Fleetwood Town face Portsmouth on Saturday 7 August at Highbury in the first game of the 2021/22 Sky Bet League One season, and we have all you need to know ahead of the 3pm kick-off in our match preview.
Fixture: Fleetwood Town v Portsmouth
Competition: Sky Bet League One
Date: Saturday 7 August 2021
Kick-off: 15:00
Venue: Highbury Stadium, Park Avenue, Fleetwood, FY7 6TX
FLEETWOOD TOWN
As the season is set to start with the clash against Pompey at Highbury, Town can look back on their pre-season form with pride as they managed to win four and draw one in five games.
Last time out, Fleetwood Town completed a comeback as they came from behind to beat Leeds United 2-1 at Highbury. The Whites’ captain Charlie Cresswell opened the scoring in the first half through a header, but a second half spree of chances not only brought Fleetwood back into the game, but also put them ahead with goals coming from Shayden Morris and Ged Garner.
Before that, Fleetwood Town overcame Sky Bet Championship opponents in Huddersfield Town, thanks to goals from Shayden Morris and Ged Garner.
In a game where fans were welcomed back into Highbury for the first time in 507 days, it was a solid showing as the Cod Amy took a two-goal lead in the first half playing some impressive football which took Fleetwood into the break with a lead; Huddersfield responded with a goal with 15 minutes to go, but Fleetwood defended strongly to hold out for a win.
PORTSMOUTH
Town’s opposition have enjoyed some winning results throughout their pre-season, ahead of the 2021/22 Sky Bet League One season, with their last game being a 2-0 win over Championship side, Peterborough United.
Supporters made a welcome return to Fratton Park for the first time in more than seven months – and made plenty of noise. They were rewarded with a display full of energy and confident passing from Danny Cowley’s troops. Tunnicliffe took advantage of a defensive mix-up to break the deadlock midway through the first half, while an impressive Curtis effort wrapped things up by the interval.
Their last away trip was against another Championship side in Luton Town two weeks ago, in which the game finished 1-1 at Kenilworth Road.
In front of a healthy crowd at Luton, they soon found themselves trailing to an early finish from tricky striker Elijah Adebayo but, Gassan Ahadme immediately drew them level – taking the forward’s tally for pre-season to an impressive eight strikes.
PRE-MATCH QUOTES: SIMON GRAYSON
Head Coach Simon Grayson spoke to the press on Thursday afternoon ahead of Fleetwood Town's Sky Bet League One opener against Portsmouth at Highbury. Here is what the gaffer had to say in his interview:
“Most teams would like to be at home for the first league game back with supporters, it’s going to be a great atmosphere. Portsmouth are known for their supporters travelling and they are one of the favourites for the division this year.
“They’ve been in the division for a few years now and they are desperate to get out of it. We’ve got to make sure that we just play our game, not the occasion, and make sure that we focus on what we are doing and what we have worked on. We’ll respect the opposition but at the same time, make sure they don’t have an easy time.
“I think we are in as good a place as we can be. The fitness levels have been good in the games so far and we’ve got nearly a full complement of first-team players available for selection. We’ve worked hard, it’s been tough for the players, but I’ve been encouraged by the signs in the games and training sessions and the proof will be in the pudding come Saturday.”
WATCH THE GAME ON iFOLLOW!
Supporters can now purchase video match passes for Fleetwood Town’s Sky Bet League One clash against Portsmouth on Saturday.
Simon Grayson's side are set to host Portsmouth in a league clash at Highbury on Saturday and you can watch the game for just £10!
If you'd like to purchase your match pass, click HERE.
The best way to watch Fleetwood Town this year is by purchasing the Onward Card. For adults, you will pay as little as £170 for 23 Sky Bet League One matches, with many benefits included in the deal. Click HERE for more details.