Lack of a clean sheet the only blot on Fleetwood Town's 3-1 victory over Morecambe for boss Joey Barton

New number one Alex Cairns had not conceded all pre-season prior to Andy Fleming's second half deflected strike.

That made it 2-1 but a thunderous Bobby Grant strike restored Town's two goal cushion with more goals for forwards Conor McAleny and Wes Burns pleasing Barton.

Barton was happy for the duo who started on the flanks of a front three though he felt new signing Ched Evans also deserved to etch his name on the scoresheet.

And Barton is happy heading into the final pre-season game of the season at National League North side Chorley on Monday night with that unbeaten record intact.

Barton said: "Conor Mac always capable of goals and gets his goal.

"He probably missed an easier chance the one before which is unlike him and Ched down the other end probably deserves a goal on another day.

"Wes has popped up with a really good header and the lads know where the net is and the only negative is that Morecambe managed to score a goal because "Bobby Grant probably should have cleared it and then Nathan Sheron probably should have cleared it.

"I'd rather it happen today then next weekend.

"Hopefully we can iron those creases out.

"Now we start thinking about getting more minutes on the clock at Chorley and then the league campaign is up and running and everyone is itching to get into the season."

Tensions boiled over towards the end of the game with a host of Fleetwood and Morecambe players exchanging cross words after Alex Kenyon's late challenge on Kyle Dempsey.

And for Barton that fiery atmosphere and learning how to win and triumph in elements like the windy conditions at the League Two side's Globe Arena are challenges his side will have to overcome if they want to be successful when the new League One season commences against AFC Wimbledon next Saturday,

He said: "When you play teams in and around you, obviously there is a bit of a rivalry between Fleetwood and Morecambe historically.

"You have got lads playing for Morecambe today that want to make an impression and show that they can compete with boys in the division above, our boys, so. we were well prepared.

"If you are going to win a league title, get promoted or have any kind of positive progress in the season then you have to be prepared to do other things and meet fire with fire.

"Our boys are no shrinking violets by any stretch of the imagination, yes we want to play, get it down but in conditions like today you have to go back to basics a bit.

"Sometimes it is just win headers, win contact, first and second contacts, just compete, I think our lads were very professional in our outlook.

"Aside from conceding a goal I think we were very comfortable."