Fourth meets fifth at Highbury on Saturday as Fleetwood Town host Burton Albion.
By David MitchellFourth meets fifth at Highbury on Saturday as Fleetwood Town host Burton Albion.
Albion's name will be forever etched in Fleetwood Town's history as they were the opponents when Town won their first game as a Football League side, a Dean Howell free kick dividing the sides back in August.
Albion come as one of the form sides in the npower League 2 with just one defeat in the last six games. Goal difference currently separates the two teams although Town have a game in hand.
There is bound to be a warm welcome back to Highbury from the Cod Army after 940 miles of road trips yielded back to back wins in four days for Graham Alexander's men. A third victory in a week could take Town into an automatic promotion spot.
'We've done our best to look after the players,'said Alexander,'but the majority of the recovery must come from them. I have to say that things hurt less and you don't feel the tiredness as much when you are winning. Team spirit is good at the moment but we must also keep players feet on the ground and build through consistency.'
'We know that Burton are a tough side who won't give up. They have done less well away from home but we won't take that lightly and they are very much one of our rivals aiming for success this season. The Bristol Rovers result was a wake-up call for all of us and we are determined to prevent that happening again.'
Burton manager, Gary Rowett, watched the Oxford game on Tuesday and will be aware of Town's current form, just two defeats in 11 under Alexander. As he told the Burton Mail:
'Fleetwood are a very hard-working side who are tough to play against. They are a bit like ourselves in that respect. Every away game is difficult but we can have some confidence. The start of the game is important. We've given away too many early goals on the road.'
After a relatively quiet period Town's treatment room has been busier of late. Shaun Beeley and Jon Parkin are unlikely to play while Ryan Crowther's progress is being closely monitored and an assessment of him will be made at the last possible minute following suspected concussion after being struck by the ball at Oxford. The injury prevented the goalscorer from taking the field for the second half.
Despite a number of Burton players defying the pain barrier at Rotherham last Saturday, they have had a few days to recover and Rowett expects to pick from strength on Saturday although defender Zander Diamond will be out due to suspension. Left-back Damien McCrory and leading scorer Calvin Zola are in contention again after injury but striker Michael Symes has been impressive since coming on loan from Leyton Orient and may retain his place.
Burton's challenge has been based on outstanding home form including 11 victories. Town are one of only two teams to have won at the Pirelli Stadium. On the road, there have been just three wins and eight defeats. Along with Barnet, the 11 goals scored away is the lowest in the league.
