Fleetwood Town are starting to reap the rewards of their hard work

Grayson’s players are back in action this afternoon at Shrewsbury Town, looking to back up their 2-1 win at Lincoln City in midweek.

One of the two goals scored against Lincoln came as a result of Town’s press and tactical set-up.

The defensive side of the game is important to Grayson (right) as it means they’re better placed to be more offensive.

“We’ve worked hard in training on these sorts of things,” he explained.

“If it’s not on the training field, then it’s in the classroom doing work with them and re-emphasising the message that they’re good players without the ball.

“We want them to go and express themselves because, ultimately, players should be fed up of chasing the ball around, trying to get it back, because it’s hard work.

“When you get it, make sure you enjoy yourself, make sure you keep the ball and the opposition suffer what you suffer when you give it away too cheaply.

“We’ve got some talented, technical players at this football club, so why not use their attributes?

“We’ve got some pace sometimes and the physical presence of Kyle Vassell that we can use but, ultimately, getting the right balance within the group is what we’re looking at.”

Having been given his maiden league start for Town last weekend, Ged Garner followed that up with his first league goal for the club at Lincoln.

He was one of a group of academy graduates to feature and, as Grayson explained, he wants to use everyone available and promote from within where possible.

He said: “What it shows is that there is a pathway to the first team if I’m in charge.

“The other night we had three players starting that had been in our 23s – Ryan Rydel, James Hill and Garner.

“Harrison Holgate has played large parts of the season so far for me.

“It lets the U23s know that if they play well, they have a good chance of being in and around it.

“We had a few experienced players that were left out of the squad and weren’t in the 18, but it’s all about who is performing and who has the best attitude that will get them in and around the 18.

“You have to send a message to the U18s and the U23s that they’re here for a reason. Why not grasp an opportunity when you’ve got one?”

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