Graham Alexander previews this weekend's game against Northampton Town
Graham Alexander says Fleetwood’s need to secure the three points is just as great as Northampton’s ahead of tomorrow’s game at Highbury Stadium.
Town go into this weekend’s game against Northampton, who sit bottom of the Sky Bet League 2 table, looking to secure their first league victory in four games as they look to break back into the automatic promotion places.
Northampton, who have been at the foot of the table since early December, won their first game since new manager, Chris Wilder, replaced Aidy Boothroyd with a 2-1 win away at Torquay United on Tuesday evening as they look to climb out of the bottom two.
Speaking the club’s official website, Alexander said: “It will be a tough game; Northampton got a good win the other night, obviously they have a new manager in charge now and they’re in a position where they are fighting for everything.
“They will come here and they will be looking to get a result. I don’t think their needs are any more important than ours, we need the points just as much as them, and we have to make sure we go all out for a win.
“It’s important we get back to winning ways, which we had during January and we had a decent start to 2014, but we want to improve upon what we have done in the last couple of games.
“It’s one of those where they get a little injection of enthusiasm from the same players, but the realities of where they are in the league kick in around February time because the end of the season is insight.
“It gives players a bit of extra motivation, but I don’t think their motivation should be any stronger than ours.
“Our motivation is to make sure we get back into that top three as quick as possible and make sure we stay in there.
“That’s the target for all of us and it’s a game we are looking to go and win.”
Fleetwood go into the game on the back of a 1-1 draw with Wycombe Wanderers at Adams Park on Tuesday as Jon Parkin levelled the game with his fourth goal since the turn of the year to cancel out Stuart Lewis’ opener.
In the build up to the game, Alexander handed Chris Maxwell his debut in goal and also welcomed Jamille Matt back to the first team for the first time in four months.
Reflecting on Tuesday night’s draw, Alexander added: “I thought Maxy (Chris Maxwell) did well, I don’t think he could done much more with the goal.
“It was a very good strike, but there was a lad arching in from an offside position about five yards in front of him blocking his sight as well.
“It was disappointing that wasn’t dealt with, but Parky got another goal, which was good, and having Jamma back was a boost for everyone.
“He was doing great before he got injured, he’s been out for quite a while now, but we’ve got other players who can step up, score goals for us, and win games for us.
“We’re not going to put everything on Jamma’s shoulders, he’s only come back from being four months out and played 20 minutes, so we aren’t going to push too much.
“It’s good to have him back within the squad and he gives extra competition up front.”