Nathan Pond says Fleetwood Town can take heart from their first experience in the Football League after defeat to AFC Wimbledon in the final game of the season.
By Tom BestwickNathan Pond says Fleetwood Town can take heart from their first experience in the Football League after defeat to AFC Wimbledon in the final game of the season.
On a dramatic final day of the season at the Cherry Red Record Stadium Fleetwood were beaten 2-1 by the Dons, a result that meant the home side avoided dropping into the Blue Square Bet Premier, and plans are already well underway as Graham Alexander prepares for next season.
Pond was restored to the starting line-up to partner Rob Atkinson at the heart of the defence and Pond, who turns 28 on Wednesday, believes Town failed to cope with the home side’s set pieces in the second half.
“In the first half we defended very well, but in the second half we gave away to many set pieces and free kicks away and it really harmed us.” Pond said.
After the game, Pond was full of praise for the 157 traveling Cod Army that made their latest long journey down south to support Fleetwood.
“We had great support again for the last game of the season, obviously we couldn’t go down and we couldn’t go up so full credit to them for coming to London and making themselves heard.”
The defeat brought the curtain down on Fleetwood’s first taste of league football, and after finishing comfortably in mid-table, Pond believes the club can be proud of their achievements, and insists there is a lot to build on for next season.
“It was our first season in the league so just to remain in the league is a good, but with the position we were in earlier in the season we should have done a lot better really, but other than that it was our first season in the league and hopefully we can build on that next time.”
On May 4 Jims Sports Bar will be hosting the Supports End of Season Awards Night and Pond says he and the rest of the players are looking forward to spending the evening with the fans.
“The lads are really looking forward to it. Having a chat with the fans and having a few drinks. We will have a great evening.”
Since signing in 2003 as an 18-year-old, the defender has gone on to play in five different levels of the football pyramid and make over 300 appearances in Town colours. Pond was rewarded with a two-year contract extension and already has his sights set on the new campaign.
“Hopefully I’ll put a good pre-season under my belt and try and cement my place in the team for the start of the new League 2 season.”
