Coasters clear for defensive reinforcement

Laurence Maguire has joined AFC Fylde on loan

The 20-year-old will team up with the Coasters until March 21.

Maguire, younger brother of Hull City’s Harry, came through the ranks at Chesterfield and captained the youth team last season before earning a professional contract.

He has made 11 first team appearances for the League One outfit this season.

Maguire goes straight into Dave Challinor’s squad for today’s trip to Brackley Town and the manager was delighted with his latest recruit.

He said: “Laurence is very highly-rated from what we have been told and what we have seen first-hand.

“He is someone who needs games at this stage in his career and that’s something that we can offer in our current situation with injuries.

“It is a good fit for all three parties – ourselves, Chesterfield and the lad himself. It gives us some balance at the back and he will be involved straight away.

“He is aggressive and will go and head the ball but he is also comfortable enough to play. First and foremost we need defenders who want to defend and Laurence can do that. The other side to his game is an added bonus.”

Fylde head to Brackley this afternoon looking to get their title charge back on track against a Saints side without a league win in six games.

“Brackley are a good side,” added Challinor. “They have had a bit of a sticky spell and the number of games they have played is probably starting to catch up with them.

“They haven’t got the biggest squad but and their cup success has probably halted their promotion push.

“Of course we want to get back to winning ways. The run we have had up to this point has bought us a bit of breathing space.

“We were disappointed at Salford and frustrated against Telford but there aren’t any easy games.

“We are still feeling confident though and looking to take all three points. As a manager I shouldn’t have to say much to the players to motivate them. We are in a very good position and we have to kick on.”

Challinor could be without defenders Josh Langley and Dom Collins and midfielder James Hardy this afternoon due to injury; however Steve Williams and Sam Finley could play some part.