Ronan Coughlan's late equaliser earned Fleetwood Town a 1-1 draw with Oldham Athletic at Highbury, extending the team's unbeaten run to ten matches. Manager Matt Lawlor praised the decisive impact of his substitutes in a game where his side had to fight back after conceding just before half-time.
This result, reported by Fleetwood Town Football Club, leaves the Cod Army 10th in League Two with five points from three games. Their recent form reads DWWDD, and they are just two points behind leaders Barnet ahead of their next fixture away to Newport County on September 12th.
How did Fleetwood Town equalise late on?
Kane Drummond had put the visitors ahead on the stroke of half-time, capitalising on a mistake that Lawlor described as terrible. Facing an Oldham side with the best defensive record in the division last season, the challenge was significant. Lawlor's plan involved using the bench to inject energy in the final 20 minutes, a strategy that paid off. In the 88th minute, Shaun Rooney supplied Ronan Coughlan, who finished with composure to secure a point.
Lawlor introduced four substitutes in the second half: Conor Haughey, Crispin McLean, Aaron Loupalo-Bi and the goalscorer Coughlan. Each brought a different quality, helping to increase the pressure on Oldham's defence as the game wore on. "All four of the substitutes who came on were fantastic," Lawlor said. "Conor Haughey made his return, Crispin got on the pitch and did well, Ronan got his goal, and Aaron showed his ability to link the play and beat a man."
What was the manager's tactical approach?
Lawlor was aware that Oldham's physicality, including a six-foot-five goalkeeper and towering centre-halves, made a direct approach futile. The team had spoken about avoiding simply lumping the ball into the box, which would play into the visitors' strengths. Instead, the plan was to move the opposition around, wait for the right moment, and deliver a precise cross, which is exactly how the goal was constructed.
The manager explained that expecting Oldham's bigger players to tire was part of the game plan. While his own starters were also running low on energy, the fresh legs from the bench provided the necessary spark. This draw follows Saturday's 2-2 result at Grimsby Town, meaning Fleetwood have scored three goals and conceded two so far this campaign. You can view the full season schedule on our fixtures page.
What does the squad depth offer this season?
Lawlor highlighted the attacking options at his disposal, describing a unit of five good strikers. He noted that Coughlan has scored goals throughout his career, while Ched Evans has been impeccable, Aaron Loupalo-Bi has made an impact in every appearance, and Will has been brilliant. The manager also stressed the importance of the club's academy players understanding their role within a squad system.
"We're a development football club, but development doesn't just mean our young lads," Lawlor explained. "It means Ched Evans and Ronan as well." These players are integrated into the squad and will get opportunities throughout the season, a philosophy that strengthens the team's overall resilience. Check the latest player information on our squad page.
Although disappointed not to take all three points, Lawlor felt a draw was a fair result. The team's focus now shifts to preparing for their next League Two match, an away trip to face 11th-placed Newport County on September 12th.
