Forest Green are still giving me everything – Duncan Ferguson

Posted Wednesday, April 19, 2023 by PA

Forest Green boss Duncan Ferguson praised his side’s resolve as they managed a first clean sheet in five matches in a goalless draw with Fleetwood.

Rovers are rooted to the bottom of Sky Bet League One and played out an uninspiring stalemate with Fleetwood, who are now mathematically safe.

After conceding 10 goals in their four games in April, Ferguson was keen to praise his defensive set-up.

“I was pleased with the way we defended the box; they’re giving me everything,” said Ferguson.

“Defending set plays is a big part of the game and we did it better tonight and that coincides with the clean sheet.”

Shaun Rooney’s second-half drive was the closest either side came to a goal, while Rovers forward Tyrese Omotoye headed inches over the crossbar.

Ferguson was pleased with the building blocks ahead of League Two next term, and said: “People talk a lot about possession, I want to control the ball. The last three of four games we’ve done that without being a real threat.

“I was pleased the way we played, with certain aspects of our tactical set-up and our rhythm.

“We want to keep developing our style of play, I want to be a coach who dominates the ball. We felt we could get on the ball tonight and we did that, we just need to start creating chances.”

Fleetwood manager Scott Brown was pleased with the point.

“We don’t want to finish the season on a low. It’s important we don’t let the season fizzle out,” Brown said.

“We’ve got three big games now and the lads want to play in them. There will now be a couple of chilled-out days before we take on MK Dons on Saturday.

“I thought the performance was quite good. We were calm and collected.

“We haven’t had a lot of time to work on structure in the last week, but the boys played well.

“Fair play to them, they stuck up for their manager, but I thought we had the better chances.

“The chairman’s done a great job. The players that started today are all in contract and that gives us a good foundation to build on.”