Development Squad coach Stephen Crainey spoke to the media after his sides’ 2-2 draw against fellow Lancashire club Burnley at the Lancashire Football Association Headquarters on Wednesday afternoon.
Goals from Sam Bird and Carl Johnston weren’t enough to come away with the win as their category one academy opposition fought back twice to cancel the goals out. Chris Conn-Clarke had a perfect chance to give the Cod Army a goal advantage, but the forward saw his penalty saved and the scoreline stayed the same.
Here’s what he had to say:
On the game…
“I really enjoyed watching the game, it was very entertaining - we had a few chances to win the game but the most important thing for me is that we have got into the areas to create good opportunities against a solid team.
“We had a variety of chances that didn’t fall our way, and, on another day, we take those chances and win the game quite comfortably, but we also showed another side of the game competing physically against Premier League opposition, there wasn’t much between the two sides.”
“The first goal we conceded was obviously a bit of miscommunication but there’s not much more you can ask for from players in games against the opposition for them to work hard, and that’s what they did.”
On assisting the players’ development…
“Barry (Baggley)’s been unlucky with injuries this season, early on he impressed in the first team but unfortunately, he’s had a few injuries, everyone around the club knows exactly what he can do, we have huge hopes for him, as well as the other lads.
“It’s about us as coaches being determined to push and develop these players every day to get to the places they want to be, we’re here to help them learn from their mistakes in a bid for them to not repeat offences.
“The way they conducted themselves today though we have no complaints, we never have any complaints at any time during the day though and as an individual I’m going to make sure they do continue to give me everything. It’s not all about winning at this level, it’s about learning as well.”