Fleetwood captain Callum Connolly relishes manic month ahead of Northampton Town test

Town face off against the Cobblers in League One (7.45pm) on the back of Friday’s 1-1 home draw with Sunderland.

The visit to Sixfields Stadium starts a run of three successive Tuesday games and six matches in 19 days for Joey Barton’s side.

Town lost their place in the play-off zone to Charlton Athletic over the weekend but are just two points outside in seventh.

Northampton, who were promoted via the play-offs last season, lie in 17th but have taken four points from their last two games and have had a full week off since they last played.

And Connolly, who captained the Fleetwood side against the Black Cats and scored Town’s equaliser, knows it’s an important time for the club.

The defender said: “Northampton have a similar formation (to Sunderland). They will be a tough, physical side.

“I know a few lads who play for them – they’re good athletes.

“It’s going to be a good test against them on Tuesday night and I’m looking forward to it.

“It’s a massive week for the club. It’s a big test on Tuesday and it’s going to be another physical test but we’re going in confident.

“As you could see on Friday, when we scored every single player just ran back to the halfway line. It shows our intent this season.

“We’re just looking to kick on now.”

Tonight’s clash will be followed by two games in four days at home to local rivals Blackpool – in League One on Saturday and in the EFL Trophy second round next Tuesday.

But Everton loanee Connolly, 23, would rather have such a packed schedule and thinks this period can shape the season.

He said: “It’s better – we want to play as many games as possible. I think everyone loves playing Saturday-Tuesday.

“You can’t beat it really, playing on a Tuesday night and then straight into a Saturday afternoon. It’s a lot better than training.

“They are most crucial these games. Over a two-week period there can be 12 points to play for, which is massive.

“Those are the sides that are up there at the end of the season – the ones that have a good Christmas period.

“Those Saturday/Tuesday games stand you in good stead for the next few months.”

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