Baz's thoughts following friendly vs Blackburn Rovers
Fleetwood Town development coach Barry Nicholson was pleased with his team’s display despite coming out on the wrong end of a 3-1 scoreline against Blackburn Rovers.The Cod Army led early in the first half courtesy of a free-kick from Nick Haughton but the Championship side went on to win the game.
However, Fleetwood will feel hard done by as David Ball and Declan McManus both had goals ruled out for offside, whilst Ball also missed a first half penalty.
Speaking after the game from Blackburn’s training complex in East Lancashire, Nicholson said: “I thought it was a really good game for our players against Blackburn Rovers.
“They played a few senior lads and from our side it allowed the gaffer to get some minutes into the legs of the first team players that needed it.
“David Ball and Nick Haughton both got 70 minutes whilst Declan McManus and Lyle Della-Verde played the full match.
“It is important that they are ready if called upon for first team action.
“We played with a young back four and although we conceded three goals I am pleased with the work they put in.
“We looked much better in the second half. We were organised and we put together a few good passing moves.
“Blackburn Rovers are a setup from ourselves category wise and they had about eight or nine first team players in action.
“It was a great test for the team and overall I was pretty pleased with the overall display.
“We are looking forward now to Thursday’s development cup tie at Burnley. It is our first competitive game of the season and I am sure it will bring an edge to the match.
“There will not be any first team players involved so it will give all of the younger players an opportunity to play."