After a troubled start to the season, Fleetwood became one of the few clubs to change their manager at such an early stage, with former Coventry boss Steven Pressley taking charge. He lost his first game in charge of the Cod Army, ironically against his former club but soon made amends and last Saturday they humiliated then league leaders Burton Albion in a 4-0 flourish.
A Bobby Grant brace helped Steven Pressley secure his first win as Fleetwood boss as they thrashed Burton 4-0 at Highbury. Matty Palmer thought he had given Burton the lead five minutes before the break but after finding space to shoot he rattled the woodwork from 18 yards. Fleetwood's response was a swift break and the ball spun out to Grant on the right, with his low cross beating Jon McLaughlin in the Burton goal and being swept in by Jamie Proctor.
Burton quickly set about the task of hauling themselves level, Calum Butcher's low curling effort seriously testing Chris Maxwell's reactions early after the break. But the hosts looked smart on the break and extended their lead before the hour. Jimmy Ryan picked out Proctor's run on the right, Grant receiving the ball just inside the box and slotting low across McLaughlin with the ball creeping in the far corner. Grant and Proctor were not done, combining again for Fleetwood's third.
Proctor's pressure on the Brewers' defence released the ball and Grant broke free before curling his shot into the top corner from just inside the box. Two subs combined for the fourth, with Jamille Matt breaking down the right, his first touch taking him into the box, and then selfishly squaring for Ash Hunter to slide the ball in at the second attempt after his initial shot was blocked on the line.
Despite such a eye browsing victory, it was their first league victory since 22 August when they beat Colchester United by the same score-line. That long streak without a win sees the Cod Army narrowly above the relegation zone.
They are expected to be without defender Nathan Pond (ankle) who remains a long term absentee, whilst Victor Nirennold is doubtful after the 24 year old limped off during the defeat to Coventry and hasn't trained much since.
Blades-Mad Prediction: Sheffield United 2 Fleetwood Town 0
