Fleetwood boss Barton pleased to avoid FA Cup replay

Posted Monday, December 02, 2019 by PA

Fleetwood head coach Joey Barton revealed his delight at winning their FA Cup second-round tie at the first attempt after a second-half goal from substitute Paddy Madden gave them a 2-1 victory at Crawley.

Madden had the final say after Ollie Palmer struck just before the interval to cancel out a 41st-minute opener by Josh Morris.

Barton was delighted at his side’s second-half response to ensure Fleetwood’s passage without the need for a replay and said: “We navigated the tie superbly.

“We wanted to get it done and dusted here. We said at half-time we didn’t want a replay.

“The FA Cup is loved for its upsets and Crawley were up against a side from a higher division, but we gave a professional and efficient performance.

“We brought Josh Morris into the side because we want goals from midfielders and Madden just scores goals. He is as good as anyone in the box.”

After two away ties, Barton now wants a home draw and added: “It would be nice to test ourselves against a good side. The whole squad is bang at it.”

Under-fire Crawley head coach Gabriele Cioffi reckoned his men “definitely deserved a replay” and felt it was another game where decisions went against them.

Cioffi felt there was a clear foul on goalkeeper Glenn Morris in the build-up to Madden’s goal and said: “I am sure he was fouled, like everyone else in the stadium.

“I haven’t spoken to the referee – you have to learn to live with decisions and I am happy and proud of my players.”

With owner Ziya Eren looking on, there were calls for Cioffi to be sacked, but the Italian was defiant and stated: “We definitely deserved a replay.

“I accept if they are booing me but I don’t think it is fair if they are booing the squad. They don’t deserve it.

“I understand their frustration. Booing is part of football everywhere. If they want to boo someone they can boo myself, but as for the players, they certainly don’t deserve it after a performance like this.

“I don’t think this is fair because the squad is working, working, working and giving their all.

“I’ve no regrets with the work I’m doing at Crawley. Of course I can hear it, I’m here on the bench.”