Reasons to be cheerful for AFC Fylde manager

AFC Fylde drew against Blackpool on Tuesday evening Picture: Steve McLellan

The Coasters appeared to be heading for a deserved victory against the Seasiders on Tuesday night courtesy of Danny Rowe’s fourth-minute effort.

Challinor’s side could and perhaps should have extended their lead, but they were made to pay for their misses when Nathan Delfouneso levelled in the final minute of normal time.

While keen to stress results aren’t the be-all and end-all in pre-season friendlies, Challinor admitted it was annoying to be denied the win so late in the day by their visitors.

“I thought first half we did really well and we caused them a lot of problems,” the Fylde boss told The Gazette.

“Perhaps we became a bit predictable in the last 15 minutes or so, when they were just starting to get to grips with us.

“Because of that we possibly need to think about how we can vary things, but if it was a league game where the result really mattered, I probably would have changed the shape and our personnel.

“That’s what they did at half-time and the game became a bit more open and they caused us a few more problems.

“But all in all it was a really good workout and we got what we needed, with quite a few lads getting 90 minutes.

“We pushed and competed with a League One club but yes, it was a bit annoying conceding so late on.

“Especially as that’s now two games in a row where it’s happened, having conceded in the defeat against Carlisle too.

“Of course I would have liked us to win but I’d much rather win a week on Saturday (first league game against Bromley).”

Blackpool, on their first visit to Mill Farm, struggled to get to grips with Fylde in a first half dominated by the hosts courtesy of their energetic pressing and slick passing.

They were also solid at the other end of the pitch too, denying Pool any genuine clear-cut chances on goal until Delfouneso’s late leveller for the Seasiders.

“One of the most pleasing things for me was how solid we looked,” Challinor added.

“We also played at a real intensity and moved the ball around well.

“We caused them quite a few problems and pressed really well and in the right areas too.

“We looked really fit and strong and were really good out of possession.

“We were a bit disjointed after making some changes but that’s to be expected.

“Neill Byrne and Jordan Tunnicliffe are forging a great partnership at the back and they’re improving game on game.”