Utility man looks to secure place
Alan Goodall insists it is ‘vital’ that Fleetwood Town come out of their next two games against fellow promotion chasers unbeaten – starting with Burton Albion this afternoon.
Town go into the games against Burton and Scunthorpe United, who both currently reside in the automatic promotion places in Sky Bet League 2, on the back of three successive wins and a 100% record still intact since the turn of the new year.
Town, though, recently played Burton in the FA Cup second round replay, but slipped to a 1-0 defeat at the Pirelli Stadium and Goodall insists today’s clash has more weighing on it with three valuable points up for grabs.
Speaking to the club’s official website, Goodall said: “It’s just another game, they beat us out of the cup, but this is the league now and it’s more important in my eyes that we go there, do a job, come away with the three points and move onto the next game.
“It’s vital that we come out of the weekend with at least four points I think, they are two tough games, but we are looking forward to it.
“We have had some tough games recently, but I think we have done very well as a whole.
“Defensively, we have worked really hard with our shape and the lads up top have done their business and scored some good goals.”
Goodall has started and played the full 90 minutes of Town’s last three games after being patient and forcing his way back into the first team line-up for the first time since April.
After a string of impressive performances, Goodall is hoping that he can continue to impress in his unorthodox midfield role in weeks to come and help Fleetwood continue their fine form.
“It’s been a long time coming. I have had to be patient and wait for my chance and now I have got it, I’d like to keep hold of it and hopefully continue what I am doing and winning games.
“It doesn’t matter where I play as long as the lads are doing well on the pitch and you’re a part of it.
“Hopefully I can continue to do a job on the pitch, work hard in training and hopefully I can keep my place in the team.”
Following the conclusion of Town’s clash with the Brewers, it will be a quick turn around for Graham Alexander’s side this weekend as they hit the road again on Monday evening for a game in front of the Sky cameras against current league leaders Scunthorpe.
Goodall insists the squad is in the best possible condition to cope with two games in the space of three days as he said: “Everyone is doing everything right, we always have done, and we will keep working to do so and to make sure we are prepared for the game coming up.”
The defender by trade again highlighted the importance of picking up two positive results to stay with the ‘tight knitted group’ of teams that are beginning to pull away in the top half of the fourth tier.
He added: “I spoke to my old mate Peter Cavanagh (at Rochdale) and he said they were lucky to come through that (Chesterfield away) with a draw.
“I think a draw bodes well for us and it’s a nice tight knitted group now that’s starting to pull away. Hopefully we can stay in there, win our games in hand and push on with any luck.”
Following the Burton game Town are next in action away to Scunthorpe. Travel can be booked in the club shop or catch the match action in Jim's Sports Bar. The game will be shown live with Carlsberg and Tetley £2 a pint all evening. Families and junior teams with manager welcome.