A Fleetwood Town select XI will host sister club Waterford FC in what is a pre-season friendly for the visitor, and is a good chance for some vital minutes in some legs for some Town players who look to get back to full match fitness for the second half of the season.
In this preview we have everything you need to know about the match.
Fixture: Fleetwood Town XI v Waterford FC
Competition: Friendly
Date: Tuesday 16 January 2024
Kick-off: 7pm
Venue: Highbury Stadium
FLEETWOOD TOWN
With a good opportunity on Tuesday night for a full 90 minutes of football on the Highbury turf for some development squad players, players returning to fitness and players who need a chance to integrate into the swing of things under Charlie Adam’s reign, there’s no better opposition then sister-club Waterford who are underway with their preparations for their up and coming Ireland Premier Division campaign.
The game is one which celebrates a fruitful and forever growing relationship off the pitch for both sides.
Coming off the back of a disappointing loss to Cambridge United only a few days ago, an opportunity to play some football against another eleven men is a welcome sight for Town to gain some momentum and for Adam and his staff to tweak a few tactics which hopefully breeds confidence within the squad as well as put on a show for Town’s supporters and the travelling Waterford fans.
Fleetwood however did show some grit, fight and determination at the weekend to get back into the game after conceding first - but unfortunately lost out in the final few moments to lose 2-1 - Fleetwood are hoping for a key turning point to ignite some optimism into the club and a good performance on Tuesday night may be that.
WATERFORD FC
A successful campaign for Town’s sister-club which resulted into promotion into the Premier Division has the side from Ireland brimming with confidence and ready for another hopefully successful campaign under Keith Long.
Despite a few outgoings, there is new faces through the door alongside last campaign’s squad, Long will be ambitious to cement themselves as a top flight side and to then naturally build and progress in the Premier Division, a league they haven’t been in since their relegation via the relegation qualification spot in 2021.
Waterford’s promotion was certainly in exciting fashion as they rode out 2-1 victors in extra-time of the first division promotion final with goals from Ronan Coughlan [46’] and Giles Phillips [100’] meant the Blues overcame Cobh Ramblers.
Despite the loss of Coughlan, Waterford’s top scorer last season with 37 goals in all competitions - as Waterford’s loss is Town’s gain - but Waterford will be ready to hit the ground running with other firepower in Cameron Cresswell and Connor Parsons two players with English league experience they will certainly give Town’s backline issues on the night.
WATCH THE GAME LIVE ON TOWN'S YOUTUBE CHANNEL
Town welcomes sister-club Waterford FC to the Fylde Coast for the week as they prepare for their first season back in the Irish Premier Division following promotion via the Play-Offs, and this trip will see the second match played between the two clubs.
With Fleetwood midway through their Sky Bet League One campaign, there will be a Town select XI who will take on Keith Long's side and will be a great opportunity for the two clubs to catch up and meet again before the Blues start off in February.
Charlie Adam’s side will be playing the friendly match at Highbury Stadium from 7pm, with the live stream set to start 15 minutes before kick-off.
To watch along, simply head over to YouTube and search ‘Fleetwood Town’, or click HERE – which will take you to the club’s channel. Please be aware that the live stream will only show up once live.
TICKET NEWS
Any members of the Cod Army who have a season ticket already this season will gain free entry to the fixture. To claim this brand-new benefit, all you must do is head into the club shop at Highbury Stadium, share that you have an interest in attending the game, and you will be able to claim a ticket – this is due to the game having unreserved seating.
For those who do not have Onward Cards, the tickets can be purchased online HERE, the ticket prices are below:
Adults - £5
Seniors - £3
Under-18s - £3
HERE’S HOW TO BUY YOUR ONWARD CARD!
To purchase an Onward Card, you can buy online HERE or visit the new Club Shop during the opening times (9am to 5pm on Monday to Friday).
If you would like any more information regarding the ticket sales dates, prices, or any other general enquiries, you can contact our ticket office at Highbury Stadium by ringing 01253 775080 or you can email info@fleetwoodtownfc.com.
