Fleetwood Town

Apart from captain Liam Hogan, Matty Hughes and Jamie Allen, Lucketti’s side was made up of players emerging through the youth ranks at Highbury under the guidance of Craig Madden and co. 

Goals from Jamie Allen, Kingsley Ogbodo and Conor Smith set the Cod Army on their way, and Lucketti spoke to the club’s media after the game. 

“The lads were superb, every single one of them. Their work rate, passion and desire was top draw and 3-1 was just rewards for how they played.”

The former Preston North End man reserved special praise for Jamie Allen, who put in an impressive display against the Shrimpers. 

“It is probably the best I have seen Jamie Allen play all season. Kingsley has scored a nice goal from a set-piece and they were goals that mirrored our performance.”

The clash was an opportunity for the members of the youth team to impress manager Graham Alexander, who was in attendance alongside the first team coaching staff.  

“It is a nice blend of youth and experienced players that compete in these types of games. They are important games for the second years that are trying to make a name for themselves with the manager being here casting an eye over them.”

“It is great opportunity for them and they are playing alongside some of the senior professionals like Liam Hogan who was superb once again.”

“He got 75 minutes under his belt, Matty Hughes played an hour and Jamie Allen completed the game. They were the experienced lads setting the example for the younger players to aim towards.”

“Everybody is desperate to get into the first team. The first team are doing great at the moment and the challenge for everybody is to get into the starting eleven.”