AFC Fylde captain Sam Finley believes Macclesfield Town were in the wrong place at the wrong time as the Coasters hit the National League leaders for six.

Fylde continued their fantastic start to the new year with a ruthless display against the pace-setters to move within two points of the play-offs with a game in hand.

Finley helped himself to two goals during the six-goal rout and insists a mauling was on the cards.

“It was brilliant,” said Finley. “I thought everyone right across the pitch was brilliant.” 

“We wanted to press from the off and not give them any time in the first 20 minutes and we did that fantastically well.

“Macclesfield are a good side and top of the league for a reason. They like to play football, much like ourselves, but we didn’t let them do that. We worked hard for each other and got what we deserved. 

“We thought they might come out after the break and try to get one back and we knew if we could weather any storm that they threw at us then we would be fine. We did that well, continued to play, got a couple more goals and killed the game off.

“To be honest, we never expected to win by six but it had been coming and we were going to punish someone. We have been playing well recently and winning by one or two and someone was going to get it. Unfortunately for Macclesfield, they were on the receiving end.”

Macclesfield headed into the game unbeaten in 11 league outings, having conceded just six goals in their last eight games, however it was Fylde’s attacking play that impressed Finley most … including his own goalscoring exploits.

Finley added: “Our attacking play was brilliant but, again, so was every aspect of our game, right from Jay in goal to the back four and right the way up the pitch.

“I can claim the first goal was a screamer to those who haven’t seen it! But it was nice to get a couple of different types of goals.

“I haven’t been getting into the box much this season because I’d rather play and assist goals than get in there and score.

“But I found myself in there and one dropped to me so I’m made up.

“We do rely on Rowey at times to stick the goals away, but we proved that we aren’t just a one-man team. He will be a little disappointed not to be on the scoresheet, although he still played very well.

“The defence will also be happy with a little clean sheet bonus!”

The Coasters complete a run of four consecutive home games tomorrow night against Maidstone United – a game abandoned back in October due to torrential rain with Fylde leading 2-1 – and Finley wants more of the same.

“The gaffer said after the game on Saturday that we need to do do exactly the same against Maidstone. 

“It is a different game against different opposition but we need to run all over them in the first 20 minutes again and see how we get on.”