Gambles paid off in Joey Barton's game of roulette at Fleetwood

Sam Stubbs' goal against Hull will really help the defender to establish himself at Fleetwood Town says head coach Joey Barton

Fleetwood Town backing for Liverpool/Manchester United proposals

The Cod Army claimed three points in front of the Sky Sports cameras, making it back-to-back wins after four consecutive defeats in league and cup.

Barton was encouraged by his players’ performance as they ran out 4-1 winners.

He said: “I felt we were spinning the roulette wheel a little.

“We’d lost three league games in a row and one in the EFL Cup.

“Morgan Boyes was away with Wales, and although James Hill has done really well, you wonder: ‘How can we get more seniority in there?’

“I could have lost that game 5-1 or 6-1 and suddenly you’re feeling more pressure but sometimes, as a manager, you have to make big calls, back your players and show faith in the squad you’ve got, especially the young players.

“They have come through and they can start to build their fledgling careers.”

Town’s defence may need reinforcements before the transfer window closes on Friday but Barton was proud of their display against Hull.

Despite facing a high-flying Tigers side, the Cod Army came up trumps on the night at Highbury.

Barton said: “Stubbsy (Sam Stubbs, pictured) has been in and out of the side, scratching around to try to establish himself in our team. His performance will go a long way towards settling him in and his goal was the cherry on the top.

“I thought the defence was outstanding. We played it at the right times. Jayson (Leutwiler, keeper) came in for his first league start for us and I’m really pleased. There were big decisions to be made and, to a man, I think the players got it absolutely spot on.

“(Harrison) Holgate is an Academy product of ours. Sam Stubbs had come in on a free transfer, so you have to be immensely proud of the group when they play like that and play in unison – and as a team like we did.

“Right across the team, the squad needed a bit of a boost. After losing the game in the 90th minute against Peterborough and Rochdale, it’s easy to start feeling sorry for yourself.

“We talk about the SAS mentality of the next job, the next pass, the next tackle. We don’t do disappointments or excuses.

Fleetwood loanee Morgan Boyes made a record 20th appearances for Wales Under-19s against England yesterday, captaining his country in their 2-0 defeat at St George’s Park.