Pitchero Non League

....Premier strugglers Alfreton Town on Saturday. The game’s first goal scorer came from an unusual source, with Nathan Pond poking home his first goal of the season from a quick free-kick.

“I was jogging up field, and it was a very intelligent quick free-kick from Vardy, so I gambled and managed to bundle the ball in.” He then added: “It was quick thinking from both me and Jamie, and luckily we managed to catch them by surprise.” The defender almost doubled his season tally just moments later as well, but was just unable to connect with another dangerous set-piece. “I think it was Jamie again who put the ball in, and I probably should have done a bit better to be honest. It was quite an awkward height so I didn’t know whether to head or volley it.” The goal seemed to give Pond some attacking confidence, with the defender dribbling with the ball in the right wing position moments later in the game. “I was just coming back from a corner, and someone found me on the right wing, but it was good to indulge in a bit of attacking play down there.” Fleetwood’s longest-serving player is having a considerable run in the team at the moment, forging an impressive partnership with captain Steve McNulty at the heart of defence. “It’s always good to get a run of games with the team, and I’ve been playing with Steve a lot who has been helping me. We’ve got a good understanding at the moment and we’re delighted with another clean sheet today.” Pond is also well aware of how he needs to maintain this level of performance, as a tight defence will be vital for a title challenge. “It really is important to keep clean sheets. If we ever concede, the defence are the ones who takes responsibility for it, so it’s a relief that we didn’t concede.” Town will no doubt face tougher opposition this season, with Alfreton currently struggling in the relegation zone. However, Pond was determined not to underestimate them throughout the game. “They’re an incredibly physical side, who worked hard and didn’t make it easy for us during the game. Every credit to them for that.”

It was a hugely successful Saturday afternoon for Town, as they managed to grab a convincing victory, with title rivals Wrexham losing at Stockport as well. “It was good to hear they got beat, but we don’t really look at them. We just have to keep ourselves focused on our own game and performances.” Fleetwood’s next game is a trip to Tamworth, a team Pond has played against already this season. “We had a draw at Highbury against them which was disappointing, so we will be looking to get three points against them at their place and put it right.”

Tags: News | Fleetwood Town

• Blue Square Bet
• Blue Square Premier
  • + Bucks Make Fourth Summer Signing
  • + Wilkin Snaps Up Aussie Keeper
  • + Board Approve Imps` Stadium Name Change
  • + Brill`s Back at Kenilworth Road
  • + Party Atmosphere for Man Utd Visit
  • + Charnock Goes from Fleetwood to Macc
  • + Daish`s Rebuilding Job Almost Complete
  • + Harriers Complete Vaughan Deal
  • + Reds Friendly Abandoned
  • + Boucaud Loaned Upwards in the Pyramid
• Blue Square North
  • + Kinsella in to Help Greene at Histon
  • + Obaze Earns Stortford Deal
  • + Lee Has High Hopes For Reed
  • + Sinnott Demands a Reaction
  • + Harvey Gets Busy
• Blue Square South
  • + Magpies Keen to Borrow Grecians
  • + Clarets Net Youngster Calver
  • + Robbo Returns to Wood!
  • + Pennyfather Pays Tribute to Front Line
  • + Boro Bring in Brighton Youngster