3-1 last weekend, suffered a 1-0 home defeat against Leyton Orient with Ruel Sotiriou getting the decisive goal midway through the first half.

Elsewhere in the third tier, Cambridge drew 1-1 against Shrewsbury and Lincoln were beaten 1-0 by Burton.

On the international stage, Dion Charles was an unused substitute as Northern Ireland beat San Marino 3-0 in their latest Euro qualifier. Bolton team-mate Eoin Toal was not named on the bench, meaning his wait for a senior debut continues.

Josh Sheehan, who played the second half of Wales’ 4-0 win against Gibraltar in midweek, could be involved again tonight when Rob Page’s side host Croatia (7.45pm). It is a vital fixture in Group D, with four countries still in the mix for qualification.