'If we’re not at our best, then Harrogate Town will beat us', warns Blackpool FC boss Neil Critchley ahead of FA Cup clash

Harrogate Town players celebrate their fourth goal during their FA Cup first-round victory over Skelmersdale United. Pictures: Getty Images

That is the view of Tangerines manager Neil Critchley, who certainly isn't taking Saturday's second-round clash at Wetherby Road lightly.

Blackpool sit 15th in League One, while Town are 12th in League Two having been promoted from the National League this summer.

And, although the visitors are heavy favourites to progress to a stage of the competition that Town have never reached before, the former Liverpool under-23s coach is convinced that Simon Weaver's team are more than good enough to beat his charges.

“They’re at home, playing a team in the division above, so it’s got all of the ingredients ready for them to cause an upset,” Critchley told the Blackpool Gazette.

“They’ve steadily improved each other and they’ve finally got promotion, and we know it’s going to be a really difficult game.

“We’re well aware of their threats and how they play, and if we don’t nullify them and deal with it then they’re very tough to play against.

“You only have to look at their results at the beginning of the season. It’s not been the same recently but they had a good win against Mansfield on Tuesday night, away from home, which shows you what they’re capable of. They’ve got tremendous spirit and a real willingness to play for each other.

“This is not an Eastbourne Borough game, this is completely different. There aren’t so many places between the two teams, if we’re not at our best, then Harrogate will beat us.”

Kick-off at the EnviroVent Stadium on Saturday is at 3pm.