Pete Wild was a happy boss after admitting Fleetwood’s match-winning substitutes Ryan Graydon and Ched Evans played “angry.”
Graydon, a 61st-minute introduction for James Norwood, completed the Cod Army’s 3-2 comeback win over Harrogate 12 minutes from time.
His goal owed everything to the unselfishness of experienced Evans, whose 71st-minute entry immediately set up Elliot Bonds for Town’s second equaliser in the Sky Bet League Two clash.
Warren Burrell and James Muldoon twice gave Harrogate the lead, with Will Davies punishing more visiting defensive uncertainty to make it 1-1.
“I made seven changes from last week (2-0 loss at Cheltenham) when I didn’t think we were great,” explained Wild.
“So, there were some big players left out. Look at our bench, it was outstanding.
“But they came on and played angry and we got what we needed.
“Ched has real quality and his best moments across the season have come when the game has opened up.
“That’s the challenge of the manager, whether to start him when the game hasn’t opened up or when it does and he can show his quality.
“Squaring it on a plate for your mate is why he played at the top level. It was a touch of quality. That, in my eyes, was better than the goal.”
Harrogate, beaten for the first time by Fleetwood in the EFL, have now lost back-to-back games.
However, they should have been out of sight before Davies ran onto Bonds’ pass to shoot past static goalkeeper James Belshaw.
“It is immensely frustrating,” said manager Simon Weaver. “We have played a lot worse and come away as winners.
“But that’s two on the bounce from defensive slips. They were absolute aberrations.
“We seem to be our own worst enemy when we are on top. In terms of having the right mindset as a defensive unit we are still well short.
“That’s why we are where we are in the league. We shouldn’t be losing that game. We were far superior in so many aspects.
“It was a complete hash for the final goal,” added Weaver of Evans punishing keeper Belshaw to tee up Graydon.
“We should have four points from the last two games but the result will dictate the mood in the camp on the way home.”
Muldoon’s fourth goal in five games was a positive, with Weaver praising his in-form marksman.
“It is OK being a good team player but you are judged as a centre forward on scoring goals. No one wants that clubman of the year (award) every season.
“I wanted him to be more than that and at 36 I think the penny has dropped.”
