Fleetwood Town’s Under-18s kicked off their pre-season schedule on Tuesday evening with a well-contested draw against North West Counties side Squires Gate at the Brian Addison Stadium.
It was a great run-out for the young Cods to start their preparations for the season as Mark Yeates fielded a very young line-up which included seven first-year scholars from the start.
The deadlock was broken midway through the first half thanks to Raffaele Cirino, who was on hand to score from close range after the keeper made a great stop - it could have been more before the break if it wasn’t for some brilliant saves from Gate’s number one.
With Town leading at the break, they doubled their lead ten minutes into the second half when Mikey Lane broke through the back line of Squires Gate, rounded the keeper, and fired into the back of an empty net - more than the Cods deserved.
As Yeates’ side was already in full flow and comfortable in the game, he decided to bring on more youth talent with 20 minutes to go as two Under-16s – Ruocco and Stansfield – replaced second-year scholars, which was a positive experience for all involved.
With the youngsters now on the pitch, it was unfortunate that the home side started to take control of the proceedings as James Hughes pulled one back in the 77th minute with a lovely calm finish before Kevin Spinelli tapped the ball home from close range to see the scores level at full-time.
Fleetwood Town would like to thank Squires Gate for their hospitality on Tuesday evening and want to wish them all the best for the upcoming season – next up for the young Cods is Sheffield Wednesday away on Friday 14 July.
Town XI: Bellezia (Woodward 46’), Cirino (Ruocco 75’), Trialist, Butterworth, Hughes, Roberts (J.Doherty 75’), Trialist (Stansfield 75’), McLean (Elmore 60’), Namputu (Eccles 60’), Daha, Lane.