Viking Supporters Co-operative

Viking Chat => Viking Chat => Topic started by: selby on January 10, 2026, 08:42:12 pm

Title: Let's talk about the Fleetwood Town game
Post by: selby on January 10, 2026, 08:42:12 pm
  A game that gives us our last real chance of saving something from the season apart from avoiding relegation which has to be our main aim this season, but a game that if we win can take us nearer a the end of the season with a bit of hope of a good end to the season and something other than survival to show for it.
  To many a nothing and an annoyance of a game but one that can start a revival,  or because of the stature of the opposition can cast an even darker shadow on the future of the season that remains.
  A fighting second half against a side that had blown us away with ease in the first half gave us a glimpse of what we can be as a team, the new signings a breath of fresh air, and quite a few players showing the form personally we have hoped to see from them Gotts especially playing well.
  Fleetwood themselves went down fighting at Port Vale and showed they will be no push overs and most of their fixtures end up low scoring games and have won 9 drawn 7 lost 8 league games and sit 13th in the division and lost their last league fixture at home 1-0 to Grimsby Town.
  Historically we have never had it easy against them. but lately have evened things up slightly, and for once should start favourites for this game despite our defensive frailties, but need to start on the front foot and try and cut out the defensive mistakes.
   With a quick turn around new players who might or might not be able to play in this fixture and others who will want to put their name in the hat for selection, and no doubt a manager who wants to find a winning formula, selection will be interesting, probably Pearson the one who he will want to keep rested for the next league game, although his set piece threat would be sorely missed, and will we see a new keeper if registered in time.
  The rest of the squad leave a lot of permutations but we need a win for confidence and moral, while others have had an hectic holiday period and not a lot of recovery time and are important players for us.
   So as ever what would you do, a fine line between a winning side and preparation and recuperation for the next league game v AfC Wimbledon which is an enormous game for us as regards getting a result and quickly follows and the manager will  prioritise I would think so what do you think? what team would you pick? do you see the game as important? I think it is and would go as strong as possible after looking at all the facts, would you?
  Lot's to discuss, lots to look forward to. Does it now going to the knock out stages attract you more than group games? please have your say.
 
 
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Fleetwood Town game
Post by: Chris Black come back on January 10, 2026, 08:53:37 pm
Poor away record in the league but an ok one in FLT albeit against poor sides. They've just been turned over at Port Vale in the FAC. Nothing to suggest they are going to be insurmountable challenge for us.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Fleetwood Town game
Post by: selby on January 10, 2026, 09:04:29 pm
 I agree CBcb but it will not be easy, and we need to strike the first blow just to gain confidence, and a little luck for a change wouldn't go amiss.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Fleetwood Town game
Post by: idler on January 11, 2026, 11:41:53 am
I think he will start one or two regulars on the bench and hope that they might not be needed. A chance to integrate some of the latest additions with some of our squad wanting to impress just as much.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Fleetwood Town game
Post by: grayx on January 11, 2026, 12:45:40 pm
I hope we rest all of our key players and give some game time to those  that havent been starting of late. Our priority is to stay in league 1, i couldnt care less about this trophy tbh.
These are games where we could do with playing the likes of Faulkner, Flint etc if they were available.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Fleetwood Town game
Post by: selby on January 11, 2026, 01:19:10 pm
 Lots of  questions about this game, Will Flint has played very well in this competition especially v Bradford City handling Cook and against Grimsby showing composure and technique that some of our regular defenders just have not got  in their locker apparently or haven't shown it, and would certainly improve our ball retention coming out of defence with better passing ability.
  Then we have Pearson, our best defender yesterday, made a rash challenge that cost us a goal but was a threat in their area and generally a calming influence in our area, but has not been used in midweek cup games probably the thinking being three games on the bounce a risk  in eight days, Me I would partner him with Flint who would learn from an old stager. we have got to look at our back four we cannot expect to do anything shipping the goals we are doing.  McGrath and Grehan could get the shout but I have less trust in their ability  especially in one off games not to make a major mistake
   Also Robinson and the loan players, a good option for them to get integrated if available and Middleton plus will the new goalkeeper get a run out.
  Also such as Broadbent and others who have missed out lately if fit could do with game time while such as Gotts is kept fresh for the weekend.
  So a lot for Grant to mull over, but probably has it sorted in his mind already and not on my lines, but we can discuss and see how near we are to the  team that takes to the field Tuesday night needing a moral boosting win,  have we enough in the squad to make switches to win this game? are you that bothered? can a win aid our fight in the league? I see this game and the next three league games as ones we need to do well in, do you? if not we are in for a major struggle.
  Lot's to discuss, lot's to mull over, the new players and the fact such as Flint can play, and probably should going on previous games in the competition certainly make it interesting.
  One thing that can be said is, after our fight back yesterday we the supporters, team, and management are in it together supporting and giving it a go, all we can ask really, if we fight and are not good enough so be it, but we must  keep giving it a go together.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Fleetwood Town game
Post by: DonnyOsmond on January 11, 2026, 01:48:57 pm
Gateshead play on Tuesday so I doubt Flint will be available.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Fleetwood Town game
Post by: selby on January 11, 2026, 01:56:45 pm
  If he is starting regular up there now  with the new manager that's ok. Under Armstrong i would have brought him back.
 Hopefully they will find his best position as defensive central defender just in front of the back line, and not an out and out central defender.
 
