Paddy Madden hailed Fleetwood Town’s quick start against Alfreton Town as the foundation for a comfortable victory in the Emirates FA Cup.
Madden struck on the 14th minute, before Ash Hunter’s strike six minutes later. The Irishman scored a second half penalty to make the game safe, before Jordan Sinnott’s free-kick for the hosts. Substitute Ged Garner scored his first goal for the club late on, as the Cod Army safely progressed to the second round.
Below are the key quotes from Paddy’s post-match interview.
His thoughts on the game…
“I thought it was important that we approached the game in the right manner because as we all know, there can be a lot of upsets in this competition. The lads came out of the blocks quick and we got the all-important first goal, and a second not long after.
“The two goals helped us control the game and they were important because they has spells in the game themselves where they looked to score and if the game is at 0-0 at half-time, it gives them help and makes it a tough evening for us. Our goals knocked them back a bit and we just played our way and took control.
“If Alfreton got another goal late on, it would have made for a nervy ending, but the lads showed a lot of character when throwing their body in the way of opportunities for them, and we’ve seen the game out.”
On his well taken first goal and the penalty kick…
“First of all it was a great pick out from Lewie Coyle and he has seen my movement in the box and when it has come to me, I have connected well with it and it has gone in the back of the net.
“With the penalty, I have previously let Ched [Evans] take one and that helped him with his confidence but today I wanted it, I took it and it’s hit the back of the net.
“Alfreton’s goalkeeper made a really good save on a shot I had in the first-half and I have had a glancing header which has just gone wide, again another good ball from Ash [Hunter] but it just came to me a little bit quicker than expected.”
On the travelling fans inside the Impact Arena…
“Once again, it was brilliant support from the fans and as I have said before, we are going to need them all season.
“It’s good that we are in the second round because now the fans can look forward to the draw on Monday night.”