Uwe: Cod Army have to batter their rivals
UWE ROSLER felt Fleetwood Town’s first ever victory against Southend United should have been far more convincing than the scoreline.
Goals from Chris Long and Ashley Hunter secured Rosler’s side a comfortable triumph at Roots Hall.
But the German felt Fleetwood – who had failed to win any of their previous six games against Southend – deserved to win by a far greater margin.
“We should have killed that game off far earlier to make it easier for my heart,” said Rosler.
“We did a lot of things right and we are progressing in every game so I’m delighted with the players.
“We stood up to the challenges here and were well organised too.
“We had more in the tank than Southend and had numerous chances to score.
“We did well without the ball too which is important in the modern game.
“We obviously aren’t Barcelona or Real Madrid and have a great work ethic.
“The players can see the progress we are making and they should be very pleased.”
Fleetwood dominated most of the match at Southend and broke the deadlock in the 18th minute when Long collected Amari’i Bell’s pass forward and drilled a low, 25-yard shot into the corner.
After the break, the lively Devante Cole fired inches over from 20 yards and the striker was then also denied by Mark Oxley before Fleetwood sealed their win in the 77thminute when Hunter netted from a narrow angle after being played in by James Ryan.
Southend’s fans aired their frustrations at the final whistle.
And Shrimpers boss Phil Brown accepted full responsibility for the defeat.
“The fans were right to vent their anger at the performance, the team selection and tactics,” said Brown, whose side have won just once in their first six games of the season.
“I hold myself fully responsible. It was a lacklustre performance devoid of ideas and confidence and you can criticise me any way you want to after that.
“At times we knocked the ball about but it looked like we were doing it for the sake of it.
“We huffed and puffed but there weren’t enough people stepping up to be counted.
“We had to bring players in before the transfer window because nobody wants a long, hard season and that’s exactly what it’s going to be if we don’t strengthen.”