Goalkeeper reacts after narrow first leg defeat
Alex Cairns has urged Fleetwood to make Highbury a ‘fortress’ ahead of the second leg of the Sky Bet League One play-off semi-final.
Town trail 1-0 on aggregate, following Rory McArdle’s late header at Valley Parade and the goalkeeper insists his side will be ready to go again on Sunday.
“I think we defended brilliantly as a team,” said Cairns.
“Obviously were disappointed to concede a late goal but it’s half-time in the tie now, it’s 1-0 and we’ll be ready to go again.
“The fans were brilliant again, they were in great voice and the lads really appreciate the effort from them travelling.
“Now we’re at home for the second leg, let’s make it a fortress and really take it to Bradford.”
It was a tightly contested affair at Valley Parade on Thursday night and Cairns says he’s expecting the same type of match come Sunday.
“It was a game of minimal chances,” he said.
“Both teams defended very well and I think it will be a very similar game again, we wanted the chance to take it back to Highbury and now we’ve got that.
“We all know that the first goal is going to be massive on Sunday.”
Cairns insists that it’s important for Town to keep their cool in the second leg and says they won’t panic if a goal doesn’t come early on.
“We’ve got 90, potentially 120 minutes,” he added.
“Our ability as a side to bounce back is unbelievable, and we’ve got more than enough ability to do so.
“An early goal would be nice but there will be no rush, we’ll play our football and do what we’ve done well all season and see where that takes us.”