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Fleetwood Town game
Post by: selby on January 11, 2026, 06:20:35 pm
  The Gateshead game is already cancelled so Flint is available whether the club would know or not is another story. Southend who Gateshead would have played their match was off Saturday and that game takes preference to be played Tuesday.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Fleetwood Town game
Post by: steve@dcfd on January 12, 2026, 02:50:11 pm
Hi Selby if Flint is available who would you play alongside him. The defence needs to improve and we should be aiming to win this game.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Fleetwood Town game
Post by: selby on January 12, 2026, 05:08:09 pm
 Pearson but I would play Bailey in the back four and Flint central defensive mid field, and give the full backs licence to get forward when it was on and we had possession.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Fleetwood Town game
Post by: The Red Baron on January 12, 2026, 05:36:00 pm
Gateshead play on Tuesday so I doubt Flint will be available.

Gateshead vs. Southend is off. Southend's FA Trophy match was postponed on Saturday and is being played tomorrow. So Will Flint should be able to play tomorrow.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Fleetwood Town game
Post by: steve@dcfd on January 12, 2026, 06:54:30 pm
Well Looks like Grehan is starting as he's done the player interview. He will have to step up
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Fleetwood Town game
Post by: Usher wide. on January 12, 2026, 11:20:10 pm
Well Looks like Grehan is starting as he's done the player interview. He will have to step up

Haven’t heard/seen that interview but let’s be honest, this competition is not one we are ‘chasing’ this season.

Having said that, it’s an opportunity to get ‘legs’ into players on the periphery of the squad & the chance for those who are on that periphery to ‘shine’ & give the manager ‘food for thought’.

We’re at home & whichever XI are chosen to play, plus those on the bench, will want to give of their best.

If chosen & they feel this game ‘below their best efforts’ & it shows, then they can’t argue if they’re not selected for future games.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Fleetwood Town game
Post by: scawsby steve on January 13, 2026, 04:44:44 pm
Are Haks and Frankie cup tied for this competition?
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Fleetwood Town game
Post by: Fal on January 13, 2026, 04:52:34 pm
Are Haks and Frankie cup tied for this competition?

No can both play
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Fleetwood Town game
Post by: steve@dcfd on January 13, 2026, 06:09:25 pm
Are Haks and Frankie cup tied for this competition?
They are on the bench
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Fleetwood Town game
Post by: steve@dcfd on January 13, 2026, 06:14:49 pm
Clark
Nixon
Grehan
Maxwell
Broadbent
Robinson
Clifton
Hanlan
Sharp
Middleton

Subs
TLT
Williams
McCann
Bailey
Molyneux
Adelakun
Okoronkwo
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Fleetwood Town game
Post by: Alan Southstand on January 13, 2026, 06:17:48 pm
Clark
Nixon
Grehan
Maxwell
Broadbent
Robinson
Clifton
Hanlan
Sharp
Middleton

Subs
TLT
Williams
McCann
Bailey
Molyneux
Adelakun
Okoronkwo


Williams?

Got it - Kasper.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Fleetwood Town game
Post by: Branton Red on January 13, 2026, 06:23:19 pm
Clark
Nixon
Grehan
Maxwell
Broadbent
Robinson
Clifton
Hanlan
Sharp
Middleton

Subs
TLT
Williams
McCann
Bailey
Molyneux
Adelakun
Okoronkwo


Williams?

Got it - Kasper.

