Town drew with Barnsley in the first leg this afternoon
Steven Pressley felt this afternoon’s game against Barnsley was a great advertisement for the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy competition.The Cod Army took the lead through Ash Hunter’s deflected strike on the hour mark as his effort creeped into the bottom corner.
Substitute Ashley Fletcher levelled for the Tykes soon after with a header from inside the box, which sets the return leg at Highbury on the 2nd February up nicely.
Pressley said: “Forget the FA Cup because the JPT is the one to come and see! I thought the players were excellent today and it was a pulsating game.
“It was a brilliant atmosphere in the stadium and it was a proper cup tie with both sides fully committed. It was a great advertisement for this competition.
“I was exceptionally proud of the players’ application and effort. Although you could argue that we should be satisfied with a draw in the first leg, I’m not.
“We had some really good counter attack moments and some big opportunities. Unfortunately we didn’t take them.
“I’ve got no complaints whatsoever with how my team went about their business today. It was a wonderful team performance.
“I highlighted our three midfield players and said to them after the game that I wouldn’t swap them for any midfielder in the league, and I genuinely mean that.
“Their attitude and desire to do the things that I ask of them is incredible. I’m really, really pleased with the group today.
“It was a brilliant cup tie and both teams set out to win the game. That reflected in the game itself as at times it was end to end stuff.
“The big thing for us is that it gives us a great opportunity in the return leg, and it’s a game I hope we can attract a sell out crowd for.”