An entertaining encounter from Saturday’s 2-2 draw against Bradford came with lots positives and few negatives.
By Manvir RaiAn entertaining encounter from Saturday’s 2-2 draw against Bradford came with lots of positives and few negatives.
The former being that Junior Brown was able to play the full 90 minutes following his an injury sustained in Town’s last game. Town’s leading scorer did admit he was feeling the full effects from a pulsating encounter with Bradford but acknowledged he was more frustrated by the draw.
“My ankle is a little sore but that’s just part and parcel of the game – I was slightly disappointed we never got the victory – because I thought we deserved to win.”
Due to an ankle injury sustained in the 3-0 win against Oxford on 26th of January, Brown was substituted at half time and replaced by Ryan Crowther. Despite the replacement scoring against Oxford, manager Graham Alexander kept his faith in Brown against Bradford.
“Coming off last week was disappointing but I worked hard all week to make sure I was match fit.”
The 23 year old is determined to play as much football as he possibly can this season. Injuries restricted Brown to 22 starts last season.
“I want to play as many games as I can this season. I focused all week on making sure I was ready to go and thankfully I was fit for the match.”
The Cod Army took a 1- 0 lead against Bradford, only to be trailing 1-2 to the visitors - before hitting back to make it 2-2. Brown could not hide his exasperation after failing to claim all three points.
“I just think we deserved it more. We created the better opportunities and we were the better side.”
Despite Brown’s disappointment, he acknowledged and praised Bradford for their sheer persistence.
"They’re good at what they do, they put you under pressure and they get things up there early. Their big lad up front (James Hanson), wins things and they get in and around him.”
The versatile Brown was played on the right wing against Bradford having normally being played as a left back or a left winger.
“I’ve always played down the left as a left back and I was moved on the left wing this season which suited me as I like to attack. As long as I keep putting in performances and the gaffer wants to play me – I’ll play wherever.”
Town have shown some defiant performances in their last two games at Highbury. A comfortable 3-0 victory against an in-form Oxford side and a well-earned 2-2 draw against Capital One Cup finalists Bradford have cemented their credentials as play-off contenders. Brown believes picking up points against teams of the calibre of Oxford and Bradford is crucial.
“You have to pick up performances against these teams, especially at home. These results will hopefully catapult us into automatic promotion. It’s a tight league but there are only a couple of points that separate us from third and with a couple of games in hand. If we keep racking up points and string a few wins together it could all be different in a month or so.”
Town take to the road this Saturday when they travel to Torquay United. Club travel is £25 and departs at 7am.
