Defender looks ahead to first leg with Bantams
Conor McLaughlin says Fleetwood Town are looking to build their successful season as they prepare to travel to Bradford City for the first leg of the Sky Bet League One playoffs.
Town’s home draw with Port Vale on Sunday, coupled with Bradford’s point at Rochdale means the two sides will face each other for a place in the final at Wembley.
The Northern Ireland international was part of the side that gained promotion via the League Two playoffs in 2014 and says he will be using that experience this time around.
“It’s been an amazing season so far,” he said.
“After a tough time last year we didn’t know what to expect going into this one.
“But since the gaffer came in the boys have been unbelievable, it’s been a success so far to finish fourth and now we are all hoping we can go one better in the playoffs.
“Obviously I’ve been in this position before but it feels very different this time round, both legs are massive games and there’s going to be a lot of pressure on the lads but the reward at the end of it all is unbelievable.”
After taking the lead through Bobby Grant at Valley Parade back in September, Town were edged out 2-1, but McLaughin says the lads are determined to go one better this time.
“Of course it’s going to be a tough game,” said the full-back.
“They’ll have a full house behind them but it’s a great place to go and play football, these are the games you want to be involved in.
“We should have got a result the last time we played there hopefully this time we can go one better.
“With it being a two-legged tie we need to make sure we put in a solid away performance and make sure we are still in it when we go back to Highbury.”
The Cod Army are expected to travel down in one of their largest followings of the season and McLaughlin says their support has been ‘magnificent’ so far this season.
“The travelling support is really appreciated by all the lads,” he added.
“The away support has been growing week-by-week, hopefully it keeps getting bigger and growing over these next couple of games because it will really help us with this push.”