The young Reds face an away trip to Accrington Stanley on Tuesday night in their final group game and still harbour an outside chance of qualifying for the knockout stages.
John Coleman’s Stanley team have already secured their qualification but the runners-up spot is still up for grabs.
Critchley’s charges are fourth in the table but a victory would take them into second spot. They would then have to rely on the other remaining fixture in the group ending in a draw, which sees Fleetwood Town host Oldham Athletic on November 12.
Ahead of the 7.