Kitson's reaction as United draw at Fleetwood
United left it late to grab a point at Fleetwood as Dave Kitson’s 89th minute header earned them a 1-1 draw. The U’s threw everything at Fleetwood in an action-packed second half but had to wait until Kitson headed home David Hunt’s cross to keep their unbeaten away record intact and ensure that they stayed top of the table.
“There is a character in that dressing room” Kitson told Yellow Player after the game . “We conceded a bit of a freak goal, that happens every now and again, but we were solid and containing them quite nicely. They were very energetic and closed the space down really well which stifled the way we wanted to play but I never really felt we were under threat. But after a goal like that you just think “We are playing quite well here but we’re a goal down.”
“In the second half it was completely different. The Manager changed the shape a little and pushed me right up top; it was like the old days, heading the ball and being kicked! It was quite enjoyable actually and to pinch an equaliser right at the end was particularly pleasing.
“It was just unfortunate that we scored as late as we did. Maybe if the penalty had gone in or James Constable’s chance at the back post, maybe if we’d scored after 70 minutes or whatever I really think we would have gone on and won that game. But obviously you leave yourself a little bit to do when it is the 89th minute.”
United have a steely resolve this season and refuse to lie down when they go behind. It is a trait which the experienced striker believes all good sides have:
“I think it galvanises a team depending on the mentality. It certainly does with us because you can either go about pitying yourselves in the game or go about with a sense of injustice and try and do something about it. That seems to be what we do. It seems to energise our players and galvanise them.
“We were good for the draw and didn’t want to get beaten by one of our rivals at the top but it is tinged with a feeling that we could have won that.”
See the full interview plus the thoughts of David Hunt and Manager Chris Wilder, plus longer Highlights in Yellow Player right now.