Football returns to Highbury Stadium!
Fleetwood Town play host to Championship side Burnley on Tuesday evening, in their first pre-season friendly at Highbury Stadium, as preparations continue for the 2015/16 campaign.Fleetwood go into the game coming off the back of a 3-1 defeat away at Scottish Premiership side Kilmarnock, on Saturday afternoon.
A brace from Kris Boyd, either side of Amari'i Bell’s equaliser was followed by Chris Johnson’s strike, as Town succumbed to defeat at Rugby Park on Saturday.
Team News
The Cod Army have no fresh injury concerns heading into Tuesday’s encounter, with Bobby Grant and Jamille Matt both expected to be involved against the Clarets.
Star Man
The travelling Burnley faithful will be looking towards goalkeeper Tom Heaton to inspire them on Tuesday evening.
Chester-born Heaton came through the youth ranks at Wrexham and Manchester United, signing trainee forms with the Red Devils in 2002.
After impressing at reserve team level, Sir Alex Ferguson decided to loan the shot-stopper out, on a series of short-term deals away from Old Trafford.
Temporary spells at Swindon Town, Royal Antwerp, Cardiff City, Queens Park Rangers, Rochdale and Wycombe Wanderers all followed during a five-year period.
In the summer of 2010, following his release from Manchester United, Heaton signed for Cardiff City on a permanent deal, having made 21 appearances on-loan in the Welsh capital in the 2008/09 season.
Heaton made 30 appearances in his first season at the Bluebirds, picking up the club’s Young Player of the Year award for his efforts, but found himself as back-up to David Marshall the following term, under the management of Malky Mackay.
Despite his lack of game time in the Championship, Heaton played a key role in Cardiff’s route to the 2012 League Cup Final, helping the club to a Wembley showpiece with Premier League giants Liverpool.
He was on the losing side that day, as Cardiff were beaten on penalty-kicks, despite holding their top-flight opponents to a 2-2 draw after 120 minutes.
Heaton rejected a new contract at the Cardiff City Stadium and was released. He signed for Bristol City in July 2012, following a successful trial at Ashton Gate.
The 29-year-old spent the one solitary campaign at the Robins, as City endured relegation from the Championship into League One – with Heaton making 44 appearances during his time in the West Country.
A return to the second-tier, and the North West followed for Heaton, when Burnley completed a deal to sign him on a free-transfer – in the summer of 2013.
His first year at the Clarets was a successful one, with Heaton playing a key role in Burnley’s promotion to the Premier League in 2013/14 – becoming an ever-present between the sticks at Turf Moor.
Heaton impressed in his 38 games in the top-flight, form which earned him a call up to the senior England squad.
He has recently committed his future to the East Lancashire side, by penning a new three-year deal.
Tickets
Tickets remain available for our game against Sean Dyche’s side, with the prices as followed. Season ticket holders will gain free entry for the game
Adults: £12.50
Concessions (Over 65’s and Under 18’s): £7.50
Under 16’s: £2.50
Under 5’s: Free
Match Officials
Nottinghamshire-based David Coote will take charge of Tuesday friendly against Burnley.
Coote took charge of 29 games last term, issuing 116 yellow cards, and four reds.
David Richardson and Rob Jones will run the line, while Jamie Rhodes will be the fourth official.