Fleetwood Town

Town’s top goalscorer came on to replace Jon Parkin in the 68th minute in Devonshire for his first outing since the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy Area Final first-leg tie against Chesterfield back at the start of February.

The 24-year-old forward was unsurprisingly delighted to back in action, but admitted he would have wanted his return to have come under different circumstances as the Cod Army’s five-game unbeaten run game to an end.

Speaking to the club’s official website after the game, Ball explained: “I felt all right, it was good to get the minutes, but it was disappointing to come on to that score line (3-0). 

“On a personal basis, the gaffer has given me a few minutes there and I felt good. I only trained Thursday and Friday, but I didn’t feel off the pace, I just need the match fitness to get back to where I want to be.”

Speaking about the defeat, Ball added: “It was disappointing, as a team they were there for the taking, their fans were very quiet and both teams were really waiting for something to happen. 

“We didn’t take it by the scruff the neck and say we are here and we are going to get the three points.

“I don’t think things went for us, we were poor and we just didn’t click. We need to get together again and go again like we always have done. It’s only one game, we have got enough games now to stay up there.”

Fleetwood’s focus has already switched to Tuesday night’s visit of Bristol Rovers to Highbury Stadium and Town’s returning striker has called on his players to keep their heads as they bid to return to winning ways at the first attempt.

“Every game is going to be tough to the end of the season now. We need to keep our heads, keep together and I have no doubt their will be slip-ups from the teams around us. 

“We have to concentrate on ourselves as a team and make sure we are where we want to be at the end of the season.”