Fleetwood’s Forbes finds his perfect match

Fortune smiled on Tyler Forbes in more ways than one on Tuesday evening.
Tyler Forbes in action at Gigg LaneTyler Forbes in action at Gigg Lane
Tyler Forbes in action at Gigg Lane

The wide man was perfectly placed to sweep home Amari’i Bell’s cross and claim his first Football League goal – a first- half equaliser in a stunning end-to-end game at Gigg Lane which ended 4-3 to Town.

Not bad for a man only promoted back to the bench on Saturday and thrown in at the deep end during a last-minute reshuffle.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Eggert Jonsson’s training ground injury, picked up on Monday afternoon, opened the door for 19-year-old Forbes.

A seven-goal thriller might not have been easy on the nerves but Forbes says it was a brilliant experience.

He told The Gazette: “It’s probably the best game I’ve been involved in so far.

“The lads were excellent, and it’s great to get a win, score four goals and take our chances.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Forbes has had to be patient after breaking into the Town side last term.

But he believes his abilities are perfectly matched to the new system being deployed by Graham Alexander, Forbes’ attacking flair making him a natural wing-back.

“We’ve got a great squad, and if I’m not in the side or on the bench I wish the lads all the best,” Forbes said.

“But if I’m in there, I’ll give my all and hopefully get a few goals. I came here as a right winger, so to be back out there is a gift for me really.

“Wherever I play I just try to do my best.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

With 21-year-old Amari’i Bell on the opposite flank, Town have placed a lot of weight on young shoulders, the wing-backs covering an astonishing amount of ground at Gigg Lane.

But Forbes believes they are not alone. He said: “It looked like there was a lot of work for the wing-backs but there was a huge effort from everybody. It was brilliant to be part of a great win.”

As for that first Football League goal, it’s a moment the former Preston youngster will never forget, though his focus remains on becoming a Highbury regular.

“Words can’t describe getting that goal – it’s just amazing,” he said. “It’s a massive three points for us.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“With that performance we should always have got the win– but that’s been the case in other games.

“Everyone’s shown great character and desire. It was an effort over 95 minutes.”

The mission now for Forbes is to make himself first choice for the wing-back slot is so well suited to.

“I want to stay in the side, give my all for the team and hopefully kick on. I want to take my chance.”