After the weekend’s disappointment in missing out at promotion to the Football League, Fylde manager Dave Challinor is in defiant mood to end the season on a high.
The Ammies ran out 3-0 winners against the Coasters at Wembley Stadium, on an afternoon where the ‘Class of 92’ watched on as they completed back-to-back promotions.
But rather than dwell on the result, Coaster boss Dave Challinor has stressed the importance of moving on and grasping the opportunity against Leyton Orient in the Buildbase FA Trophy on Sunday.
“It was important after the last game we made it as light-hearted as possible, and we came back and enjoyed the evening, as they’d earned it,” said Challinor.
“The worst thing you can do is sit and be unhappy and dour – you have to learn from it, and you have to move on, and we have a big chance to do it this Sunday.”
Over 4,000 AFC Fylde fans are expected to make the trip to the capital and hope to see their side become the first to win both the FA Vase and the FA Trophy.
“It’s not a nice place to be on the wrong side of a result, but it’s an experience we’ve all learned from, and hopefully this Sunday gives us a chance in a familiar environment to right the wrongs.”
“Now is not a time to reflect analytically, but some people didn’t perform on the day, and in my opinion, we didn’t take enough responsibility.”
“You’ve got to do the basics well, defend set-pieces for example, which we didn’t do, and we paid the price,” said Challinor.
May couldn’t have been too different for Champions Leyton Orient, who last played a competitive game on the 27th April, clinching the title at home to Braintree Town.
“I’d love to have had three weeks off holding a trophy, and I know they’ve been away after speaking to their manager.”
“But they’ll have been professional and prepared, and will be ready for them to try and make their own piece of history.”
Having walked his side out at Wembley, and taken them one step from the Football League, Dave Challinor is adamant that this is another season to look back on with pride.
“Regardless of what happens on Sunday, it’s been a successful season, and we’ve improved again on our standing.”
“It’s not the be all and end all if we don’t win, but to sign off the season, after walking up those steps and holding the trophy, would be massive,” said Challinor.
Tickets
Tickets for the Buildbase FA Trophy final remain on sale, with the best value options being the special Wembley packages including ticket and travel.
