Frontman seals cup win
Striker Jon Parkin is hoping Fleetwood are rewarded with a home tie in the second round of the FA Cup after he played a crucial part in Town’s 2-0 win over Conference North side Gloucester City 2-0 yesterday afternoon.
The 31-year-old came off the bench to score Town’s second goal after David Ball’s deflected effort in the first half had given Fleetwood an early lead at Whaddon Road.
Steven Schumacher also missed a penalty as Gloucester defied their non-league status with a fearless performance to keep the tie tense until Parkin effectively ended the game with his fourth goal of the season.
Parkin told Cod Army Player: “It was one of them games where we were expected to go there and beat them, and if you don’t, you have end up having egg on your face. We’re just delighted to be in the draw for the second round.
“To be fair they did quite well at times. They created a few half chances, but we should have been out of sight by half time really, which disappointed us a little bit. Full credit to them though, they’ve rolled their sleeves up and had a real go at it.”
Parkin, who scored an FA Cup hat trick in Preston North End’s 7-0 victory over Colchester United back in 2010, reflected on his goal to help Town on their way to the second round and says he is pushing fellow goalscorer, David Ball, all the way for a starting position.
“Jeff played it through and I managed have a touch and got in front of the defender and obviously I was one-on-one with the goalkeeper and I decided to take it round him and put it in.
“I have got quite a few to be fair – I have got an FA Cup hat trick – but as it stands Bally is doing really well, but its nice to give him a little nudge and let him know I am still
Fleetwood will be ball 40 in the draw today and Parkin is hoping Town go one step further than they did last season and make the third round to possibly set up a ‘fantastic occasion’ at Highbury.
“It’s better to get a home tie and have a game at Highbury. Touchwood we get through that and maybe get one of the big teams in the third round at home which will obviously be a fantastic occasion.”