AFC Fylde manager Dave Challinor believes Saturday’s victory over fellow promotion hopefuls Harrogate Town has no bearing if the two side’s meet in the play-offs.

Fylde could well meet their Yorkshire rivals depending on results on the final day of the season but Challinor insists his side have no real psychological advantage.

“I don’t think the result at the weekend would give us an advantage over them really. I think they potentially left four players out of their team, whether that was through injury or something else I don’t know.

“If we played them in a semi-final, I’d expect Daniel, Turner, Ellis and Thirwell to play. Likewise, we’ve obviously got injuries ourselves. We’ll hopefully have a few players to bring back for the play-offs though.

“That would make both teams a whole lot stronger with more experience. For our perspective, I don’t think there’s a big advantage where you finish really. At the end of those two play-off games, you hope that the team that has played the best will win and it’s not decided by a refereeing decision or some luck. That’s all you can ask.

“We know what they entail as we’ve been through every emotion in the playoffs. I was looking back the other day and as a player and manager I’ve been involved in the playoffs maybe seven out of the last eight years.

“They’re a great way to get promoted but if you don’t win, there’s no worse way to end your season.  We’ve got to make sure that we’re the one team that has that thrill at the end.”

Whilst Challinor admits he would love to go into the play-offs on the back of a decent run form, the manager knows only too well that it doesn’t always count for much.

“Going off last year, it didn’t make much difference because we were two and a half months unbeaten last year heading into the play-offs. That took us one point behind Barrow and fifteen points clear of Guiseley, who ultimately beat us.

“They’re very unique games, they’re individual games even though they are two legged. I feel that there isn’t really an advantage home or away at this level. It’s not like we’re going to the Bernabeu to face 100,000 screaming fans. There will be many teams coming here that don’t have any fears.

“Hopefully the one fear is that our team is a strong side and that’s what you’ve got to do. We’ll embrace what happens, see who we play and try and win both games.”

The Coasters had Sam Finley, Josh Langley, Adam Sumner and Dom Collins missing at the weekend and Challinor is hoping the quartet of stars will be available next week.

“I hope so, but we’re not going to risk anyone. Adam has been out for a few weeks and we are unsure about Dom. He pulled out of training last week and whether he’s done any more damage I’m not too sure.

“We have our fingers crossed for Josh and Sam because they’re an important part of our squad and going into the playoffs with a full team to pick from is very important.”