Underestimate Rossendale at your peril, says Fylde coach Alex Loney

In mudbath conditions which team boss Alex Loney admitted “have to be up there” with the worst he's encountered, Fylde's gameplan paid off as they built a 26-0 lead in Saturday's first half.

Knowing the playing surface was only going to deteriorate, Fylde's joint-head coach told The Gazette: “In such challenging conditions, you want to start positively and we did.

“We built a lead through pressure, a low error-count, a positive penalty-count and taking our chances.

“The second half became really challenging and it wasn't a day to be chasing the game. We conceded two tries but the lead was too much for them to chase, so the lads could revel in the mud.

“When I walked on the pitch at the end I realised how difficult it must have been so massive credit to both sets of players."

Another factor was the strength of the squad available to Loney, with two-try centre Sam Stott among those returning to the fold.

Loney added: “Having bodies back helps across the squad. We've used over 30 players in the first team and that impacts on the Hawks (the second XV) too.

“We were able to select from a squad close to full strength for the first time and it's no coincidence the Hawks had a big win too. Quality players were left out and we have the sort of selection headaches we want.”

Even so, it's good to have the option of a prop like Adam Lewis to come out of retirement when needed: “Adam is always happy to step in,” said Loney. “He hasn't played at this level for a while but he did unbelievably well on Saturday.”

Fylde have won three and drawn one of their last four but haven't made much impression on the four clubs above them as National Two North develops into a league of two halves.

“Hull Ionians are four points behind us but then there's a gap and that's league rugby,” says Loney. “It shows how tough it is, but if we can get it right and keep a strong squad, we should feel confident going into Christmas and beyond.”

Christmas means the derby with Preston Grasshoppers a week on Saturday and the question of whether the Woodlands pitch will be ready after last weekend's hammering.

“It's going to need some recovery,” says Loney, “but we've made a decision to give it the best chance. We'll scale back training on pitch and do everything we can to make sure the game is on.”

Before then Fylde visit N2N's other Lancashire club Rossendale this Saturday (2.15pm), the only opponents they are yet to face.

The first-time step-up to national level has been tricky for Rossendale, who have won only twice and lost their last eight.

But Loney warned: “If you pay too much attention to the league position you will fall short. Rossendale could have won more games and will think they should have won at Preston on Saturday.

“We went to Scunthorpe when they were having a difficult time and that was tough. So there will be no complacency but we'll go there with confidence knowing we can challenge anyone.”