AFC Fylde boss Nick Chadwick hails unsung hero of victory at York City

A 3-1 win in the first fixture at York's new LNER Community Stadium lifted Fylde to second in National League North and delighted boss Chadwick.

This was Fylde's third straight victory in 2021, though they had gone five-and-a-half weeks without a game and Chadwick said: "We were a little bit unsure what we were going to get but I thought the lads were fantastic, absolutely superb.

"After all their work over the past five or six weeks and the disappointment of games being off, they got their reward. The attitude was fantastic. We were a threat going forward and had great shape."

The highlights were undoubtedly Haughton's long-range strikes in the second half and Chadwick added: "Nick's goals were absolutely sublime - two amazing strikes and we've really missed his quality. To get that quality at this level is a massive bonus.

"But I thought Jack Sampson was such a handful for their centre-halves and occupied all three of them at times.

"He received the ball well, which allowed us to build and play off him. He was immense up top.

"We want to play good football and switch the play, but they pressed well and made it difficult, and I'm delighted with the way we answered the questions.

"To be able to go up to Sammo is absolutely massive for us. The ball stuck with him and enabled us to build attacks thanks to his presence. That enabled us to play a bit higher up the pitch and not get sucked into a battle."

The night couldn't have gone much better for Chadwick, who was joined in the dugout by his boss Jim Bentley, attending his first game 11 weeks after heart surgery.

Chadwick has been in charge of the side for the past three months and added: "It was a big occasion for York in their new ground and they are a good, well-drilled side. We knew it would never be easy and we would have to wrestle to get on top.

"Whits (Alex Whitmore, who scored the opener) and Nathan Pond marshalled the back line brilliantly and we were disappointed to concede when we were on top, but I rarely felt in danger and credit to the lads for responding well.

"The gaffer was back and was supposedly taking it easy but I think he shouted more than he wanted to."

Thanks for reading. If you value what we do and are able to support us, a digital subscription is just £1 for your first month. Try us today by clicking here.