“It was tough game all round. They are good side and a big side. They defended very well but so did we. I think we pretty much matched each other out there today. I think the draw was the right result with both sides not taking all of their chances.”

Woodburn was able to take positives from the encounter as he again saw evidence of a maturing squad.

“In previous seasons going down early meant we would start to lose our momentum due to lack of experience. We haven’t done that this season. We went down against Carlisle and again today but we’ve shown good character and come back.

Once we got back to our game plan and stopped worrying about the score line the play started working for us. There’s always a few things to learns but that certainly is a positive.”

Two key absentees meant Woodburn was forced to call on his squad depth but wasn’t disappointed with the outcome.

“Tom Wilson was injured at centre and Tom Evans at half-back had work commitments and that meant we had to shuffle the team. We were able to put that aside and get on with job. That’s now five games unbeaten and the challenge is out there to other teams to come to Melbourne Avenue and try to take our scalp.”

The Fleetwood squad look set to be handed a fitness challenge in training this week as Woodburn looks to counter a concern from the Wigton test.

“They were a touch quicker than us at times so we’ll look at our fitness this week and the boys will be in for a tough time in training. We need to be ready for next Saturday as Upper Eden are another big side and we’ll also take our confidence into that game.

“It was another good crowd and a good day for the club. We had some of our mini and junior players walking the team onto the pitch and that help make it a good day all round.”

Fleetwood are at home again next Saturday when Melbourne Avenue welcomes Upper Eden for a 3pm kick-off. The Kirkby Stephen outfit enjoyed a narrow home victory over Trafford MV last Saturday but sit third-bottom in the league.

By Derick Thomas – Clean Sheet Media