Fleetwood Town head back south on Saturday, destination Aldershot, and hope to put a disappointing result against Burton behind them
By David MitchellFleetwood Town head back south on Saturday, destination Aldershot, and hope to put a disappointing result against Burton behind them and push for a third successive away win which would keep them in the mix for at least a play-off place.
The enforced absence of Scott Davies, following his red card last weekend, brings to an end a proud 88-match unbeaten league and cup run for Town's goalkeeper. David Lucas, the club's goalkeeping coach will take his place. As manager Graham Alexander explained:
'Part of the reason in bringing in David is that he could step into the team if needed. We've made a commitment to Chris Maxwell and Wrexham and wouldn't call him back.'
The unavailability of Davies gives an opportunity for the youth-team's Oliver Martin (41) to be on the bench, another reward for the work done by Academy Manager,Steve Carling, and his team. Team selection will again be affected by injuries but Alexander knows that this is unavoidable:
'Injuries are part of football and we're not going to whine or moan about things we can't control. We have to concentrate on the lads that are fit and pulling on the shirt on Saturday. There's no point in looking at what we could have and I am confident in the ability of those I do have when we face Aldershot. We have enough quality players to win the game.'
On the plus side, loan signing, Ryan Edwards (27), is available for selection, the defender having already played for Rochdale against Town in October.
After an early victory over Aldershot in the npower League 2, Town crashed out of the FA Cup to the Shots, a Second Round result which marked the end of manager Micky Mellon's reign at the beginning of December. His opposite number on that day, Dean Holdsworth, has now also lost his job. Despite two encouraging results, a draw at Cheltenham and home victory over Torquay, Aldershot ended the contract of manager Holdsworth on Wednesday. Ironically, Tuesday's win had taken the Shots out of the relegation places where they had spent much of the season. A return of seven points from the last seven games no doubt had a bearing on the decision to part with Holdsworth after just over two years in the job. The club hope to have a replacement named by the weekend.
Town's on loan midfielder Danny Rose struck at Cheltenham while it was a late Troy Brown strike against Torquay that took the Shots clear of the bottom two and up to 20th. Rose will not figure against Town as part of his loan arrangement.
Aldershot have been somewhat goal-shy at home, a total of 14 home goals being the joint lowest in the division, along with Accrington Stanley.
They have appointed former Brentford and Rotherham boss Andy Scott as their new manager.
