Jordan Rossiter: Fleetwood Town will bounce back

Town slipped to a disappointing 2-0 defeat at home to Swindon Town last Saturday, having won four and drawn two of their previous six League One games.

That run of form enlivened the season for Simon Grayson’s side, who had looked to have little to play for – safely above the relegation zone but a similar distance from the play-offs.

Defeat by Swindon saw Fleetwood slip to 15th, though still only six points outside the top six with nine games to play, and midfielder Rossiter is backing them to bounce back.

Rossiter celebrates his 24th birthday today and has played in all 12 league games since Grayson took charge at the start of last month.

He said: “We’ve all played in this league for a few years and the gaffer has managed in it too. We know you don’t get any easy games.

“It’s a fight, it’s a tussle but unfortunately we came off second-best against Swindon.

“Fair play to them, they came and did a job on us. It’s not often you can really say that, especially at Highbury.

“But fair play, they did a job and got the three points.

“I’m sure that with the lads in there we’re going to bounce back. It’s a good dressing room.

“It could have been easy for the season to peter out but we can’t let that happen and it’s just about bouncing back now.”

Meanwhile, Fleetwood Town Under-18s boss Matt Lawlor was left with mixed emotions after his side’s penalty shootout defeat by Bristol City in the FA Youth Cup.

Town lost the fourth-round tie 4-2 on spot-kicks after holding the Championship club to a 1-1 draw at Highbury on Monday.

Lawlor was sorry for his players, who went out at the same stage to Millwall last season, but was delighted by their progress.

He told the club website: “It’s a tough one to take but we will reflect on the performance, learn from it and look to get better.

“I’m really pleased with the boys as they have taken on all our messages.

“It’s a gutting night for them but we’re doing well in the league, so we can focus on that.

“I’ve only been in charge of the group for three months but we’re all proud of the character. How we implement our game plan, the work rate and energy, I couldn’t be prouder."

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