Carlisle United boss on Wild's Fleetwood and Neal involvement
Mike Williamson admits Carlisle United can be under no illusions about the challenge to expect from Pete Wild’s Fleetwood Town this weekend.
The former Barrow boss, who was appointed at the Highbury Stadium in late December, has just led Fleetwood to back-to-back wins.
Three wins and just one defeat in their last five games have seen the Cod Army improve to 13th position in League Two ahead of the struggling Blues’ visit.
Williamson said their approach under Wild will be a familiar experience.
“Regardless of why they're in the form they're in, they're in good form so the game on Tuesday [a 2-1 win over MK Dons] just backed up the weekend as well [a 2-0 win at Salford City]," Carlisle's head coach said.
“They’re very, very hard-working and very disciplined and it was the same when we came against Pete Wild’s Halifax teams [with Gateshead].
“You just know what you're going to get and I think when that translates into results, it just adds that belief and confidence.”
The game at Fleetwood will see a quick reunion with the Blues for midfielder Harrison Neal.
Williamson confirmed there is no agreement that would prevent Neal from facing his former club, just over a week on from his move between the clubs.
Neal made his debut as a substitute in Fleetwood’s midweek win and is set to be in the squad against his old employers as bottom-placed United desperately try to make a dent in their seven-point gap to survival, backed by a four-figure travelling support.
“Harrison is somebody I didn't want to leave, but he expressed [a wish to play more regularly], so it's one of those – you can't carry unhappy campers,” said Williamson.
Harrison Neal, right, could face the Blues just over a week after leaving for Fleetwood (Image: Martyn Haworth)
“He's a great lad who gave everything for the football club. I wish him all the best, although I hope that it's not a happy weekend for him.
“Of course it probably adds to the chemistry [of the game].”
Williamson observed that Fleetwood won on Tuesday despite giving up 73 per cent possession to Scott Lindsey’s MK Dons.
“They [Fleetwood] are a very, very hard team to break down, very organised and when they've got players that will run as much as they have, that always carries a threat,” he added.
“I don't think there's going to be many spaces in between the lines so we're going to have to move the ball really quickly and make sure we defend aggressively as well.
“They’re incredibly good at set-pieces, but they've just got a real edge and intensity about their play.
“I think we've got to move the ball quickly, we've got to try and dominate the centre, whether that's playing through the centre or around or over [it] quickly.”
The game will be United’s fourth league encounter with Fleetwood, having drawn two and lost one of the previous meetings. This season Fleetwood have won four, drawn seven and lost two of their home league games.
The game is also the home club’s ‘memorial fixture’, where a pre-match ceremony and minute’s applause will remember fans and those connected to Fleetwood who have passed away in the previous year.
