AFC Fylde rising star James Hardy believes regular match action is working wonders for his development at the club.

The former Manchester City youngster netted twice in the thrilling 3-3 draw against Kidderminster Harriers at the weekend as Fylde extended their unbeaten start to the league season to an extraordinary thirteen games.

Hardy has already surpassed his goal tally from last season by early October and currently has five strikes to his name after an electric start to the campaign.

The Coasters are now four points clear at the top of the National League North table and Hardy, who has attracted much attention over the opening two months of the season, is delighted with the start he has made.   

Hardy said: “It was great to score two goals. They were important goals too, firstly to equalise and then put us ahead. It’s just a shame that we couldn’t hold on for the win.

“It wasn’t until three games in when I got my first start of the season and I’ve played every game since so I’m delighted with how things are going. I feel like I’m improving with every game and getting fitter all the time.

“Now I am adding a few more goals to my game too. That is something that has perhaps been missing and it’s something that I have always wanted to add and I have worked hard to do that.

“I think that it is coming naturally now that I am getting consistent game time. You get used to finding space and getting yourself into the right positions to score.”

Whilst admitting his disappointment at not claiming all three points at the Aggborough Stadium on Saturday, the young midfielder believes it could be yet prove to be an important point.

Second-placed Harrogate Town suffered defeat at the weekend, whilst promotion hopefuls Darlington and Salford City also dropped points as the Coasters pulled further clear.

“Obviously when you concede in the last five minutes it is frustrating and it was a bit of a kick in the teeth for us when we had managed to fight back and get ourselves into the lead.

“In the end a draw was probably a fair result. Kidderminster are going to be right up there this season so to avoid defeat at a difficult place like that was important.

“It would have been even better to nick the points, but having seen the other results, a point doesn’t look too bad at all.”