Barton tries to remain grounded as Fleetwood move up to fourth

Posted Sunday, September 22, 2019 by PA

Fleetwood boss Joey Barton is keeping his feet firmly on the ground after his side moved up to fourth in League One courtesy of a 2-1 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.

“You just can’t get too far ahead of yourself because this division has a knack of kicking you in the proverbial sore parts, so we’re going to stay focused and in the moment.

“It was a real squad effort through, and I’m so proud of the lads.”

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. Danny Andrew was not picked up at the far post as he coolly converted Wes Burns’ outswinging cross.

Close to the hour Fleetwood’s Josh Morris curled in a shot which goalkeeper Robert Sanchez saved well and then Andrew curled a free-kick over the crossbar.

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

Rochdale boss Brian Barry-Murphy was not too hard on his players, who never gave less than 100 percent effort throughout.

“It was a really tough game,” said Barry-Murphy.

“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.

“We lost Eoghan O’Connell early in the game and that’s always tough to lose a centre-back to injury like that.

“We’ve got others who have been struggling a little bit, too. I’m very happy with the players we’ve got here, though. I’ve got no complaints about the application and everything they’re all putting in.”