Team of the round
Fleetwood Town have started 2014 in style – by welcoming a new addition to their Highbury Stadium trophy cabinet.
‘The Cod Army’ have claimed the latest Johnstone’s Paint Trophy Team of the Round prize as a reward for their 2-1 Northern Area Semi-Final home victory over Rotherham United.
Jeff Hughes gave the Sky Bet League 2 promotion-chasing hosts the lead before Rotherham levelled through Nouha Dicko.
But a stunning second half strike from Conor McLaughlin made it a night to remember for Fleetwood, who claimed their fourth Sky Bet League 1 scalp of the season in the competition.
The nomination from the adjudication panel means Fleetwood – who are now just 180 minutes away from reaching the Wembley final - won a trophy and £200 worth of Johnstone’s Paint product to use on a project at the club.
Fleetwood have elected to use their prize on a community project, with work on the concourse and corridors inside the main Parkside Stand.
“We are very proud of our run in this season’s Johnstone’s Paint Trophy and honoured to win the latest Team of the Round award,” said Fleetwood manager Graham Alexander.
“The players have been terrific in all the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy games and to defeat four League 1 sides is a fantastic achievement.
“The Rotherham game was a tight one but we were delighted to get through and there is plenty of excitement ahead of the Area Final against Chesterfield.
“It’s great to have the victory recognised with the Team of the Round award, and we are delighted that the Johnstone’s Paint product will be put to excellent use on a community project.”
Ben Wilde, brand and sponsorship manager for Johnstone’s Paint added: “Fleetwood have produced some eye-catching performances in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy, none more so than their victory over Rotherham.
“They are worthy winners of the Team of the Round award and we are delighted to hear that the club are making full use of the Johnstone’s Paint product prize.”
Fleetwood follow Hartlepool United, Dagenham & Redbridge and Stevenage in winning the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy Team of the Round awards in the 2013-14 campaign.
Johnstone’s is long established as a premium paint for the professional painter and decorator.
The nearest Johnstone’s Decorating Centre to Fleetwood Town’s Highbury Stadium is on Mowbray Road in Blackpool, FY3 7UN.
The first leg of the area final is at Highbury on Tuesday 4th February with the second leg away during week commencing 17th February.
Parkside Suite hospitality for 4th February is £39 per person or executive boxes £499 + VAT 12 guests. Please call 01253 775080.