It will be two first time experiences for Fleetwood Town this Saturday when the Cod Army travel to Gloucester City in the Blue Square North.
The game will be the first time the teams have encountered each other and it will also be Town’s longest ever journey for a league fixture.
Droylsden were in league action last weekend but could only pick a point at Harrogate Town to maintain top spot in the Blue Square North. Both teams had been knocked out of the earlier FA Cup round by UniBond opposition. That point helped the Bloods open a slight gap at top of the table and Saturday sees the leaders host Workington, whilst the chasing pack of Southport, Eastwood and Fleetwood Town are all away.
Striker Gareth Seddon (pictured) will look to increase his goal tally after claiming his fifth in all competitions after heading the winner against Vauxhall Motors last Saturday.
That victory earned his side a visit to Blue Square Premier Kidderminster Harriers in the Fourth Qualifying Round. “It was good to start a full game after the ‘flu. I’d come on previously as sub but it can be difficult if you are only given 10 or 20 minutes. Any player knows you need time to settle into the pace of a game. So getting a full 90 minutes under my belt was good but I was left feeling tired. The game brought me closer to full fitness, though.
“This will be the first time I’ve come across Gloucester City. It’s great to play in the FA Cup and it’s a nice sideline from the league, but our priority is winning promotion. That means we have to go to places like Gloucester and come back with a result. It’s vital we take our home form on the road and play like we do at Highbury. Gloucester are in the bottom half of the table, but away games have shown we must concentration from the off.”
Meanwhile, goalkeeping coach Eric Nixon says Town must not repeat the mistakes that allowed Vauxhall to take a 4th minute lead last Saturday. “First and foremost we need to ensure we come back without conceding any early goals like last weekend. We will be looking for a clean sheet at the end of the game. Making sure our defence is tight will allow us to build upfront and take something home.
“We were pleased with the second half display against Vauxhall and will be looking to build on that from the start this weekend. We made no changes during that game but that doesn’t guarantee anyone a place. The team best suited to the opposition will be selected on Saturday.”
