Challinor wants Fylde to be feared again

Instead, he wants his side to re-adopt the fear factor that was prevalent last season when the Coasters’ ability in attack caused regular consternation among the opposition.

Challinor was speaking ahead of the visit of promotion rivals Boston United to Kellamergh Park tomorrow.

One point from six over the past week have seen Fylde slip to sixth, with ground to make up to get back into the play-off zone, while tomorrow’s hosts Boston lie in fourth spot.

AFC Fylde are two points adrift of the Pilgrims, but Challinor’s men have two matches in hand.

The Fylde boss said: “I suppose you could say tomorrow’s match is the proverbial six-pointer and a win can do a lot of damage for us.

“I would not say we have been playing badly but we have had a sticky patch.

“We are playing safe rather than being positive when we go in front and backing ourselves to go ahead and win games.

“I am not talking about being gung-ho and sending eight players forward in attack to try to win a game.

“Last year we scored the most goals and conceded the least in the division. That put the fear into the opposition, knowing we could not only defend well but could punish them in attack because we were such a huge threat.

“We have to try to get back to that.”

Challinor reports no new injury problems ahead of the Boston game, though Fylde are monitoring Matt Hughes’ hamstring strain.

Sam Finley is still suspended.

Challinor was boosted by the performance of midfielder Bohan Dixon at Nuneaton on Tuesday, the day he signed from Stalybridge.

The Coasters manager said: “That was the big positive to come out of the game.

“He had not trained with us, but he showed some encouraging signs and there will be time to work on things with him in training before the Boston match.”

Coasters have missed out in their attempt to re-sign Akil Wright on loan from neighbours Fleetwood Town,

He had a spell at Kellamergh Park earlier in the campaign before being recalled by Town boss Steven Pressley.