AFC Fylde's break can prove to be a positive
A 10-day break isn’t what AFC Fylde would have asked for after dropping their first home points of the season against Bradford Park Avenue, but team boss Nick Chadwick believes it can do them the power of good.
The extra recovery time can only help injured players like former Fleetwood Town pair Nathan Pond and Nick Haughton, who Chadwick says faces “a number of weeks” on the sidelines.
Last weekend was a third in four with no fixture for Fylde, though they have managed to play more games than most teams in their league.
Chadwick told The Gazette: “It’s not a bad time to take a break and we’re fortunate to have played most of our fixtures so far, either on their original date or rescheduled.
“The quieter December has given us a chance to get one or two fit and healthy, like Pondy and Nick.”
Whereas captain Pond is close to a comeback after his groin issue, Fylde’s deputy boss admits in-form forward Haughton is some way off.
“It’s a hamstring issue and we aren’t sure of the extent of it, but it looks like being a number of weeks,” Chadwick said.
“It’s a shame because Nick had been going great. He played consecutive 90s and has scored a few vital goals.
“It’s a blow because he’s worked so hard to get into top form but he has such determination about him that he’ll be back.”
Fylde didn’t train over the weekend and Chadwick added: “We’ll have a few days off to recharge and clear up any issues, then we have a full week before Hereford.
“A break is not always what you want but it can do you a power of good.”
Also on the road to recovery is manager Jim Bentley after heart bypass surgery.
Chadwick reported: “Jim came out of his operation well and it looks like everything is going well in terms of his early recovery.
“I have spoken to his family and sent Jim texts, and he will get better day by day.”
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