Ahead of tomorrow’s trip to Nantwich Town in the Emirates FA Cup, AFC Fylde Manager Jim Bentley has expressed just how big an occasion the competition is for both sides.
Having been appointed on Monday 28th October, Jim Bentley and his backroom team have had their first full week of working with the squad – and things are progressing well.
“Last week we did some bits defensively, which worked well in terms of the clean sheet on Saturday, and we’ve started working on the offensive areas now,” said Bentley.
“It’s important we don’t bombard the players with lots of information early doors, but we’ve looked at what we can improve from the Dover game,” he continued.
“Ultimately, we want to be winning games and need to learn different ways and formations to do that, and so far the players’ have been great in terms of attitude and application.”
The two games so far have seen two draws, first away at Maidenhead United, before a stalemate at home to Dover – but Bentley believes the Coasters should have had more than the points return suggests.
“I believe we should have won at Maidenhead, where we’ve had the better possession and the better chances,” he said.
“I think it was the same against Dover, after a great save from Monty, we’ve had the better chances, and we could have had six points.”
“It’s a welcome distraction now though, and a game we’re all really looking forward to. It’s an opportunity for us to go and win, we want to win every game, that’s what it’s all about.”
Nantwich Town overcame high-flying Kings Lynn in the last round, a side who currently sit second in the Vanarama National League North.
Whilst the Dabbers sit 10th in the Northern Premier League, a couple of wins in their games in hand would take them comfortably into the playoffs, so the Coasters face a side full of confidence.
“Nantwich have done well, they’ve got good players, exciting prospects, a bit of aggression; they’re a nicely balanced side, and have done well to get where they are – so it’s a really big game for both clubs.”
“It’s a great competition to be involved in, and although I think it gets disrespected by the bigger clubs, this gives us the chance to get that exposure, and if you can get to the Third Round, the big boys come in, and you get the chance to pit your wits against the best teams in the world.”
“The FA Cup always throws up tough games, that’s what it’s all about – there’ll be giant killers, and upsets, so we just need to make sure we aren’t one of them,” said Bentley.
Joining the Coasters at Nantwich tomorrow? Read all you need to know about ticketing and travel here.
