Head coach reacts after narrow first leg defeat
Fleetwood Town Head Coach Uwe Rosler says it is ‘all to play for’ on Sunday following the 1-0 defeat at Bradford.
The home side hold a slender lead in the tie following Rory McArdle’s 77th minute header, but Rosler says home advantage will be important at Highbury on Sunday.
“I thought the players did tremendously,” said Rosler.
“We came here expecting a tough game, they played with enormous tempo and intensity in the first half but we weathered the storm really well.
“I think this result leaves all to play for on Sunday, now it is our turn for home advantage.”
The tie was played in front a raucous atmosphere at Valley Parade and Rosler says he was pleased with the way his young side handled the occasion.
“We gave it all tonight,” said Town’s head coach.
“It was a typical play-off game, big atmosphere and the players handled that well and it showed in their effort, desire and organisation.
“This was a great lesson for some of our younger players because I don’t think that some of them have experienced this type of game in their career before.”
An outstanding defensive performance frustrated the hosts for long periods and Rosler feels that his side were in ‘control’ for large parts of the evening.
“The back five were tremendous,” he added.
“In the first half apart from one occasion hitting the post, we managed to stop them from having any clear-cut chances.
“I don’t remember Alex [Cairns] having to make one big save, we kept them quiet in the second half and I thought that we looked in control.
“It’s a pity to concede the goal from the corner as we are normally very good from them but this happens, they had many tonight which we dealt with well.
“We had one big chance from Bally [David Ball] and in a game like this you need to take them, but now we go away and get ready for Sunday.”