Fleetwood Town

Fleetwood Town defender Josh Earl spoke to the media after helping his side to all three points in the 2-1 victory over Plymouth Argyle.

The 23-year-old was a pivotal part of Town’s defensive line on Saturday afternoon, as he made several last-ditch challenges and made many blocks to make ensure the Cod Army claimed their first win of the 2022/23 season.

Here is what Josh had to say:

On the match and the result... 

“Plymouth through everything at us today, but it’s just a brilliant result.  I thought the players dug in really well today and something you have to hold on in matches and we certainly did that today – we now need to make sure we kick-on!

“It’s good to be in the types of battles we were in today, feels better after a win obviously but as a player you are up for any challenge and as a defender, it’s normally against a tall strong striker. Today we had to deal with someone who likes to run in behind and we dealt with him well. It was a brilliant performance, we dug in really well and it’s great to get three points!

“It’s massive today’s result, especially after last week’s defeat at Port Vale. We wanted to bounce back and that is what we did today. Plymouth are a side who I think will be up there this season, but for us to beat any time at this stage of the season, at home we need to take all the positives, kick on, but at the same time not get too carried away.”

On his debut and partnership with Toto...

“It was brilliant to make my debut for the Club. Today I was with Toto [Nsiala] at the back and he’s a fantastic player. He’s always going to have your back; he’s always going to be kicking and heading the ball away and everything and it’s a good partnership – I am sure it will be one that develops as the season goes on.

“Fleetwood is a great Club. It has a great setup with the training ground and there’s a young manager here who wants to well and for me that’s a great sign as a player. The lads have been great with me since I arrived and for me, I am just happy to have joined Fleetwood.

On the home fans and winning games at Highbury…

“The fans have a huge part to play this season. I do think we can make this place a fortress. We know it’s not the biggest of stadiums and that’s something that we can use to our advantage. Hopefully we can continue to get after teams because we know it’s small and narrow out there.

“The supporters will be our 12^th man as without their backing, the lads might not have that little bit of energy to get results over the line and push us closer to the ball for tackles, so for me it’s going to be massive to have the fans back up and as I say, I am sure it’s going to be a fortress here this season!”