Fleetwood Town keeper hopes play-off history doesn't repeat itself

The Town shot-stopper was in goal for both legs as Fleetwood were beaten 1-0 on aggregate by Bradford City in 2017.

That defeat, however, is firmly behind the Yorkshireman and it's all about the task currently at hand with Wycombe Wanderers visiting Highbury for tonight's play-off semi-final first leg.

Cairns told The Gazette: "It's good that I've had that experience of the play-offs.

"We did nothing in that play-off campaign; we just had two games, didn't get to Wembley and didn't get promoted.

"Although it's a nice experience, I want that experience of getting there and getting promoted.

"I'll take that previous play-off experience on with me but now it's a matter of getting the job done instead of just having experience.

"It was one goal from one set-piece that undid us. We're doing everything we can, and I know I will be, to make sure we don't concede a goal.

"If you keep two clean sheets back-to-back, even in the league, as a goalkeeper you get that confidence that nothing can beat you."

The play-offs are Town's reintroduction to competitive games following the suspension of football in March as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

Though the consensus from the Town camp is that form is no longer a factor, the Chairboys' results had dropped off in the second half of their campaign.

Cairns thinks that although there could be nerves, the ultimate prize will quickly focus players' minds.

He said: "With it being the first game back I think it'll be a nervy affair for everyone as they realise it's good to be back, but within minutes, they'll realise that we're really back playing.

"I don't think the break means anything and we've got two games to potentially get to Wembley so we'll go all at it."