Match Preview

Steve Woodburn is doubly determined to see a reaction from his players this Saturday when Hawcourt Park visit the Fylde coast.

It was the Barrow-based outfit who put an end to Fleetwood's unbeaten start to the campaign when the teams met in October.
Woodburn will also be looking for improvements after his side suffered a third defeat of the season at the hands of Aldwinians last weekend.

“We’ve addressed the issues from last weekend when our game management caused us problems and an inexperienced side showed. Rob Brookfield and Mike Kelly were missing along with Scott Richardson and taking leaders away does have an impact.

“We dominated the game in terms of possession but couldn’t convert the chances. We played down the middle and that isn’t were our strengths lie. The game itself was tight but we know teams lower down the league prefer a slower pace played up the middle and we were drawn into that scenario. Trying to out-muscle a much bigger team wasn’t going to work. I don’t think they were particularly better than us but we played into their hands. That’s down to experience. The boys played well but it was a tough learning curve. It was a young side and lessons are learnt by making mistakes and then putting them right.”

Woodburn is looking to improve on a current 7th place in the North Lancs/Cumbria league and overtake Hawcourt who sit in 5th place.

“It’s the second meeting against Hawcourt Park so we know what they are all about. They are another big side and they will rely on their forwards. Expect a close game as they are tough to break down.

“The game is crucial as we are both sit on the 39-40 point mark and whoever wins on Saturday can jump to the top three or four. We will need to be at our best and that wasn’t the case earlier on the season. I’m expecting my lads to be better this Saturday. It’s a big test for us so close to the Christmas break and will set the pace for Bolton away the weekend after.

“We are back at strength this weekend with the likes of Ali Cheal returning out-wide. The response in training has been very good this week and the lads have put in two good sessions.”

KO 2.15pm / bar open 12noon / £3 admission.

The match is sponsored by Fleetwood RUFC Minis, Juniors and Colts.

Team for Saturday
Chris Jones
Jack Brocklehurst
Ricky Newton
James Lilley
Rob Brookfield
Chris Buschini
James Torkington
Scott Richardson
Tom Evans
Karl Bowling
Ali Cheal
Tom Wilson
Owen Brown
Brad Stapleton
Jack Crompton
Jordan Brocklehurst
Peter Benny
Matthew Larkin

By Derick Thomas, @cleansheetmedia