The clear league-leaders are in town on Saturday and Fleetwood Town will go into the game against Gillingham buoyed by the win against Dagenham & Redbridge and a good performance against the Gills in
By David MitchellThe clear league-leaders are in town on Saturday and Fleetwood Town will go into the game against Gillingham buoyed by the win against Dagenham & Redbridge and a good performance against the Gills in December.
Manager, Graham Alexander, recognises that it will be a big occasion:
'Gillingham have extended their lead at the top and it's another big game for them but then it also is for us. We need to take the positives from last week and build on them. The game at their place was my second in charge and we put in a good performance and could have won but we know Saturday will be tough. I remember that the atmosphere down there was really good so we're expecting the same at Highbury. I'm sure our fans will get behind us and we need to make sure we give them a performance.'
Tuesday's friendly with Blackpool brought a lot of positives for Alexander:
'It was Andy Mangan's first game back after injury and it was good to see him get a full 90 minutes. it's been a long time for a character like Mangs. It was also good to see Jamie and Richie Allen come through and the younger players get some match time.'
Paul McKenna is once again available after serving his suspension but defenders Rob Atkinson and Dean Howell will not be fit to play. Atkinson joined Howell on the injured list with a problem in the groin/thigh area that ruled him out last Saturday.
'We are determined to win as many games as we can to the end of the season,' added Alexander,'whether we make the play-offs or not. I'm a big believer in the knock-on effect of creating a bit of momentum to take into the new season.'
Gillingham lie eight points clear as I write this piece before the Good Friday npower League 2 programme and manager, Martin Allen, has a fully-fit squad to choose from with Myles Weston, scorer of the second goal at the Priestfield Stadium, recovering from an ankle injury. Defender, Andy Frampton, will definitely miss the game, however, due to suspension.
Allen told the club website:
'Fleetwood have got to win but that's them. All I am focused on is us. We won't change our tactics. We've been doing ok away from home but I want to win. We have drawn three away and played solid but we can do better.'
There have in fact been four successive draws on the road but the Gills away form still remains impressive with only one defeat, at Torquay in October. Just twelve goals have been conceded in twenty away games.
A large contingent is expected from Kent after over ten thousand watched the 1-0 home win against Accrington last weekend.
Town's next goal will be their 50th in the Football League and all in the Cod Army will hope that there will be an early celebration! League safety could be mathematically secure by the end of Saturday's game.