I'm more concerned that we're only starting 10 men
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Fleetwood Town game
Post by: rich1471 on January 13, 2026, 06:55:05 pm
Fleetwood have made a few changes as well
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Fleetwood Town game
Post by: In the box on January 13, 2026, 07:11:56 pm
The pitch is starting to show bald patches .
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Fleetwood Town game
Post by: Colemans Left Hook on January 13, 2026, 07:13:58 pm
I notice Matty Virtue  a.k.a. Virtue Thick  is playing against us once again in the Virtue Trophy

Matthew Joseph Virtue-Thick[3] (born 2 May 1997) is an English professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for EFL League Two side Fleetwood Town. He has previously played for Liverpool and Notts County.

I know he has scored against us at least once

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matty_Virtue
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Fleetwood Town game
Post by: adamtherover on January 13, 2026, 07:18:16 pm
Anything going on?
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Fleetwood Town game
Post by: eastender on January 13, 2026, 07:25:25 pm
Anything going on?
1 nil Rovers
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Fleetwood Town game
Post by: adamtherover on January 13, 2026, 07:25:34 pm
Bs14!!!!!
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Fleetwood Town game
Post by: besty on January 13, 2026, 07:25:40 pm
Yeah Billy just scored but apart from that krap
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Fleetwood Town game
Post by: Colemans Left Hook on January 13, 2026, 07:25:57 pm
Hanlon found a nice back-heal on the touch line   not as good as that bit of skill Sterry found on Saturday though - which amazed me 1-0 billy sharp

turned away to type and suddenly the Fleetwood defence had gone awol !!!
couldn't miss
.

Hanlon has got gloves on. He's the only one apart from the keepers

at least he isn't wearing tights  !!

"Keith Weller is remembered by many as ‘the footballer who wore tights’ . But beneath the undergarments there was a top-class footballer who many felt was worth many more than the four England caps he won."

https://readtheleague.com/the-big-feature/keith-weller-a-class-act


Hanlon was one on one with the goalie but hit the outstretched keeper's shoulder or whatever



Title: Re: Let's talk about the Fleetwood Town game
Post by: Scooter on January 13, 2026, 07:37:03 pm
Ref keeping his cards in his pocket. If this was a league game Clifton and Broadbent would be booked
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Fleetwood Town game
Post by: Scooter on January 13, 2026, 07:38:11 pm
Also impressed with the new keeper. He has the ball back in play really quickly- every time so far. Unlike TLT who slows the play down
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Fleetwood Town game
Post by: Barmby Rover on January 13, 2026, 07:42:50 pm
The great stat from this game for Rovers is 5 shots, ALL on target!
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Fleetwood Town game
Post by: i_ateallthepies on January 13, 2026, 07:46:29 pm
Not much quality on show here
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Fleetwood Town game
Post by: Colemans Left Hook on January 13, 2026, 07:48:15 pm
great save from our goalie  - i was thinking how good it was to have a atall goalie that save was Gordon Banks style tip over - world class !!
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Fleetwood Town game
Post by: Scooter on January 13, 2026, 07:50:03 pm
Yeah good save from Clark. Fleetwood have offered nothing. Get the second and it’s game over
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Fleetwood Town game
Post by: Lesonthewest on January 13, 2026, 07:53:47 pm
Fleetwood the better footballing side, we're just not passing well, poor movement, not winning many second balls, rather go back than forward, no attempt to stop crosses coming in. Apart from the scoreline it's a usual first half from us.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Fleetwood Town game
Post by: Ian Nimmo on January 13, 2026, 07:53:57 pm
Hanlon found a nice back-heal on the touch line   not as good as that bit of skill Sterry found on Saturday though - which amazed me 1-0 billy sharp

turned away to type and suddenly the Fleetwood defence had gone awol !!!
couldn't miss
.

Hanlon has got gloves on. He's the only one apart from the keepers

at least he isn't wearing tights  !!

"Keith Weller is remembered by many as ‘the footballer who wore tights’ . But beneath the undergarments there was a top-class footballer who many felt was worth many more than the four England caps he won."

https://readtheleague.com/the-big-feature/keith-weller-a-class-act


Hanlon was one on one with the goalie but hit the outstretched keeper's shoulder or whatever

