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Farsley Celtic 4-1 Fleetwood Town 
13/08/08 16:30

Farsley Celtic 4-1 Fleetwood Town
Blue Square North
Tuesday 12 August 2008 KO 7:45pm
Crowd 241

Fleetwood Town started their Blue Square North campaign three days later than planned following Saturday’s waterlogged Highbury surface. The league newcomers were on the wrong end of a strong Farsley Celtic display that was a massive wake-up call. That was how assistant manager Nigel Greenwood described the game.

Nigel, taking charge of the dugout in the absence of brother Tony who is serving a two-match touch line ban, said Farsley used experience from the Blue Square Premier picked-up before their relegation last season.

“Tonight was always going to be a difficult game. Farsley were relegated last season from the Conference and it turned out to be a massive wake-up call for us. They are a very good passing side and we struggled at times to keep hold of the ball. It was a tough start.

We did find our feet and had a couple of good spells but we have got to learn quickly.  Tonight is probably the standard we will be up against all season. We have to look after the ball better and make more chances. Farsley have to be one of the better sides in the league and that is the level we must adopt.”

Fleetwood soaked up the early Farsley pressure as the heavy rain continued to lash down.  Summer-signing Simon Garner was kept busy but gave a tidy display by matching Matthew James down the left in the opening minutes.  Phil Doughty showed his ability on 5 minutes by clearing to provide Adam Warlow. Doughty then denied former Blackpool team-mate Rory Prendergast on 10 minutes. Danny Hurst was also tested but Andy Watson only managed to put his effort wide. A five-man Farsley build-up then saw James Price put a weak effort wide of Hurst on 11 minutes.

Town’s first real effort came on 13 minutes from Jamie Milligan but the skipper could only chip wide of the approaching Curtis Aspen in the home goal. Nathan Pond was then needed to be at his best to keep the Farsley threat at bay, something he maintained throughout the game. Shaun Beeley was called in action on 26 minutes against a four-man home move. The Fleetwood right back broke-up the resulting one-two between Andy Campbell and Watson as they moved into the Fleetwood box.
Steve Foster and Warlow immediately went forward from the clearance for Town’s best effort so far but were denied by Aspden. Farsley edged ahead on 37 minutes when Andy Campbell beat the out-stretched Hurst. The first half ended with efforts at both ends. Milligan collected the ball on the half way line and set-up Mark Peers. The hard-working Peers stepped past three defenders only to shoot wide. Danny Hurst confirmed his first half clean sheet into added time when Andy Watson was clean through only to be met by a fine save from point blank range.

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The second period started with both sides coming out to add to the scoreline.  Campbell continued to threaten but Mercer blocked for Hurst to save and Garner cleared the loose ball. Warlow saw an effort cleared off the line on the hour and Milligan also had an attempt ending over the bar. With 25 minutes remaining John Hills was introduced in place of the industrious Garner.  He immediately made an impression when he collected from Colin Potts and found Steve Foster with a well-threaded pass.

Campbell was again on target after 71 minutes thanks to a Prendergast cross from the dead ball line.  Prendergast again played a hand in Farsley's third by putting James Walshaw through on 79 minutes. Warlow and Peers provided for Colin Potts to claim Town's first Blue Square North goal to make it 3-1 on 83 minutes. The result was finally confirmed in added time when Matthew James was put through by the impressive Prendergast to finish the game at 4-1.

Whilst it must be remembered the teams were two divisions apart last season, Fleetwood must learn to adapt to their highest ever level of football very quickly. Tony Greenwood’s men put together some good passing football, particularly on the half-hour mark.  They must use this to build confidence in time for Saturday’s visit to Hyde United.  United have failed to take any points from their opening two games – a 3-2 defeat at Alfreton Town and 1-0 home reversal against Burscough on Monday.

Fleetwood Town:
Danny Hurst (gk), Shaun Beeley (Walmsley), Simon Garner (Hills), Phil Doughty, Ricky Mercer, Nathan Pond, Colin Potts, Jamie Milligan (c), Adam Warlow, Steve Foster (Denney), Mark Peers
Subs:
Warren Beattie, Mike Hale (gk), Phil Denney, Kieran Walmsley, John Hills

Caernarfon Town 0-3 Fleetwood Town 
01/08/08 18:00

Caernarfon Town 0-3 Fleetwood Town
Pre-season Friendly
Saturday 2 August 2008 KO 3:00pm
By Fleetwood Town Press Office

Fleetwood Town overcame a physical challenge against Welsh Premier League outfit Caernarfon Town and ended comfortable winners with three of the summer signing taking a goal apiece. The match was the culmination of a pre-season training camp in the Principality which saw manager Tony Greenwood take his squad through a hard training session on Friday afternoon.

