Fleetwood defeated Arsenal in a penalty shootout on Tuesday to secure a place in the EFL Cup quarters, bridging an 84-place gulf between the two teams. Looking ahead to the momentum generated by the win, the aspiration is to replicate the atmosphere and secure 5,000 fans behind the team for every game.
Fleetwood were aiming to earn £400,000 from the night but secured something priceless in the end, despite most home fans arriving in hope rather than expectation.
The dismissal may have been harsh, but it proved needlessly petulant from Dowman on an already challenging night for his side, bringing triumph to the team with red shirts and white sleeves.
Reflecting on the contest, it proved to be a tough game to prepare for, but delivered a performance that made the town, the club, and everyone proud.
The club draws a few thousand fans each game, and the buzz around the town was visible as supporters gathered for the shootout and throughout the fixture.
Describing the outcome as unbelievable for the town, the hope is to draw another opponent at home and repeat the exact same achievement.
The victors had to ride their luck along the way, aided by Max Dowman’s debatable sending off during the match.
The result delivered one of the greatest upsets in English football history, marking the pinnacle for the side known as the Cod Army after six promotions in 12 years on an impressive journey from non-league.