AFC Fylde's defending has laid the foundation for their solid start

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The Coasters have only conceded three goals in their six league games so far this term, keeping four clean sheets in the process.

Bentley, whose side welcome fellow promotion challengers Boston United to Mill Farm this weekend, wants to see more of the same from his team in the coming weeks and months.

“We’ve got four clean sheets out of six, only three goals conceded. That’s really pleasing,” he told The Gazette.

Jim Bentley and his AFC Fylde coaching staff have witnessed a good start to the season Picture: Steve McLellan

“We’ve had quite a settled backline, which has helped. There’s only Nathan Pond who’s dipped out but he’s come back in against Spennymoor on Tuesday.

“As a team we’re working hard, there’s lads in front of the backline that are working hard.

“We know we’ve got enough in our locker to go and score goals and create chances, but we’ve got to make sure we’re robust and strong at the other end and at the moment that’s what we’ve got.

“You don’t just fluke those stats, it’s massive for us that we’ve got a foundation built on a strong defence.”

At the other end of the pitch, Nick Haughton has been Fylde’s standout performer, the attacking midfielder notching the decisive goal once again in Tuesday night’s 1-0 victory.

“He’s been massive,” Bentley added.

“We’ve had some really strong performers this season from lads that have been playing regularly but Nick is obviously getting all of the highlights because he’s the top scorer and he keeps chipping in with the important goals.

“What was pleasing when I looked over the team on Tuesday, when you look at the outfield 10 I think six of them have already scored this season.

“We’ve got goals in the team but Nick seems to have the knack of popping up at the right time to turn a couple of these one points into three, which is very important.

“That’s the type of player he is. He’s an exciting player and he makes things happen, so we’re pleased we’ve got him on board.”

Fylde currently sit in second place in the National League North table, level on points with early leaders Gloucester City.

Tomorrow’s opponents Boston, meanwhile, sit in fourth having played two games fewer having been disrupted by positive coronavirus tests.

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