Top goalscorer targeting 10th goal tomorrow
Ahead of a tricky away trip to Forest Green Rovers tomorrow afternoon, we caught up with Town's leading scorer, and former Rover Stuart Fleetwood on his return to the New Lawn and Luton's fortunes so far this campaign.
Fleetwood spent a season at Rovers, during which he notched up an impressive 28 goals in just 41 league outings for the Gloucestershire outfit and he spoke fondly of his time there.
“I'm looking forward to going back,” Fleetwood told lutontown.co.uk “I'm looking forward to seeing some familiar faces before kick-off but as soon as the whistle goes it’s down to business and ensure we get three points.”
The niceties are natural from a player who is loved amongst both sets of fans but his focus remains on three points, which he is confident his side are capable of earning.
“We’re in a very good run of form and we’re playing some good football at the moment,” said the 26-year-old.
“We've looked really sharp in training which is good and that as well as the performances make the atmosphere around the club confident.
“We’re scoring goals and keeping clean sheets so that certainly helps when you’re going into a tough game like tomorrow.”
The Hatters head into the game on the back of a good run of results which has seen them taste defeat just the once in the last seven games.
Forest Green, on the other hand, head into the fixture with contrasting fortunes having failed to pick up a single point in their previous three games. However, after a 4-1 replay win on Tuesday night against Dartford, Fleetwood was cautious about how the replay victory could help or hinder tomorrow's opposition.
“It's still early days in the season so I don't expect too much tiredness. They won the game as well so it could affect them either way,” said the former Wales Under-21 international.
“Hopefully we'll be fresher due to the weeks rest. We've been able to focus on preparing for this game without distraction whereas they've had two games to focus on so we'll see how they turn out.”
A victory for Town tomorrow could see them rise to second, just a point behind Newport County at the summit if results favour Paul Buckle’s side and Fleetwood was quick to praise his side's position in the Blue Square Bet Premier.
“It’s a good place to be in as we’re within touching distance,” said the Welshman.
“Obviously we would rather be top at this point but Newport have been very good and haven't dropped much. I think we would say we have learnt from last season that it is vital we stay in touching distance throughout to give us a real chance.”
The Luton faithful have been treated to a blitz of goals from Fleetwood so far this term as he remains in contention at the top of the division’s goalscoring charts.
The former Hereford hit-man has notched up nine league goals already this campaign and says he is looking to break the double figure barrier as soon as possible – hopefully tomorrow.
“I'd like to get to double figures as quickly as possible,” he said.
“I've got confidence I can score, regardless of the opposition but on a personal level it would be nice to score against a former club.”
Fleetwood finished as Town's top scorer last season with 16 goals to his name in Hatters colours but upon being asked if he has set himself a target for strikes this season he was keeping his cards close to his chest.
“I always set myself a benchmark which I keep private,” admitted the forward. “It just relieves a bit of pressure on myself. If only I know my target then if I don't meet the target in my head I try not to beat myself up about it.
“If I meet the target I've set then I'm happy, but my overall performances and the team’s success is more important.”
Hatters fans will be hoping Fleetwood nets his 10th of the campaign tomorrow and, according to the bookmakers, there is every chance of the former Cardiff man doing just that. He’s the 4/1 favourite with Blue Square to break the deadlock.