Joey Barton hails 'great experience' for young Fleetwood players after EFL Trophy success against Blackpool

Fleetwood boss Joey Barton was pleased that his youngsters stepped up to the plate to win through to the last 16 of the Papa John’s Trophy at Backpool’s expense.
By Simon Smedley
Published 9th Dec 2020, 07:59 BST
Updated 9th Dec 2020, 08:02 BST
Mark Duffy (right) added experience to a youthful Fleetwood side on TuesdayMark Duffy (right) added experience to a youthful Fleetwood side on Tuesday
Mark Duffy (right) added experience to a youthful Fleetwood side on Tuesday
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The Fylde coast rivals locked horns at Highbury again four days after the Seasiders' triumphed 1-0 in League One, but this time it was Town who prevailed 5-4 on penalties ater a cagey 0-0 draw.

“It was a tight game again, exactly the same as on Saturday,” said Barton.

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“Both sides made a host of changes and it was good for our young players to get another chance against some experienced League One players.

“Blackpool didn’t have as many youngsters on the park as us, so I think for our lads that was great experience.

“Hopefully it will be something they can use as a platform to try to drive themselves for first-team places in the league campaign.

“All the young lads have worked hard already to get us through the group stage, so they deserved a chance.

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“We were disappointed on Saturday, of course, so we were desperate to progress tonight but these lads had earned the right to play.

“We’ve progressed after the penalties, so it all adds up to good experience.

“I thought the penalties were all put away with aplomb too, so that’s us in the hat for next round."

It was a rather feisty second half, though, with Barton being yellow-carded after seeing a penalty appeal waved away and then substitute Paddy Madden came close to seeing red after throwing the ball away in protest at being booked.

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While also acknowledging that a referee’s job is "tough", Barton said: “We think we had a stonewall penalty shout during the 90 minutes, and then the referee gave me a yellow card for asking why we didn’t get one."

The draw for the third round will be made from 11.15am on Thursday by former Fleetwood Town striker Jon Parkin and can be heard live on talkSPORT 2.

The draw will again be regionalised and the other teams in the northern half are Accrington Stanley, Hull City, Leicester City Under-21s, Lincoln City, Port Vale, Sunderland and Tranmere Rovers.

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Related topics:Joey BartonBlackpoolFleetwoodFyldeLeague One