Fleetwood Firepower Too Much

So, the blue and white army is back. Fire-crackers, balloons and a 1000+ choir travelled to Fleetwood in expectation of a Jim Gannon inspired win against the odds.

We didn`t quite get that but from what I saw (dodgy web feed interrupted by ads every couple of minutes) County certainly gave possibly the best team in the league a run for heir money.

Gannon after the match bemoaned the County defence but it was clear to me that Fleetwood in Mangan and Vardy have a striking prowess sadly missing from County`s squad.

County`s started with on loan Halstead in goal (when is Glennon back?), Lynch, Holden, O’Donnell, Bounab, Routledge, McConville, Sheridan (replaced by Danny Rowe on 60), German, Elliott, Paton.

On the bench in addition to Rowe were Ormson, Nolan, McCann and the now ex-captain Chadwick.

Had Chadwick picked up a slight know or has Gannon signalled the beginning of the end of Chadwick`s County career I wonder?

The first half saw a fairly even game though Fleetwood had a good goal chalked off for offside and hit the post. After the break though Fleetwood seemed to step up a gear and it was no surprise to me when Mangan put the ‘cod army` into the lead on 53. County equalised in front of the blue and white masses with a McConville penalty on the hour but Fleetwood hit the post again and just 6 minutes later the very impressive Vardy scored the winner for the home side.

Rowe could have earned County a fortunate draw in the dying seconds of the game but it was not to be.

A better, more up-tempo performance from County against a very good side in my view. A few weeks ago this could have been a 3 or 4 nil thumping.

Early days then, in what many fans believe is the re-birth of the club. Just how many of the starting line-up end up playing for County in 12 months time is worth pondering. It wouldn`t surprise me to see only 4 or 5 players remain this time next year.

A lot of work to do but that feel good factor is back.

Southport at home next week. Balloons, flags and a noisy 4000 plus gate expected. Let’s all get down to Edgeley Park and give the lads our backing! Tough fixture but I can`t wait!

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