David Ball goal separates the teams
Assistant manager Chris Lucketti was delighted with his players as they grinded out victory against Dagenham & Redbridge on Saturday afternoon.
In what was a tight, keenly contested affair, a David Ball strike fifteen minutes from time ensured that Town returned to Lancashire with all three points in what was their second Sky Bet League 2 victory of 2014.
Speaking after the game, Lucketti said: “We’re delighted with the three points as it seems to have been a long wait after having to wait the ten days for today’s game, but it was great to come away with a win”.
The Cod Army dominated proceedings in the first period with Jeff Hughes twice going close, but after the interval the home side made a game of things and had some decent opportunities themselves.
Graham Alexander’s number two added: “First half we were pretty much in control, but I think the second half was very much a battle and a typical performance away from home and luckily Bally came up with the goods for us to get three points”.
Mikel Mandron, on-loan from Barclays Premier League side Sunderland came on for his Fleetwood Town debut in the 64th minute and caught the eye with some neat hold up play: “We’ve watched Mikel play a number of times and we really rate him. We’ve been trying to bring him in for a while and he came on today and showed glimpses of what’s he capable of. He’s a young kid and I thought he did really well for his debut for us”
With a minute of normal time remaining, the home side were denied a goal by a superb last ditch block from Mark Roberts which prevented the Daggers an equalizer, and Lucketti heaped praise on the captain: “From where we were we couldn’t see, but initially I just thought it was fantastic defending from Robbo just to actually get back and hook it away from the line, and for me it was just as good as Bally’s goal. Those are the combinations you need to win matches and I thought it was fantastic defending”.
Lucketti was also quick to acknowledge Nathan Pond’s display as they kept one of the league’s top scorers, Rhys Murphy, at bay: “He got a heavy knock in the first half and we had a little scare for a few minutes, but he’s a warrior and soon got back up onto the field of play”.
This Thursday sees a testimonial question and answer session in the Parkside lounge with Pondy, and Lucketti hopes to see fans turn out in force to recognise Town’s longest servant: “We’re hoping as many people as possible can come along to the question and answer session and support it. He truly deserves it as he is a Fleetwood Town legend.”
The Q&A evening with Nathan Pond, Graham Alexander and Andy Pilley commences at 7.30pm next Thursday in the Parkside Suite. There is no admission charge and Pondy’s testimonial brochure will be on sale priced at £5.