Fleetwood boss Simon Grayson calls for cooler heads in front of goal after defeat at Plymouth

Simon Grayson stressed that his Fleetwood side must learn to maintain their composure in front of goal.
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Plymouth Argyle 1 Fleetwood Town 0: Own goal sees the Cod Army beaten

The Cod Army slipped to their first defeat under Grayson’s stewardship on Saturday, when Harrison Holgate’s early own goal at Plymouth decided the outcome.

Grayson’s charges had their chances but failed to make them count, the fifth time in six games that Town have not found the net.

Simon Grayson admits scoring is the toughest part of the gameSimon Grayson admits scoring is the toughest part of the game
Simon Grayson admits scoring is the toughest part of the game
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The midweek win over Doncaster Rovers is Town's only success in 12 games and they have slipped to 15th in League One.

“We didn’t have the composure of the guile to break them down,” admitted Grayson after his third game at the helm.

“Scoring a goal is the hardest part of any game. If we look in real detail I’d say to the players - and I have done - that when we got into that 18-yard box we didn’t show that composure.

“We needed a bit more to break them down. They had a back five and they had everybody back with midfielders.

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"We needed to be a bit cleverer and we didn’t really do that.

“We needed a clever one-two or if we’re crossing the ball into the box we needed to pick someone out but we didn’t do that.”

But Argyle are on a decent run, unbeaten in eight league games since the turn of the year, and Grayson was quick to take the positives despite their 650-mile round trip yielding no points to add to the four from his first two games.

“I’m really pleased about a lot of the aspects of our game,” added Grayson.

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“Plymouth are on a really good run but we showed what we are capable of doing in this division.

“After going behind we competed well and moved the ball around.

“But when we got around the 18-yard box, the hardest part of any game is scoring goals.

“They’re a decent team but we certainly competed against them and created opportunities.”

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