AFC Fylde midfielder Dan Bradley believes his side possess the firepower to go all the way this season.

The Coasters moved nine points clear at the top of the National League North table following the 3-1 victory over FC United of Manchester, whilst also bringing their goal tally to an incredible 72 in just 24 league games.

Record-signing Bradley was on the scoresheet himself as the Coasters made it back-to-back wins in 2017 and insists that the squad is packed with quality attacking options.   

Bradley said: “When we were two-nil up at half-time, we probably expected to go back out there and see the game out comfortably, but that isn’t always the case.

“They got a goal back and it became a little frantic, but thankfully Matty (Hughes) came on and scored a great goal to give us some breathing space.

“That’s why we have a strong squad, so we have people on the bench that can come on and do that.

“It was a very good goal and everyone in the dressing room was buzzing for him. Dom (Collins) did the same last week – came into the team and did brilliantly. That’s what our squad is all about.

“The game could have probably gone either way at times but we have the firepower to see teams off and that’s why we are top of the league table.

“When it’s an open game and there is more space it suits me down to the ground and I guess my goal highlighted that.

“Rowey put a great ball over the top into space and it was just up to me to finish it and thankfully I did that.”

Fylde pulled further ahead of the chasing pack at the weekend after second-placed Kidderminster Harriers were thumped 3-0 by Salford City, but Bradley admits what happens elsewhere is simply a bonus.   

“I have to admit I checked the results as soon as we came in and they went quite well for us, but first and foremost we had to do our job. There’s no point becoming too concerned with what others are doing if you aren’t producing yourself.

“Other results going our way is just a bonus, but to be a further three points ahead is very promising.”

Due to Alfreton Town’s involvement in the FA Trophy, the Coasters have a free weekend ahead and Bradley is looking forward to a well-earned break.

“We have a two-week break now and it’s important that we keep our focus. Christmas is a tough period for any footballer and this now gives us a chance to recharge our batteries and maybe even get a weekend off!”