Development Squad coach Stephen Crainey saw his side come away 3-1 winners at AFC Fylde as they progress to the second round of the Lancashire FA Senior Cup.
Goals from Ged Garner, a Trialist and Bobby Grant proved to be enough on Tuesday afternoon as Fleetwood Town put in a dominant performance against local side AFC Fylde. A late Lewis Baines own-goal turned out to be just a conciliation for the Coasters, but it was a strong performance from all involved.
Crainey spoke after the game about the win and was pleased for his players who put in a shift from the first whistle to the final, and knows that it was great experience for all the lads involved from the senior members, to those in the academy.
Here are the best quotes from Crainey’s post-match interview…
Crainey’s thoughts on the game…
“We are really pleased with the win, especially in these conditions with the wind and the pitch being a bit dry, but I thought everybody adapted to those really well and as the game progressed, we got hold of the ball and from there we saw out the game which was pleasing.
“It was disappointing conceding right at the end, and that is what I have told the lads after the game, we need to just see the game out and in some ways, it just takes the gloss off the performance the lads put in.
“Overall, very happy with the outcome and proud of the performances.”
Crainey on the competition…
“It is no secret that I was always a winner when I was playing and that doesn’t change if I am taking a team, or if someone else takes the team.
“We always want to win games no matter what competition it is and with Fleetwood Town, we will take on any game that comes our way."
Crainey on Bobby Grant’s performance…
“We played Bobby in a central position today and in the middle, I thought he held the ball up well for the team and brought in players in and around him. He had two players coming off the wings and when the chance fell to Bobby, he took his chance really well.
“All the senior lads who played did really well and I was glad to see some of the younger lads get experience in this competition, and also get game time to impress.”
Crainey on the academy players…
“[Ged] Garner got on the score sheet today and after being out for a while, it was great to see him back and take his opportunity when it came. He know needs to go back and work hard on his fitness in the coming weeks. I thought Ryan Rydel was excellent and put in a real shift on the left-wing and overall, it was a pleasing day for all involved.
“A lot of our U23s are out on loan, getting that experience away from the club and being involved in physical games week in week out, rather than being in academy games.