Yes 2 similar through balls, sharp scores but hanlan misses, not bad when according to some on here that Billy offers nothing!
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Fleetwood Town game
Post by: Spilsby Red on January 13, 2026, 07:56:24 pm
But on Hanlans defence. He got the shot away and made the keeper save it. Let’s not knit pick
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Fleetwood Town game
Post by: dknward2 on January 13, 2026, 07:56:35 pm
Need to get a nice win here get as many goals as possible
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Fleetwood Town game
Post by: drfchound on January 13, 2026, 08:01:28 pm
Sky commentator calling the game a Vir- Two Trophy game, not a Vir-choo one.
Rovers improved immensely after the goal.
Seven shots and five on target.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Fleetwood Town game
Post by: roversdaft on January 13, 2026, 08:07:35 pm
This new keeper is light years ahead of TLT
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Fleetwood Town game
Post by: Metalmicky on January 13, 2026, 08:12:15 pm
Billy 2
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Fleetwood Town game
Post by: LincolnDonny on January 13, 2026, 08:12:27 pm
We Still can't cross a ball, seems to go anywhere thats IF they get it past the first defender!
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Fleetwood Town game
Post by: Metalmicky on January 13, 2026, 08:14:06 pm
Grehan off injured - Bails on
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Fleetwood Town game
Post by: adamtherover on January 13, 2026, 08:14:26 pm
Desperate for the 300!!!
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Fleetwood Town game
Post by: dknward2 on January 13, 2026, 08:14:34 pm
Come on Billy get that hat trick
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Fleetwood Town game
Post by: ScillyRover on January 13, 2026, 08:15:27 pm
Who says Billy has lost it? Two really well taken goals. Hope he gets another hat trick.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Fleetwood Town game
Post by: ScillyRover on January 13, 2026, 08:19:23 pm
Zander Clark has a hell of a kick on him.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Fleetwood Town game
Post by: Scooter on January 13, 2026, 08:20:13 pm
Great play from Broadbent for the second goal
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Fleetwood Town game
Post by: roversdaft on January 13, 2026, 08:23:52 pm
Robinson is neat and tidy
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Fleetwood Town game
Post by: roversdaft on January 13, 2026, 08:24:20 pm
Middletons finishing is woeful
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Fleetwood Town game
Post by: Metalmicky on January 13, 2026, 08:25:06 pm
New lad Robinson has been bright and well involved...
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Fleetwood Town game
Post by: Metalmicky on January 13, 2026, 08:27:15 pm
Haks and Moly coming on
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Fleetwood Town game
Post by: Spilsby Red on January 13, 2026, 08:27:54 pm
Quite a few positives. Robinson, Broadbent, Clifton, Hanlan. Defence been ok
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Fleetwood Town game
Post by: Colemans Left Hook on January 13, 2026, 08:28:22 pm
this ought to have 4-0 written on it with the changes
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Fleetwood Town game
Post by: dknward2 on January 13, 2026, 08:28:31 pm
68 | Double change for Rovers

OFF
Brandon Hanlan
Glenn Middleton

ON
Hakeeb Adelakun
Luke Molyneux

Rovers 2-0 Fleetwood

Not a bad change to make
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Fleetwood Town game
Post by: Colemans Left Hook on January 13, 2026, 08:35:49 pm
huddies 2 rotherham 0

and stockport 0 harrogate 1

could do with harrogate in the next round even if they draw it's 50-50 they get through


update
$hite 1-1 after 80 minutes
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Fleetwood Town game
Post by: Metalmicky on January 13, 2026, 08:38:00 pm
Stockport 1:1
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Fleetwood Town game
Post by: Metalmicky on January 13, 2026, 08:40:53 pm
Franny on now
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Fleetwood Town game
Post by: Colemans Left Hook on January 13, 2026, 08:43:03 pm
just realized Bolton Moaners are nil nil with PV

he placed that in the goal so easily   one more goal to come in my script
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Fleetwood Town game
Post by: adamtherover on January 13, 2026, 08:43:35 pm
Game over
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Fleetwood Town game
Post by: Metalmicky on January 13, 2026, 08:43:41 pm
Haks scores
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Fleetwood Town game
Post by: ScillyRover on January 13, 2026, 08:44:13 pm
Haks is back … what a cool finish
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Fleetwood Town game
Post by: Metalmicky on January 13, 2026, 08:44:31 pm
First win for ages...... sleep well people
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Fleetwood Town game
Post by: roversdaft on January 13, 2026, 08:44:43 pm
Mols looks really fresh
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Fleetwood Town game
Post by: Colemans Left Hook on January 13, 2026, 08:47:03 pm
better Molly missed that today rather than on Saturday

update

better Molly missed both those chance that today rather than on Saturday
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Fleetwood Town game
Post by: Metalmicky on January 13, 2026, 08:47:23 pm
Mols could have had 2 goals in last 60 seconds...
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Fleetwood Town game
Post by: Metalmicky on January 13, 2026, 08:48:00 pm
Is there ET in this...?
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Fleetwood Town game
Post by: Metalmicky on January 13, 2026, 08:48:52 pm
Mols could have had 2 goals in last 60 seconds...

