Fleetwood Town head coach Joey Barton spoke after Town’s 1-1 draw at home to Lancashire rivals Accrington Stanley.
Barton’s side extended their unbeaten run to seven games in Sky Bet League One, after Cian Bolger headed home from close range from Ash Hunter’s set-piece delivery.
Town went into the break a goal up, and midway through the second-half, Sean McConville levelled the scoring after his shot from inside the 18-yard box got a slight deflection, which took it away from Alex Cairns.
Here are the key quotes from Barton’s post-match interview…
Barton’s thoughts on the game…
“It is a game where I know we could have played a lot better for sure, but credit to Accrington who came here with a similar run of results to us, with one defeat coming in the opening match of the season.
“They have consolidated their form, and we knew it was going to be a tough game from the beginning. Accrington have great team spirit and it was a really physical games of football played in the right manner.
“We were disappointed not to win a game after being in front, but I think a draw is right when you look at the balance of play. Alex Cairns made some great saves today, and at the end their, goalkeeper made a great save from Ash Hunter when it was 1-0, and from there we probably make it two, and go on and win the game.
“We can have better days, but we need to turn this home form to match our away form but we are all moving in the right direction.”
Barton on the goal…
“We were definitely the second best team, and probably scored against the run of play and when you have the quality of delivery that Ash Hunter puts in, you have a chance and Bolger showed real desire to win the header and score the goal.
“When you get yourself into that position and come out in the second half like we did, causing them a lot of problems, you have to go and make it 2-0.
“Credit again to Accrington, they kept fighting and pushing and made a few offensive changes and then got themselves back into the game.”
Barton on the man of the match performance by Alex Cairns…
“Alex is a top goal keeper and he has to be right up there in this division and as we have seen, if you want to be a good side and be up there, you need good people and players in all departments.
“In Alex, we have a good performer and he is showing that consistency now and with him getting the number one shirt in the summer, he is really embracing that position.”