AFC Fylde skipper praises team-mates' patience in midweek win

The Coasters’ captain came back after injury and made a key contribution in their 1-0 win against Spennymoor Town at Mill Farm on Tuesday.

The 35-year-old contributed a goalline clearance in helping the scoreline to remain level before Nick Haughton’s 87th minute winner.

Pond said afterwards: “I trained just over an hour on Monday and felt good so I made myself available to the gaffer (Jim Bentley).

“Jack (Sanders) has been superb when he’s come in the side and, credit to Jack, he wished me well before the game.

“My main target as a defender is a clean sheet and take it from there; I thought we defended well as a team and Nick Haughton got the winner again.”

It was a night when the Coasters’ patience paid off just as they looked set to settle for a point.

Victory was their fifth in six National League North matches and kept them joint top of the table alongside Gloucester City.

Just as pleasing for the Coasters was the clean sheet with Fylde having only conceded three times in half-a-dozen league outings.

Only Guiseley and Hereford have conceded fewer, both letting in two goals, but they have only played three matches to date.

A feature of Fylde’s play in the early stages of the season has been their ability to conjure up crucial late goals when required.

Pond said: “We know we have a style of play, you can see that out there.

“We keep believing, we keep pushing, keep playing the same way, keeping the pressure on.

“You could see at the end, they were hanging on, they were tired – when you’re tired you don’t want someone like Nick running at you.”

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