Fleetwood Town manager Matt Lawlor praised his squad's fighting spirit after their Carabao Cup victory over Chesterfield, calling it a sign of the team's renewed energy and winning mentality. The Cod Army, who finished 15th in England League Two last season with 61 points (15W-16D-15L), secured a hard-fought win despite a lengthy injury list that limited Lawlor to just seven substitutes.
What stood out in the Carabao Cup win?
Lawlor highlighted the team's relentless energy and determination, noting that these qualities had been missing in recent years. Despite struggling with possession in the second half, the players showed resilience to secure the victory. The match was particularly challenging due to injuries, with Lawlor only able to make two substitutions.
How are injuries affecting the squad?
The team is dealing with several injuries, but Lawlor is hopeful that Andy Cannon and Ronan Coughlan could return for the League Two opener against Chesterfield. However, their availability depends on their progress in training. Danny Andrew, who missed all of pre-season, is also working his way back to full fitness. The latest injury is expected to keep a player sidelined until mid-September.
What does Lawlor think of the squad's potential?
Despite losing 16 senior players over the summer, Lawlor believes the squad has the right balance of experience and youth. The team has been rebuilt with an emphasis on quality over quantity, and Lawlor is quietly confident about their potential. Young players like Raff Serino are benefiting from the opportunities available.
What's next for Fleetwood Town?
Fleetwood Town will face Chesterfield again in their League Two opener, with the match set to take place at the SMH Group Stadium. The team will be looking to build on their Carabao Cup performance and secure a positive start to the league campaign. Their next fixture after that is an away game against Tranmere on February 27, 2027.
