Hughes aims to end Fylde frustration

The Coasters remain fourth in the National League North but are now 10 points behind leaders Solihull Moors after Saturday’s match at Stalybridge Celtic was abandoned just 12 minutes in.

Fylde had lost two of their three previous league games and Hughes insists they must start picking up points.

“This season has been a bit up and down for us,” admitted the former Fleetwood Town winger.

“We went on a very good run early in the season but it has started to tail off recently.

“We still have one or two games in hand on all the teams around us, so we aren’t in a bad position just yet.

“We just need to kick on and get back to how we were playing earlier in the campaign. We have to try not to get frustrated as a group. We are all striving for success and we all want the same thing.

“When games and results don’t go to plan, we can get frustrated with each other.

“I’m a very passionate player and I always want to win. That’s the mentality that we all have.

“We are all disappointed when we get beaten and things may get said in the heat of the moment, but we are a very close-knit squad and we want the best for each other.

“I couldn’t say exactly why things haven’t been going right recently. We have been training really well and prepared for games as we always have, but it just hasn’t happened on the day.

“Everyone knows that we like to get the ball down and play football, and the pitches this winter haven’t helped us do that.

“It’s a bad excuse but it’s definitely one of the reasons for our stuttering form.”

Hughes was the hero in the reverse fixture at Alfreton’s Impact Arena in December, netting the late winner.

“That was a really good game on a very good playing surface, which suited us down to the ground,” he recalled.

“To pop up with the winner was great and fingers crossed we get a repeat performance at the weekend. Hopefully the weather holds off and the pitch is fine.

“I think I’ve done OK this season but I’ve had a couple of injuries, which isn’t like me at all. I just want to keep myself fit and healthy now and help the team out as best I can.

“I’m aiming to add a few more goals but for me it’s all about points now.

“It’s great to chip in with goals but it doesn’t mean anything if you don’t get the points.

“We have quite a few tough games coming up but we know what we have to do – we have to win, simple as that.”

DANIEL AGNEW