First team coach Steve Macauley expressed his views after the friendly with Tranmere, ahead of Tuesday’s trip to Chester FC of the Conference North.
By Mike McLoughlinFirst team coach Steve Macauley expressed his views after the friendly with Tranmere, ahead of Tuesday’s trip to Chester FC of the Conference North.
Macauley admitted defensive errors on Saturday were the cause of Town letting a two-goal lead slip twice in the second half, despite the visitors fielding a strong League One side.
He said: “We conceded a goal on Saturday straight after we scored, which is a very important time. The lads have got to do better because we really can’t afford defensive mistakes like that. They were gifts really and as long as we give gifts like that away, we’re not going to be a successful team.” He continued, “But I don’t believe we will do that again.”
Although Town leaked three goals at home against Tranmere, their goal tally stands at seven in the last two games which is a far cry from last season’s pre- season campaign when goals were at a premium.
Fleetwood have a chance to add to that tally in their final warm up game as they travel to Chester FC, who have recently won back-to-back promotions in a quest to reinstate themselves in the Football League after they went out of business in January 2010.
Macauley said: “.If we stamp out those defensive mistakes we should be OK. I think we’re always the sort of side that look like we’ll score a goal, so if we can get our ship in order I think we’ll do well in a tough test against a side that have just come up.
“David Ball is a real handful and is a good addition to the squad and Jon Parkin is a slightly different kettle of fish, but both are going to contribute heavily in games.”
He added that Ball’s retirement from Saturday’s game was just a precaution as they head for their final match before former the European Champions come visit Highbury next Monday in the Capital One Cup.
Town's last visit to the Deva Stadium was in December 2009 when top scorer Adam Warlow hit the only goal of game as Chester City crashed out of the FA Trophy. Anthony Barry appeared for the home before his switch to Highbury.
Kick-off this evening is 7pm. Entry £7 Adults, £5 Senior Citizens, £1 U16.
Squad:
Chris Maxwell (gk)
Connor McLaughlin
Trialist
Alan Goodall
Lee Fowler
Jamie Milligan (c)
Liam Wynn
Richie Allen
Jamie Allen
Alex Titchiner
Rodrigo Branco Araujo
Christian Thewlis (gk)
Ben Cartwright
Michael Smith
Jake Parker
Tom Peterson