The talking point of the first half came just before the break when the referee was forced to request the substitution of the Caernarfon number 8 – akin to a red card in a competitive match. That was following a crunching tackle on Ricky Mercer just before the break. The bruising encounter left Nathan Pond with a side strain and keeper Danny Hurst with a finger injury.

Pond - withdrawn as a precaution

After a scrappy first period, Fleetwood came out and raised the tempo with Adam Warlow breaking the stalemate on 55 minutes.  Mark Peers cut inside and beat his marker and found Warlow with a precision pass. The keeper fumbled the striker’s first attempt but Warlow was quickest to the rebound.  Town’s second came thanks to Kevin Leadbetter on the half-hour mark. An Ashley Dunn ball allowed Leadbetter time to weigh-up the keeper and select the right hand corner to score his first in a Fleetwood shirt.   It was Peers himself who ensured the score line reflected the visiting performance when he netted number three. His third pre-season goal came through good build-up play from Lennie Reid and the hardworking Dunn.

Dunn supplies Peers

“We broke out from the back. Lennie provided Ash and I just needed to give it a touch to put myself through on goal. It was a straight forward finish after that,” said Peers. “I’m enjoying my football at Fleetwood. They’re great bunch of lads and the Wales trip has been good.  I’m really looking forward to the start of the season. There’s good quality in the team and that allows me to go wide and find the front men and that suits my game,” added the winger.

Peers - number three against Caenarfon and his  third of pre-season

Overall, it was well-deserved win against stubborn opposition who didn’t always play in the spirit of a pre-season friendly. That test, however, will prove a useful experience in the months to come. With the injury list reducing, Fleetwood Town now look ready for the Blue Square North campaign which starts next Saturday at the new look Highbury Stadium.  Hucknall Town are the visitors and kick-off is 3:00pm.

Llanberis training camp
01/08/08 18:00

Fleetwood Town made the journey from the Fylde Coast to North Wales on Friday morning for their pre-season training camp. The Blue Square North newcomers enter their final lap of a productive warm-up campaign with a friendly against Caernarfon Town. The Principality Building Society Welsh Premier League outfit finished 14th last season in a league of 18 teams.

Squad training in Llanberis

Fleetwood Town’s pre-season campaign has so far seen 100% away form with victories at Freckleton, AFC Blackpool (former Blackpool Mechanics) AFC Fylde, Radcliffe Borough and Lancaster City. Home form has been more varied with a narrow 2-1 defeat at the hands of Championship Blackpool and a 1-1 draw against Scottish third division Stenhousemuir. UniBond First Division North play host for Town’s last pre-season fixture on Tuesday 5th August, kick-off 7:45pm.

The Town squad had a full training session on Friday afternoon at Fford Padarn, home of Llanberis FC. Picturesque Llanberis sits inside of Snowdonia National Park and is a major tourist destination in the area. With a dramatic backdrop of Welsh mountains, Tony Greenwood took his squad through a testing and physical workout before tomorrow’s Wales v England clash.

"The purpose of the trip was to allow the team to bond. It’s the first one we’ve done with Fleetwood and I think it will serve it’s purpose later on in the season. I’m just a little bit disappointed the whole squad isn’t available in Wales," said Greenwood.

Tony Greenwood and Ricky Mercer (left) on the training ground

"We’ve worked very hard this afternoon and it’s been a good session. The lads know they are in for 90 minutes hard work during the training session and then 90 minutes hard work during the match. Then the time is their own. It’s then the bonding will take place when they have their time-off together. The team will benefit from the bonding in the months to come.

"It’s been bit of an up and down pre-season with the injuries we’ve had. Look at Simon Garner. He’s not played for three weeks. It’s the same for Ricky Mercer. Phil Robinson is injured. Shaun Beeley had his two-week holiday. That’s the back four. It has upset our plans a touch but we are on target," added the manager.

