Jayden Sweeney says Town are ready for a “tough test” against Fleetwood Town as the Mariners look to continue their unbeaten start to the 2026/27 League Two season.
Town welcome the Cod Army to Blundell Park on Saturday with four points from their opening two league games, having kept clean sheets against Exeter City and Walsall.
Sweeney has started both matches at left-back and says he is enjoying his football as he looks to build rhythm and continue contributing at both ends of the pitch.
Here’s everything he had to say ahead of Saturday’s game…
On his summer and starting the season
Sweeney enjoyed the opportunity to recharge over the summer before returning to pre-season ready for another campaign.
“Summer was very good, thank you,” he said.
“After a tough season and with all the games and just the ups and downs of football in general, it’s just nice to decompress, relax, spend some quality time with the family and get a good rest and ready to go again.
“I’ve enjoyed the first few games. Pre-season’s tough like every year, but it’s nice to be playing regularly and getting the lion’s share of the minutes.
“We’ve made a strong start to the league. Two clean sheets and four points, so I’m pleased with that and I think it’s a good foundation for the team to build on.”
On the importance of clean sheets
The defender believes the back four provides the platform for the rest of the team, with Town yet to concede in their opening two league fixtures.
“For us as defensive players, first and foremost, we look for that clean sheet,” he explained.
“We’re the foundation for everything, whether that be in possession, starting off the play in the build, or defensively, defending the box and defending crosses.
“If we can chip in on the offensive side of the pitch as well, that’s all an added bonus, but that defensive work is definitely a priority of ours.”
On his attacking contribution
Sweeney came close to opening his account for the season during the 1-1 draw at Walsall, with his effort testing the home goalkeeper.
“I was just focusing on trying to get it on target, really, trying to keep it low,” he said.
“The worst thing you can do in that situation is blaze it over the bar and obviously it goes off for a goal kick.
“I was happy to get it on target and hopefully that’s just a little foreshadowing of what’s to come.
“I can chip in with a few more goals, a few more assists, and just ultimately try to help the team in whatever capacity that may be.”
Sweeney also produced a crucial last-ditch tackle at the opposite end of the pitch and says making an impact in both boxes is something he prides himself on.
“I feel like I’m versatile, not just positionally, but I feel like I can really have a big impact and create big moments at either end of the pitch.
“To come up with those big moments is pleasing for me, but it’s early days. I feel like we’re just getting our rhythm and I’m just starting to get a nice rhythm myself.
“Hopefully my performances and my contributions can just continue to improve.”
On competition for places
With Reece Staunton also providing competition at left-back, Sweeney believes the battle for places can bring the best out of both players.
“I don’t think ‘enjoy’ is the word, really,” he joked.
“In the ideal world I would just play every single game, but from the Club’s point of view it’s a real positive that they have two top players in that position.
“That competition drives each other on. It forces both of us to bring the best out of ourselves because if neither one of us is on our game, obviously the next person is there waiting in line and ready to take that opportunity.
“We both push each other and try to help each other as well. At the end of the day, we’re all one team and we have one main goal, which is obviously to get promoted.”
On Jaze Kabia’ departure
Sweeney also reflected on the departure of Jaze Kabia who recently completed a move to Leyton Orient.
The pair were close after joining Town at the same time and spending time living together.
“Me and Jaza signed at the same time and lived together for a period of time, and we were very close off the pitch,” he said.
“It’s just part and parcel of the game. I’ve seen it many times in my career.
“I’m obviously happy for him that he’s able to get his move and move up the levels. I would have liked him to stay, but I think it’s just football.
“It’s a short career and he’s obviously got his reasons for moving on. You’ve just got to do what’s best for yourself.”
On the challenge of Fleetwood Town
Town have already faced Fleetwood twice during Sweeney’s time at the Club, with both meetings last season ending in 1-0 victories for the Mariners.
However, the defender knows Saturday’s fixture will provide another difficult test.
“They’re a strong team,” he said.
“Obviously we played them twice last year and we had two good contests against them.
“Every team in this division, on their day, is a tough proposition and we’ve got to respect every single opponent, so we won’t be going into this game lightly.
“If we play to our standards and at our level, I feel like we’ll beat any team at this level.
“Our main focus is that we just continue the momentum and the rhythm that we’ve built in the last two games and hopefully we can play at our top performance.”
On staying focused for the full 90 minutes
With both of last season’s meetings decided by late goals, Sweeney knows Town will need to remain concentrated throughout Saturday’s contest.
“The gaffer really drills into us that the game isn’t just 90 minutes anymore,” he said.
“It’s 95, even sometimes 100 minutes.
“That concentration in the latter stages of the game is crucial. A lot of goals are scored in those later moments, so if that’s somewhere where we can get an advantage by just being more concentrated and more focused, we’ll look to pounce on that.
“They’re obviously a solid team and a good team, and we know we’re up for a tough test at the weekend.”
On the Mariners support
More than 7,000 supporters are expected at Blundell Park on Saturday, and Sweeney says the home crowd can make a huge difference.
“They can really be that 12th man for us,” he said.
“Last season being my first season at the Club, it was a real fresh breath of air to have such amazing support.
“The support at home is amazing as well. They can really be that 12th man for us, and I think they truly are the difference when we’re playing at home.
“I’m looking forward to playing in front of everyone and hopefully we can put in a good performance.”
On the matchday food bank initiative
Sweeney also praised the Club’s initiative with We Are One and The Rock Foundation, with Town’s players contributing food donations ahead of Saturday’s fixture.
“I think it’s so important,” he said.
“Being a one-town club, I think we have the privilege of being role models for everyone in the town.
“On a base human level, if you can help others in need and give to those who unfortunately aren’t as fortunate, it’s just the right thing to do.
“I think it’s a great initiative the Club’s doing and driving this food bank stuff.
“If we can help anyone out, it’s a privilege to do so.”
You can watch Jayden’s full pre-match interview here:
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