[themaclad]

First ever competitive visit to the Stadium of Cod, a record crowd of 5000 expected yes it's that small although Fleetwood still trying to sell tickets.. The return match saw Fleetwood take a two goals lead before Alexander's defend at all costs tactics saw them lose the game. Apparently they are playing poorly at the minute although still gaining some decent results.
Four international call ups for North End although two Wiseman and Browne have not been in the first team for a while. Robinson and Wright are the other call ups, Robinson though played for the England Under 20's and still played for us in the last international break.
Woods will play at right back instead of Wright and Clarke will move back to his rightful place at centre back. Defeat not an option three points will pile pressure on Swindon and MKD it's on the telly on Sunday and it's forecast to pour down

[themaclad]

Apparently a virus has been working it's way through the club this week which may explain a particularly clueless second half performance against a rugged Fleetwood side who took no prisoners with their physical approach. Sadly North End not winning could also be down to the fact that we should have been out of sight by half time.
North End dominate the first half led through Johnson's super curling shot from the edge of the box after 10 minutes. Fleetwood rarely threatened apart from 12 year old Nick Haughton who looked a decent prospect.
North End could have had a second when a glorious breakaway led to Maxwell saving well from Laird. Less than should be said about Beckford's miss from an inch on the stroke of half time.
In the second half North End started to play like Fleetwood though in fairness to both teams there was a keen wind blowing down the ground, the home side could possibly have had a penalty for a hand ball but North End looked comfortable until a lengthy delay for an injury to Huntington. Huntington was stretchered off attached to an oxygen mask and from then on in North End were all over the place at the back.
It was no surprise when Ball equalised with a delightful chip although keeper Johnstone appeared to be in a different time zone. Things could have been worse when Fleetwood broke away in the dying minutes with a 3 on 1 break but Laird brilliantly denied them.
Four points ahead of Swindon who now have a game in hand. A win on Friday is now vital.

Fleetwood Town 1 Preston North End 1 Att 5110

Just as a note the last nine competitive games that I've been to Fleetwood have ended in draws