“We just need to kill games off”: AFC Fylde boss reflects on their weekend point
AFC Fylde are preparing for consecutive away games in the National League.
Craig Mahon believes AFC Fylde need to start putting games to bed after seeing them drop two points last weekend.
The Coasters made it one defeat in six matches on their return to the National League when drawing 2-2 with Worthing at Mill Farm.
Mahon’s players had been on course for three points, only to concede an 89th-minute equaliser.
Fylde have conceded nine times in their six games so far, with five of those goals coming in the 79th minute and later.
“That’s the way we play,” said the head coach, whose players now face consecutive away games with trips to Yeovil Town on Saturday and Harrogate Town next Tuesday.
“We want to dictate the game, we want the ball the whole time, we won’t go long, we won’t play into certain parts of the pitch.
“That’s just how we are and, this year, it’s a step up for us all where we need to learn that we need to be better at times.
“In the 89th minute, can we be a bit more controlling of the game? For me, we’ve stepped up a league and I think we’re holding our own very well.
“We can look at how we can stop more goals but with the squad that we have, it’s great that lads are stepping up to the plate.
“I think we’re only going to get better. We’ve got a good group, we’re proud of how we’re playing and we just need to kill games off.”
Mahon has also added to his midfield options with the loan arrival of Luke Butterfield.
The 22-year-old made his debut as a late substitute against Worthing after joining from Chesterfield.
A former youth international with Scotland, Butterfield was released by Everton at the end of the 2024/25 season.
He joined Chesterfield on a two-year deal following a successful trial, making five appearances for them before being loaned to Accrington Stanley for the second half of last season.
He played 13 times for them in League Two, scoring one goal during their 2-2 draw at Swindon Town in April.
Butterfield said: “I’m really pleased to have joined the club. It’s a really good set up and the style of football suits me really well.
“I feel it’s a style where I can express myself and bring my strengths to the team.”