UWE’S COD ARMY FIT FOR BATTLE
NEW Fleetwood boss Uwe Rosler had no complaints about his players’ fight after seeing them battle back to earn a point at newly-promoted Northampton.
In a battle of the new managers at Sixfields, Rosler’s men fell behind inside eight minutes thanks to an own goal by debutant goalkeeper Chris Neal.
But the Cod Army fought back to earn a point thanks to a Victor Nirennold header early in the second half.
And the German was optimistic, having only been appointed earlier in the week.
“I can’t be disappointed with anything,” said Rosler. “I’ve only had three training sessions with the guys.
“The players showed me a lot and I’m pleased that we’ve grinded out a result. It’s a fair result in my opinion.
“They scored with the first shot on goal, which was a blow for us. The longer the game went, we started to pass the ball and had good counter-attacks.
“All credit to the boys for dominating at the start of the second half, having been 1-0 down in very hot conditions. I’m happy for Victor Nirennold for taking his chance.”
Rob Page was taking charge of Northampton for the first time, and he saw the Cobblers get off to a dream start as Alex Revell, one of six debutants in the Northampton side, saw his shot strike the post before rebounding off Neal and into the back of the net.
They almost doubled their lead just after the half-hour mark when Matt Taylor’s freekick evaded everybody and hit the post but the defence scrambled clear.
Harry Beautyman then crossed for fellow debutant Kenji Gorre, whose volley from close-range flew over the bar.
Fleetwood equalised six minutes into the second half. The home defence failed to deal with Bobby Grant’s cross and Nirennold took advantage to head home his first goal for the club.
Grant then came within inches of putting the visitors ahead, but his 30-yard strike flew just wide of Adam Smith’s left-hand post.
Marc Richards had a golden opportunity to restore Northampton’s lead as Alfie Potter’s cross was deflected into the path of the Cobblers skipper but he scuffed his shot.
With time running out, Eggert Jonsson’s speculative volley almost won it for Fleetwood but the ball flew wide.
Despite surrendering their lead, Page also took pride in his side’s performance.
“I thought there were a lot of positives,” said the former Port Vale boss. “I think we created more than enough chances. “I’m disappointed that we haven’t won the game, but there’s far more positives to come out of it than negatives. “All I expect from my players and what the supporters want is for everyone to go out and give 100 per cent. “Naturally they were always going to tire towards the end. We need to start the second half like we did the first half.
“They couldn’t cope with our tempo in the first 15 minutes. We need to be more clinical and more ruthless.”