AFC Fylde's focus switches from league to FA Trophy
Craig Mahon believes AFC Fylde’s FA Trophy trip today is a chance for some of his fringe players to make an impression.
The Coasters take a break from National League North matters as they head to Spennymoor Town in round two of the competition.
Today’s hosts aren’t exactly unknown to Mahon’s players, given they made the same journey three-and-a-half-weeks ago in the league and won 5-0.
Fylde’s head coach told the club’s media team: “The league is the most important thing – and we’ve been doing OK in that – but when a cup game comes up, it’s a nice break from that mental side of things and we can just focus on the squad and on the team.
“It’s a great opportunity for some of the lads. I never feel like I’m weakening my team when I make changes or change any tactics, because the lads who have been on the bench – or not played as much as they would have wanted – have played at some point this season.
“We’ve got a few out injured and a few that we want to get back as soon as possible, but it’s definitely a chance for others to step up and show what they’re about.
“When the lads are doing really well on the pitch, sometimes it can be difficult to make an impact or show what you can do, so whether it’s training or matches like this, that’s when they have to show what they can do.”
As well as a place in round three, victory will also be worth £3,750 from the competition’s prize fund with £1,000 for a defeat.