Fortunately, the St Helens-based opponents were able to offer a heavy, but playable, pitch and took early advantage with the opening try.

Green and Gold coach John Jeffery’s said the side switched-off as they went one try down. “We didn’t do the basics well and we didn’t pay close enough attention and that caught us on the hop for the first try.

“We had a few runs that didn’t materialise but I was confident we had the ability on the park to draw level.”

Michael Pangburn duly brought the score-line even as the half closed with Fleetwood, playing in reversed white shirts, gaining the upper hand.

The travelling side made more progress immediately after the restart through renewed effort in the West Park half.

“Each member of the squad played their part and we introduced fresh legs and went on to win all our scrums and line-outs. It was then down to one of the last plays in the game when Michael (Pangburn) who off-loaded to Henry (Anslow) for the winning try.

“I was particularly impressed with the way the lads came into action immediately after the Christmas break. Usually we would have worked through a number of training sessions before going into a competitive game but the squad performed well and deserved the win” added Jeffery's.

Fleetwood now travel to Ormskirk next Sunday (10th January).