The physio team of Russ Hitchen and Danny Moore took the opportunity to take a closer look at the injury list and work with individual players. Going into the training session, Keiran Walmsley (foot), Ricky Mercer (back), Andy Bell (calf), Lennie Reid (calf) and Phil Robinson (knee) were doubts.

Mike Hale keeper handling
with the physio team at work in the background

"All the injured players have been assessed prior to the training session. Andy Bell, Kieran Walmsley and Ricky Mercer were all cleared to join the full training session. All three will be looked at again on Saturday for any reactions," commented Danny Moore.

"Lennie Reid worked with Russ Hitchen and I worked with Phil Robinson. Robo will not be available for the Caernarfon Town match and will receive constant treatment over the weekend. We’ve also ensured the players take on enough fluid as the weather, although changeable, remains fairly hot," added Moore.

Danny Hurst in command

The Blue Square North campaign opens on 9th August when Town are at home to Hucknall Town in the redeveloped Highbury Stadium, kick-off 3:00pm. 

Lancaster City 2-3 Fleetwood Town
27/07/08 18:00

Lancaster City 2-3 Fleetwood Town
Pre-season Friendly
Saturday 26 July 2008 KO 3:00pm

Fleetwood Town continued their pre-season away form on Saturday, but needed to rely on a last minute winner from Nathan Pond to ensure their 100% record. 

Adam Warlow continued to prove why Tony Greenwood brought him to Fleetwood with his fifth goal of the warm-up campaign. Mark Peers provided the second with a goal of pure quality. Finishing like this, combined with the threat he poses to opposition defences, clearly shows why he was another close season signing. Lancaster weren’t too disheartened by the two early goals and soon edged back into the game. Paul Fildes pulled back the first and generally played well before being substituted at half time. Mark Jackson equalised with a neat finish and this completed a good recovery, bringing the UniBond side back into contention.

Steve Foster and Adam Warlow  pressure the Lancaster goal
Image: The Cod Army Forum

The heat took its toll in the second half and the tempo of the game slowed noticeably.  Ashley Dunn continued his early form, going close with his head.  The game looked to be destined for a draw until the Blue Square North outfit stretched the City defence for the last time.  The winner came from a long throw by substitute Paul Haddow. A Warlow flick-on allowed Pond to step up and chip home his first of the pre-season.

Fleetwood now have a week to reflect the two goals they conceded before embarking on their pre-season training camp in North Wales.  Town travel to the Principality on Friday morning and are hosted by Caernarfon Town on Saturday 2nd August, kick-off 3:00pm. The final pre-season is away to Skelmersdale United on Tuesday 5th August, kick-off 7:45pm.

AFC Fylde 0-2 Fleetwood Town   
20/07/08 16:00

AFC Fylde 0-2 Fleetwood Town
Pre-season Friendly
Saturday 19th July 2008 KO 3:00pm


Fleetwood Town maintained their 100% pre-season away form with a win at Vodkat Premier AFC Fylde – or Kirkham & Wesham, as they were known last season when they lifted the FA Vase. It’s been a week of tackling newly renamed teams after Town’s 3-1 victory over AFC Blackpool last Tuesday – or the former Blackpool Mechanics.

Adam Warlow opened his Fleetwood account with goals in either half on a day when the blustery conditions also played a part.  Typical of the gusting conditions, Colin Potts found a number of his first half corners being carried straight into touch behind Pete Summerfield’s Fylde goal. Frontmen Andy Moran and Adam Warlow tested Summerfield and his defence on numerous occasions. It was no surprise when Warlow opened his Town account following his summer move from Witton Albion.  An inswinging Potts free kick found a well-positioned Warlow, who was able to knock home and put the Blue Square North newcomers in front.

Fleetwood dominated a second half that saw the introduction of Steve Foster, Ashley Dunn, Warren Beattie and Paul Haddow.  Mark Peers had a strong game, imposing pressure on the home defence throughout with his winding runs and accurate passing. It was one of his moves that set-up Warlow for his second of the afternoon.

“Mark Peers did really well down the right,” said Warlow. “He put in a fantastic ball and it fell just right for me. The first goal took the weight off my shoulders. I was delighted to get a second. As a team we are starting to gel together and we are improving with every game,” added the striker.  

