AFC Fylde top scorer Danny Rowe believes his side have a difficult task ahead to catch up with National League North table-toppers Solihull Moors.
Whilst both clubs were beaten this weekend by Alfreton Town and Tamworth respectively, Moors are are now 13 points ahead of the sixth placed Coasters as we head into the final two months of the season, although we have two games in hand.
Fylde have struggled at home this term and Rowe hopes they can start to recapture their early season form away from Kellamergh Park tonight at Nuneaton Town.
“I thought we were very good in the first half against Alfreton and we only went behind because of a silly mistake,” said Rowe. “It was disappointing because we were on the front foot and we were the better side. Sam (Finley) hit the bar twice but we probably lacked a clinical nature in the final third.
“Although we were on top, we didn’t create enough chances and that speak volumes at the moment. We really dropped off in the second half and we never really looked like getting back into the match.
“We haven’t been as free-scoring as we were last season when goals were coming from all over the pitch. It has been more stop-start this season. We had a good run earlier in the campaign, but to be honest we have lacked any real consistency throughout the season.
“It would have been difficult to catch up with the league leaders before the game and it’s even more difficult now. But promotion is still our aim and we just have to hope that other results go our way. We would need Solihull to drop a lot of points so I think we would be happy with a place in the play-offs now. I think we deserve our spot in there and I can’t see four other teams taking those places over us.
“We have a busy spell now and that gives us a chance to pick up lots of points in a short space of time. However, it’s one thing saying that there are points up for grabs but we have lost back-to-back games now and if we carry on like that then it could work the other way and we could fall further behind.
“We desperately need to start winning games consistently to make sure we are in those top positions at the end of the season.
Rowe has enjoyed a sensational goal return up to now having notched 27 goals in all competitions, but confessed his frustration at a lack of service during a sticky spell for the Coasters.
“I think my personal form recently has been very similar to the team as a whole, very up and down. My position relies a lot on the service I get. I have scored quite a few this season, but in games like that at the weekend when things aren’t going your way you don’t get as much service. I think I’ve had a good season up to now but I’m disappointed after every game that I don’t score in or that we don’t win.
“Hopefully I can get back amongst the goals tonight – it’s a must-win game for us. I’d like to think I’ll score and I’d like to think we’ll win, but we will need to do something different from the weekend.”