Could have been 3
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Fleetwood Town game
Post by: adamtherover on January 13, 2026, 08:49:12 pm
Doubt we will need it tbh
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Fleetwood Town game
Post by: Scooter on January 13, 2026, 08:49:13 pm
3-1
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Fleetwood Town game
Post by: Scooter on January 13, 2026, 08:49:58 pm
I’ve been impressed with Robinson tonight
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Fleetwood Town game
Post by: roversdaft on January 13, 2026, 08:50:17 pm
Went round Bailey too easy there
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Fleetwood Town game
Post by: adamtherover on January 13, 2026, 08:50:29 pm
Gm will be gutted about the clean sheet..
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Fleetwood Town game
Post by: Metalmicky on January 13, 2026, 08:51:44 pm
Went round Bailey too easy there
He didn't Bails got a tackle in and the rebound fell to a player running on - nobody else reacted...
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Fleetwood Town game
Post by: Colemans Left Hook on January 13, 2026, 08:52:35 pm
drrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr   stockport 2-1

port vale winning 1-0 & bolton manager getting sacked in the morning
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Fleetwood Town game
Post by: adamtherover on January 13, 2026, 08:53:09 pm
Bolton going out, Stockport going thru
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Fleetwood Town game
Post by: Metalmicky on January 13, 2026, 08:57:21 pm
Plymouth score late winner...
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Fleetwood Town game
Post by: Fal on January 13, 2026, 08:58:44 pm
Port Vale at home in next round please.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Fleetwood Town game
Post by: Metalmicky on January 13, 2026, 09:00:59 pm
1506 in attendance...
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Fleetwood Town game
Post by: dknward2 on January 13, 2026, 09:01:46 pm
Is it still regionalised in the next round
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Fleetwood Town game
Post by: Colemans Left Hook on January 13, 2026, 09:02:23 pm
Port Vale at home in next round please.

Think we have a case of the  parting of the red sea to Wembley here
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Fleetwood Town game
Post by: Metalmicky on January 13, 2026, 09:04:54 pm
Port Vale at home in next round please.

Think we have a case of the  parting of the red sea to Wembley here

Never say that.... like saying the Q word when on night shift....
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Fleetwood Town game
Post by: ForsolongaRover on January 13, 2026, 09:10:06 pm
Adelukan seems to have played at half pace, but his ability to read the game and always seeming to have time on the ball shows his class. His goal was superb.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Fleetwood Town game
Post by: Colemans Left Hook on January 13, 2026, 09:12:07 pm
commentator on vale match said after 3 wins in a row they will be wondering what is happening.

we have rovers vale huddersfield  and what's the other match to be played

is it Northampton v Walsall ?? t-morrow
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Fleetwood Town game
Post by: steve@dcfd on January 13, 2026, 09:17:36 pm
It's Stockport
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Fleetwood Town game
Post by: Fal on January 13, 2026, 09:17:52 pm
commentator on vale match said after 3 wins in a row they will be wondering what is happening.

we have rovers vale huddersfield  and what's the other match to be played

is it Northampton v Walsall ?? t-morrow

Stockport beat Harrogate tonight
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Fleetwood Town game
Post by: jmt23 on January 13, 2026, 09:18:39 pm
Adelukans skill for the first moly one on one chance was sublime - not a player in our ranks for years who had that in their locker.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Fleetwood Town game
Post by: Prez on January 13, 2026, 09:28:36 pm
Adelukans skill for the first moly one on one chance was sublime - not a player in our ranks for years who had that in their locker.
Adelukans skill for the first moly one on one chance was sublime - not a player in our ranks for years who had that in their locker.

Agreed. Great skill reminded me of Copps.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Fleetwood Town game
Post by: drfchound on January 13, 2026, 09:33:10 pm
Hacks oozes quality and will be a massive improvement in our attacking threat.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Fleetwood Town game
Post by: Avsuptem on January 13, 2026, 11:02:39 pm
I thought Nixon had a good game tonight. Unsung soldier.
Title: Re: Let's talk about the Fleetwood Town game
Post by: BobG on January 14, 2026, 12:31:13 am
Just googled. If I've  understood things right, apparently Rovers trousered £40K prize money tonight. Add that to the £10K per win for the 3 group stage matches and the £20K for winning the previous round and it's starting to look, if not life changing, at least like a useful amount.

Winners in the next round,  the quarter finals, get £50K. Bizarrely though the EFL website appears to have forgotten that between winning a quarter final and winning/losing a final there is, allegedly, something called a semi final, which, one would think, would also attract a prize for winning...

Still, on a par with football management and governance generally I suppose.

BobG



.