Jim Bentley aims to keep fans smiling as AFC Fylde face Farsley Celtic in FA Cup

The Coasters have won their first two National League North games 1-0, having opened their campaign with victory at Hyde United in their first FA Cup qualifier.

Fylde travel to Farsley Celtic in West Yorkshire tonight in the third qualifying round, looking to make it four wins from four.

With Fylde’s games continuing to be played behind closed doors, fans have been unable to witness their good start but manager Bentley hopes they’re encouraged by the results.

“Football is all about the fans. It’s important they are with us wherever they are – whether it’s at home, at Bradley’s Bar, it doesn’t matter,” Bentley said. “We do what we do for the fans, that’s what you’re in the game for.

“Obviously it’s an occupation for us but it’s an occupation that I love, but I also love the interaction with the fans and making sure you’re doing them proud.

“I think we certainly did them proud at Gateshead on Saturday. If nothing else, we worked our backsides off and we’ve put a shift in again. I’ll make sure the players always do that because it’s the least you expect.

“I can imagine our fans are really, really pleased.

“A couple of directors travelled but they’ll all be happy, which is what we want. We want to enjoy the good times.

“There will be some rocky times along the way, but they always say you have to stick together through those times and when the wins do come, which they have with three in a week, you have to make sure you enjoy it.

“On to Tuesday now in the FA Cup and hopefully we can continue this good form and people can continue smiling back at home.”

Nick Haughton scored his second of the season at Gateshead to secure Fylde’s victory in their first away league game. Goalkeeper Chris Neal and the backline were also in fine form as Fylde kept a second straight clean sheet. “We don’t just want to be great going one way – we want to be quite watertight at the back,” Bentley said.

“Chris was clean with all his work. His decision-making was good and he commanded his box, but we know he is a top-class goalkeeper.”

AFC Fylde's home game against Kettering Town on Saturday is set to be postponed due to "Covid infections in the camp" at Kettering.

The Poppies have pulled out of the FA Cup after forfeiting tonight's tie at Brackley Town.

A club statement reads: "This news follows the postponement of Saturday’s fixture against Southport and means that it will also prevent us from visiting AFC Fylde on Saturday October 17.".