Fleetwood's Nathan Pond wants promotion in testimonial year

Nathan Pond wants to celebrate his testimonial year at League Two side Fleetwood Town with a sixth promotion.

The defender has been rewarded for a decade of service with the Cod Army, having joined while they were playing in the ninth tier of English football.

"It's been a great journey and I hope it can continue," the 28-year-old told BBC Radio Lancashire.

Fleetwood will face Preston North End, Pond's hometown club, at Highbury on Saturday with a 14:00 BST kick-off.

Graham Alexander's side are preparing for their second year in League Two and, having added significant league experience since the end of last season, they will be among the favourites to go up when the new campaign begins on 3 August.

"Everyone should have their own expectations and we're an ambitious club," Pond added. "We're used to promotions and hopefully this season we can get promotion.

"You've got to go for the top. There's no point playing football if you don't want to win. You've got to aim for top spot."

Pond, who has played more than 300 times for Fleetwood, made his debut in a North West Counties Division One match against St Helens in front of 81 people.

As a part-time footballer, he worked as a driver delivering bakery supplies, and only became a full-time professional when Fleetwood won promotion to the Conference Premier in 2010.

Next season he could find himself facing Portsmouth, who won the FA Cup in 2008 and were playing in the Premier League as recently as three years ago.

"I didn't expect to be playing against them when I started my career at Fleetwood," said Pond, who signed a new two-year contract in April.

"It's been a gradual progression. When I first joined Fleetwood, I wanted to play in the Football League. I've been lucky enough to be at a club that's been successful and we've been on a great journey together."

Listen again to a special BBC Radio Lancashire programme with Fleetwood's Nathan Pond online at bbc.co.uk/radiolancashire