Defender looks at ‘massive’ game in battle against the drop

CONOR McLaughlin has described Fleetwood’s relegation battle against Athletic as “massive”.

The Fleetwood and Northern Ireland international headed what could be a crucial last-gasp equaliser to earn Steven Pressley’s side a 2-2 draw at Southend at the weekend. With Athletic losing their game in hand at Barnsley, the bottom of the table remains tightly compressed.

Only three points separate Athletic in 18th with Blackpool in 21st. The Seasiders have only four games left to five for Athletic and Fleetwood (19th) and Shrewsbury (20th), who have six. It all adds up to a vital clash at the Highbury Stadium on Saturday.

McLaughlin, a former Preston player who has been capped 12 times by his country, was happy to level the game at Roots Hall. But he was also regretful that Fleetwood couldn’t hang on to a lead given to them by Bobby Grant early in the second half.

“Saturday’s point could be massive in the grand scheme of things,” the defender told the Blackpool Gazette.

“The lads weren’t happy that we let the lead slip in the first place and conceded two goals, so it is ultimately disappointing, but it could be a big point.

“It is still so tight — a couple of teams won, but Shrewsbury lost and Blackpool lost.

“That could be a big point, but we have to go again on Saturday and be prepared for a massive game against Oldham.”