AFC Fylde’s head coach reflected on their final pre-season friendly last weekend.

Craig Mahon isn’t too worried that AFC Fylde lost their final pre-season fixture at Warrington Rylands – but the head coach does have concerns over the depth of his squad.

Mahon’s champions return to the National League on Saturday, starting the season at home to Wealdstone.

Pre-season ended with a 2-0 defeat in Cheshire last weekend, when Northern Premier League club Rylands scored twice in the second half.

Head coach Mahon told the club’s media team. “No-one likes losing but we got what we needed – we wanted to get 90 minutes into some players’ legs.

“I’ve seen some really good stuff but also some stuff we need to work on.

"To not be able to bring on more people is probably something we need to look at.

"We could have been a little bit more composed in the final third and a bit more ruthless at times.

“We probably need to sharpen up but we have a week to get things done.”

Fylde lost last year’s final pre-season game to opponents from the same level, Lancaster City, and went on to win National League North with 100 points.

Mahon, who recently completed his UEFA A coaching badge, said the setback could have benefits.

“Sometimes losing is a good thing because you get to learn,” he added.

“It helps the coaching staff to develop sessions for next week. You want to win every game but now we know what we need to focus on.”

Opening day opponents Wealdstone finished 15th in non-league’s top tier last season.

The London club lost 2-0 on their latest visit to Mill Farm in January last year.

Fylde have also confirmed their squad numbers for the new season: 1 Jones, 2 Healy-Byrne, 4 Mitchell, 5 Taylor, 6 Merrie, 7 Thomas, 8 T Whelan, 9 Ormerod, 10 Mayor, 11 Allen-Hadley, 15 Lancaster, 16 Jackson, 17 C Whelan, 19 Main, 20 Fisher, 21 Faris, 22 Morris, 24 Meadowcroft, 25 Boyes, 29 Drewe, 31 Lewis.