Fleetwood Town’s Development Squad opened their Central League Cup campaign with a 4-0 victory over Morecambe on Tuesday afternoon.

A double from Gerard Garner, as well as one from Dan Mooney and Jay Metete sealed a comfortable victory for Stephen Crainey’s side at Poolfoot Farm.

First team players Kyle Dempsey, Cian Bolger and Harrison Biggins started the game, with Dean Marney making his return from injury in midfield.

The Cod Army created a host of chances in the first half, with Garner forcing two saves from visiting keeper David Szczepaniak, both from crosses by right-back Gethin Jones.

Dempsey had Town’s best chance of the first half after twenty minutes, shooting wide on his left foot from inside the area. Morecambe didn’t create too much to trouble Paul Jones in the home goal, with the score level at 0-0 at the break.

Crainey’s side did take the lead early in the second half. Mooney beat Stephen Rigby before pulling the ball back to Garner, who made sure from six yards. A good finish, with Szczepaniak getting a hand to the ball.

It was soon two for Garner, and a moment to forget for the Polish goalkeeper. Szczepaniak was caught in possession inside his own six yard box, with Garner pouncing to score probably the easiest goal of his young career.

Arguably the pick of the goals was next up from Mooney. The Welsh youth international drove at the Morecambe defence, before unleashing an unstoppable effort into the top corner. What a strike.

The fourth was a peach from Matete. He picked the ball up inside his own half, beat three men before firing a fierce strike into the top corner from inside the area. A great individual goal.

So victory for Fleetwood, who now face Huddersfield Town and Macclesfield Town in the other two matches in the group stage.

Fleetwood: P Jones; G Jones, Bolger, Baines, Clarke; Dempsey, Marney (Matete 45’), Biggins; Garner, Mooney, Rydel. Subs: Crellin, Holgate, Crowe, Morris.