Evans hits winner as Cod Army nick it late

FLEETWOOD boss Joey Barton is keeping his feet firmly on the ground after his side moved up to fourth in the table courtesy of a comeback win against Rochdale.

The Cod Army remain unbeaten at the Highbury Stadium this season as they lapped up another maximum points haul courtesy of Ched Evans’ late winner.

Barton said: “I think it was a really good game. Anyone who came out to see it would have seen two sides trying to play the same manner.

“Everyone could see how much territory we had, how much possession we had and how many opportunities we created, so we fully deserved the three points.

“I’ll take winning 2-1 every game this season, though, I’ve got no problem with that.

“We’re confident in our group, but there’s a long way to go yet.

“This is a tough league, and it’s one where you can’t take your eye off the ball.”

Rochdale struck early when Luke Matheson headed the ball precisely into the path of Rekeil Pyke, and he fired low past Alex Cairns from six yards.

Fleetwood levelled in the 22nd minute. No-one picked up Danny Andrew at the far post as he coolly converted Wes Burns’ out-swinging cross.

Close to the hour mark, Fleetwood’s Josh Morris curled in a shot which keeper Robert Sanchez saved well.

Andrew then curled a free-kick over the crossbar.

Evans flicked a header narrowly wide shortly before eventually what proved to be a deserved winner.

Rochdale boss Brian Barry-Murphy wasn’t too hard on his players, who never gave less than 100 per cent effort throughout.

“It was a really tough game,” said BarryMurphy.

“We tried to be aggressive from the start, but sometimes that’s not always the answer. “We were resolute and strong throughout the game, so to lose like that is a bitter pill to swallow.

“I can’t fault the application and the effort from all the players, though. They were incredible at times, and they have been all season.

“There are parts of our game that we can do better, but we coped with adversity today and gave it everything.

“I’ve got no complaints about the application.”