Adam Warlow (10) after opening his Fleetwood Town account

Mike Clarke impressed for the home side, particularly in the second period, whilst new signing Scott McNiven made his debut for AFC Fylde. The recent arrival from Farsley Celtic also brings defensive experience from his time at Morecambe and Oldham Athletic. Fylde captain Martin Moran was up against his former team-mates following a close-season move down the coast.

“It was all about fitness for us this early in close season. We had a good work out today. Players like Warlow, Foster, Milligan and Peers are a step up from us, so the lads feel we did ok,” commented Martin Moran. “Personally, I’m happy at AFC Fylde as they are club going places and it’s an exciting time.  It reminds me of the buzz that was at Highbury when I first joined Fleetwood,” added the skipper.

Town’s away opposition takes a step up the non-league ladder next week when they take on UniBond Division One North opposition – first at Radcliffe Borough on Tuesday and again next Saturday at Lancaster City. 

Fleetwood Town 1 v 2 Blackpool
13/07/08 15:00

Simon Garner signs for Fleetwood Town
12/06/08 10:00

Fleetwood Town are delighted to announce the signing of Simon Garner from Stalybridge Celtic.

Garner is a versatile defender and moved to the Celts in June 2007. He previously played for Clitheroe, where he was club captain in 2006/07.  Garner played a key role in play-off contending season 2007/08 for Stalybridge. He played in the Blue Square North final but Stalybridge were denied promotion after a 1–0 defeat to Barrow

Quotes:
Tony Greenwood: "Left-sided players are hard to come by and it was important we got someone in at full-back, with Jez Fitzgerald and Shaun Gray having gone. Simon's always done well for Clitheroe against us and I saw him three or four times last season when I took in Blue Square North football. He's a good defender who can also play left-side or centre midfield."

Andy Pilley: “We have been aware a left-back needed recruiting. Simon is a naturally left sided player who has the right attitude towards the games. I’m convinced he will be a hit with the supports and an asset to Fleetwood Town”.

It's Adam Warlow!
01/06/08 18:00

Fleetwood Town are delighted to announce that Adam Warlow has joined the club from Witton Albion. Warlow, 21, signed a two-year contract today. He was the UniBond Premier Division leading scorer last season with 30 goals (25 league and 5 cup). The Southport-born youngster signed professionally with Crewe Alexandra in 2006 following his three-year scholarship with the Railwaymen. The striker signed for Witton Albion in 2007/08 after a successful season-long loan period with the Northwich club.

Andy Pilley: "Adam is a major signing for Fleetwood Town. It is another clear indication of how seriously we will approach Blue Square North football next season. He is a prolific goal-scorer and this was clearly proved last season when he fired home 30 goals, including five hat tricks. We needed to beat off interest from a number of clubs. I explained the forward direction Fleetwood are taking both on and off the field and Adam didn't need too much time to realise his personal ambitions would be matched by the plans at Highbury."

Tony Greenwood: Adam is a big signing for the club. Any striker who puts away 30 goals in a season is going to add spice to your forward line. I know we beat a number of other clubs to Adam's signature who has also been watched by Football League clubs. He's a highly thought of young man and he had a good upbringing with Crewe. The squad now has 5 or 6 players who will be competing for the places upfront. He's a different type of forward who is able to hold up the ball and his link-up play with the midfield is impressive. His record speaks for itself. I've seen Warlow play a few times and he showed his quality by scoring hat tricks on two of these occasions".

Adam Warlow: "After talking with Andy Pilley and Tony Greenwood, I can see the club is certainly going places. They outlined the stadium plans and the overall goal of continuing to move upwards. This certainly matches my own footballing ambitions. I’m delighted at the prospect of Blue Square North football next season. It’s a higher standard and I’m excited about linking up with some of the excellent players at Fleetwood. Playing in good stadiums week in, week out in a higher league is a challenge I’m looking forward to. I enjoy leading the line and being a target player. Bringing others into play and getting in behind defences are other important parts of my game. My appetite to score lots of goals for Fleetwood is something I’m really excited about."

'Players of the Season':
06/05/08 08:00

Fans and Players 'Player of the Season' Jamie Milligan

Manager's 'Player of the Season' - Phil Robinson

Ted Lowery - 'Clubman of the Year'

Phil Robinson - 'Fleetwood's Hardest Player'

NOTE: This page normally displays items covering the last month or so. If you are looking for older items, all match reports can be found via the fixture page links.

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