Simon Grayson: Character of Fleetwood Town shone through again in tough test at Cambridge

Fleetwood boss Simon Grayson again hailed the character of his side after they battled back from behind to secure a welcome point at promoted Cambridge United
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now
Read More
Cambridge 2 Fleetwood 2: First Paddy Lane goal keeps Town on right road

Grayson acknowledged Town had faced a “really tough” test against the U’s at the Abbey Stadium.

But the 51-year-old was delighted with the “immense spirit” his side showed after letting their early lead slip and making sure they took something from the fixture.

Fleetwood celebrate Paddy Lane's equaliser at CambridgeFleetwood celebrate Paddy Lane's equaliser at Cambridge
Fleetwood celebrate Paddy Lane's equaliser at Cambridge
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“It was a tough test for us but we knew that before the game,” reflected Grayson.

“They’d beaten Bolton and Burton – and they have a winning mentality.

“When you get promoted that can take you a long way and they’ve got some threats as well.

“We started the game well, got an early goal and looked a threat to be fair.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“We looked like we’d get a second one but we gave them an opportunity to get back into it. It was a fantastic strike from their lad (Adam May).

“But then it’s about making sure we matched their endeavour and their energy – and obviously we go in at half-time in a decent position. But it was a tough game for us, really tough.”

Defender James Hill headed the Cod Army ahead in only the second minute with his first professional goal.

May restored parity for the hosts 10 minutes before half-time, pouncing on a loose ball.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

And then six minutes after the restart the U’s, who are back in League One for the first time since 2002, took the lead.

Jack Iredale’s cross picked out Shilow Tracey, who made no mistake from close range.

However, the Cod Army extended their impressive unbeaten run to six matches in all competitions thanks to Paddy Lane’s 76th-minute equaliser.

“Paddy's a good player, that’s why he’s in and around the squad,” praised Grayson.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“We certainly made him part of our squad when we were limited to 22 players because we knew what he was capable of doing.

“He’s come on and affected the game. You want your subs to be able to do that.

“I switched him from the left to the right so he could come inside and we could get Chris Conn-Clarke on as well.

“I wanted to ask questions of Cambridge and he’s obviously come up with a great goal.”

Thanks for reading. If you value what we do and are able to support us, a digital subscription is just £1 for your first month. Try us today by clicking here