ADAM HINSHELWOOD is not anticipating an easy ride when York City host AFC Fylde at the LNER Community Stadium on Saturday
The York manager believes Fylde are comparable to Wealdstone, whom City overcame 2-0 last Saturday, in need of a win to regain momentum after a dismal start to the Vanarama National League season.
Fylde won 3-2 over Solihull Moors on the opening day thanks to a Nick Haughton hat-trick, but Chris Beech’s Coasters have lost every game since, sitting on five points and in 22nd place.
Hinshelwood remarked that his players must perform at a high level and not become complacent against a Fylde side that is now lacking confidence.
“They’ve had very tight games, I think that it was 4-3 against Yeovil in the last one,” Hinshelwood told me.
“They play pretty good football and score goals, similar to Wealdstone.
“They’re similar to Wealdstone in that they’re all extremely close games, and they’ll be seeking for that one result to kickstart their season a little bit.
“I am sure they will want to do that on Saturday.
“They are very close to turning things around, but they may just need one result to go their way in order to gain momentum and confidence.
“We discovered that ourselves last year; we struggled to earn up points at first when I arrived, but we eventually gained momentum.
“Boston has done it and achieved higher outcomes; Fylde will be aiming for the same.
“For anything to alter, perhaps a little luck with a decision or whatever the case may be.
“They aren’t far from having a terrific run themselves.
“I’m confident they’ll be doing their part as well, especially after surrendering four at home.
“We may see a team come here and focus more on their defensive structure.
“We only control what we can control; that is our game, and we must maintain a certain level of performance.
“We believe it has slipped somewhat below that in the last two home games, but we have gotten the ball into some excellent places and created some opportunities.
“We’ve played some excellent stuff in that as well, but we want to be better because there are obviously elements of our game that can be improved.
“The pleasing thing is that we have shown the players certain parts of our game that we want to improve, and they have definitely put that into practice.”
Hinshelwood also discussed the talent of Haughton, who has been a star player in the National League for years, but noted that he would not be focussing primarily on one player.
The midfielder is just one of many’very talented players’ for the Coasters, who impressed Hinshelwood with their performance against Fylde last season.
Hinshelwood admitted, “He is a really excellent player, but they have a few very good players to be honest.
“I was quite impressed when they came to play here; I thought their wide players were great, and their centre midfield was good and strong.
“I say it every time, and I know it seems repetitive, but you have to be on your game.
“Each team that comes here has got enough in their armoury to hurt you, and Fylde certainly have.”
About The Author
