AFC Fylde forward MATTY BLINKHORN spoke to JACK CONNOR after the 1-1 draw away at Nantwich in which he started the game and played his first significant amount of minutes for the first team this pre-season.

Fylde have come away from here with a 1-1 draw. How do you think the team and yourself personally performed today?

I thought we’ve done alright on a long pitch that didn’t really help us with the way we play. Obviously for me it’s all about getting minutes in my legs after being out for so long last season and it’s about keeping my back in tact too. I didn’t really get many chances to score but my all round play was okay.

You missed a lot of last season through injury and didn’t score a goal for The Coasters. What are you doing away from the pitch to make sure that you’re getting back to full fitness and back amongst the goals?

I’ve been doing a lot of stretching to keep my back as loose as it can be and I feel great at the moment so I’d like to get as many minutes under my belt as I can. I just need to try to keep my fitness up and I’ll be challenging for a starting place.

Danny Rowe had a great season last season and looks impressive so far, so what are you trying to do to dislodge him from the starting eleven and put yourself back in?

It’s always good to have competition and as long as were scoring goals and winning, that’s all the matters. I know the situation and I’ll bide my time until I get a chance and when I do I know I’ll perform and take my chance. For the moment it’s all about getting minutes and eventually the chances will fall my way and as a striker you don’t lose your instinct. I feel good and I’m looking forward to the next few weeks and getting as much game time as possible.

Do you have any personal goals or targets for the season ahead?

To stay fit would be good. As long as I stay fit and I’m challenging for places and getting some game time then I’ll be happy. Obviously goals will come at some point but I need to keep myself fit to start with.

The next pre-season game at home is on Wednesday July 29^th against Bolton Wanderers at Kellamergh Park. Kick-off is 7.30pm, with tickets priced at £8 adults, £5 concessions and free to all U16’s.