Fleetwood Town Head Coach Joey Barton spoke after Town’s 3-1 loss at home to Barnsley on Saturday afternoon.
Barton’s side suffered their second consecutive loss of the season, with Barnsley travelling back to Yorkshire will all three points. Harrison Biggins scored his first senior goal for the club early in the first half, and it was the perfect start for Cod Army.
Jacob Brown levelled the scoring for Barnsley, with danger man Kieffer Moore making it 2-1 at half-time. Substitute Mamadou Thiam got the third in added on time, to send the Tykes home with the win.
Here are the key quotes from Joey Barton’s post-match interview…
Barton’s thoughts on the game…
“It was bizarre game to be honest. I thought we started off really well and took the lead, and from there I thought we were going to go on and put a good team away. We then had a mad 10-15 minutes before half-time, but then came out in the second half ready and I thought we responded really well.
“We looked like the team with the ascendancy and as the game goes on, you push to try and grab that goal, and that’s where they countered and got the goal. In the build-up, I don’t know how a free-kick wasn’t given.
“You have to accept that at 2-1 down you might lose 3-1, but I would much prefer for us to have a go and try to get back into the game. The lads deserved more today as I thought we were excellent, a part from a small window.
"This will be part of our progression. I thought we were better today than we were last week and the lads put in a lot of effort, but when you run into a decent side, they will be more clinical.
“We go again on Tuesday, and that is the good thing about this league. You get a quick turnaround to put a result behind you.”
Barton on Harrison’s goal…
“I am made up for Harrison as he has scored his first goal as a senior player,and that is a big moment for him, especially considering he was once released from Barnsley as a youngster.
“It must have felt special for Harrison, and it is a huge momentous occasion, but it will be tainted with some sadness as we haven’t managed to pick up the three points today.
"But as I say, if we keep playing like that, we will be more than a match for teams in this division.”
Barton on having Wes Burns back from suspension…
“Wes will always carry a threat and he has that ability, but he will now need to get that rustiness out of him, as he has had a spell out of the team.
“I did think his fitness levels were superb. He was a threat all afternoon and we were just looking for a little bit more quality, which he has shown on numerous occasions.
“Once he is back up and running, and back into the goals and assists, he will be key for us.”