The Cod Army get set for their first friendly in Holland
Fleetwood Town’s third pre-season fixture, and the first of their tour of Holland, will take place tonight against Eerste Divisie outfit Fortuna Sittard.The Cod Army will take to the field at the FC Ria SportparkKrekelzank Voetbalvereniging for the 6pm kick-off (7pm local time), as preparations continue for the EFL League One opener away to Northampton Town on Saturday 6th August.
Fortuna concluded their domestic league season in 16thposition in the standings, so they will pose another test for Steven Pressley’s first-team, who will also play two other fixtures whilst out in Holland, against AZ Alkmaar and RodaJC Kerkrade.
Fortuna normally play their home fixtures at the 12,500 capacity Offermans Joosten Stadion in the city of Sittard, and are managed by Ben van Dael.
The club’s current incarnation was formed in July 1968, when they merged with Fortuna 54 to subsequently become one team.
Nicknamed Fortunezen, Sittard enjoyed a stay in the Dutch top-flight, as they attracted players such as Mark van Bommeland Wilfred Bouma, before financial struggle hit the club just over five-years ago.
FTFC’s two previous friendly fixtures concluded in contrasting results, a defeat at Highbury Stadium against Liverpool on Wednesday evening was followed up by Saturday’s 4-1 victory over National League North side, Salford City, at Moor Lane.
Team news
Pressley plans to again split his squad for the game, with most playing 45 minutes each as they build-up game time towards the start of the season. With a game already planned for tomorrow, a number will sit-out including striker Aaron Holloway who trained this week for the first time since joining this summer.
Conor McLaughlin is expected to play some part as he steps-up his return from the Euros, while Jimmy Ryan could shake-off an ankle knock to play some part.
Address
For any supporters currently in Holland wanting to attend, the address is: FC Ria Sportpark KrekelzankVoetbalvereniging, Susterderweg, 25 6118, CP, Nieuwstadt.
Live text match updates will be available on our official twitter account - @ftfc – with a match report and match reaction up on the website after the full-time whistle.