AFTER winning just two of their first nine games, Blackpool staged an impressive turnaround to finish third in Sky Bet League One.

We picked out three of their key players ahead of tonight’s play-off clash with Oxford United.

CHRIS MAXWELL

Pool captain Maxwell has been a virtual ever-present this season, keeping 21 clean sheets in 43 league games. 

That impressive haul won him the league’s Golden Glove for the most shut-outs, with Blackpool conceding 37 times – the lowest in the division. 

His form has led to suggestions of a call-up to the Wales squad for the European Championships.

DAN BALLARD

On-loan Arsenal defender Ballard has earned rave reviews during his time on the Fylde coast. 

Read also: Oxford Mail’s combined Blackpool and Oxford United XI

Injuries at the heart of the Blackpool defence have meant different combinations at the back but 21-year-old Ballard has excelled, while also making his Northern Ireland debut and establishing himself in the international set-up.

JERRY YATES

Signed from Swindon Town in the summer, Yates took a while to adjust to League One. 

He did not score until a double at Burton Albion on October 31, but since then he has been deadly in front of goal. 

His 20 league goals were only bettered by Peterborough United’s Jonson Clarke-Harris (31) and Sunderland’s Charlie Wyke (25).