AFC Fylde boss Jim Bentley happy to change winning side

Jim Bentley won’t be afraid to continue changing his winning side as AFC Fylde head to Alfreton Town tonight (7.45pm) seeking an eighth successive win this season.
Fylde have won all seven games this season but boss Jim Bentley (left) believes they can still improveFylde have won all seven games this season but boss Jim Bentley (left) believes they can still improve
Fylde have won all seven games this season but boss Jim Bentley (left) believes they can still improve
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Fylde players earn praise after win over Farsley

The Coasters boss made three changes to his starting line-up for Saturday’s 2-0 home win over Farsley Celtic, their fourth straight victory in National League North.

Fylde’s hectic fixture programme will continue through the second lockdown because this sixth tier of English football qualifies as an ‘elite’ competition. That was established over the summer, when the NL North was allowed to stage play-offs which resulted in Fylde’s relegation from the National League.

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A point in Derbyshire tonight will see Fylde replace Gloucester City at the top but Bentley insists nothing will be taken for granted.

The manager said: “We tried to freshen it up on Saturday with all the games coming up so thick and fast. It’s important we don’t get caught up with ‘same again’ and expect it to just happen.

“I’ve been in the game long enough to know not to be afraid to change a winning side and I think we can play better. We’re playing nice stuff but I believe we have more in the tanks.

“I’m really pleased with the lads and the way they’ve applied themselves. Since we’ve come back, I’ve only had to show my teeth a bit once or twice. We are in a good place at the minute and must strive to continue that.”

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And that means never taking part-time opponents lightly, as Bentley explained: “This league is surprising me so far. We’ve played some good footballing sides, like Darlington and Gateshead. We’re also going to have to roll up our sleeves at times and defend for our lives.”

Bentley handed the reins to his assistant Nick Chadwick last week but is back at the helm after his long-planned heart surgery was delayed until the end of the month.

He added: “You can’t expect just to rock up and win. We’ll do our preparation for Alfreton and will never disrespect any team at this level.

“Afreton had a good win at the weekend (1-0 at Telford in their first match for three weeks). Dan Bradley is their captain, who was here last year, and they are at home, so it will be a tough game as they all are.

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“We’re full of confidence but we have to guard against complacency and against the threat Alfreton can pose. We’ll do everything we need to do as professionals.”

Fylde’s FA Cup first-round tie away to Exeter City on Saturday will kick-off at 1pm and Coasters supporters can purchase a live stream of the match via the League Two club’s iFollow platform.

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