AFC Fylde star striker Danny Rowe believes that his side can put pressure on the top clubs in the National League next season.

The Coasters were crowned champions of the National League North last month and look forward to a first season in the top tier of non-league football.

Whilst admitting it will be a big step up for his side, 50-goal man Rowe insists the Coasters will not settle for simply ‘staying up’.

Rowe said: “Of course next season will be a step up but I see that as a positive because players have to step up too. It is a much tougher league with bigger clubs and bigger budgets. It will be completely different to what we are used to.

“I’m not sure exactly what to expect or what our realistic expectations should be. It still depends on the kind of signings we make over the summer.

“However, the club is going in the right direction and I have no doubt that the aim will be to finish as high as possible and try to put pressure on the play-off places.

“I’m not saying we are going to go and win the league but we aren’t going up to just stay up. We want to have a go and see what happens.”