AFC Fylde manager Dave Challinor has demanded a response from his side this weekend when promotion-hopefuls Darlington come to town.

The Coasters slipped to their fifth defeat of the campaign last time out at Nuneaton Town and saw their lead at the top of the National League North cut to six points.

Fylde have responded with positive results after their previous four disappointments and Challinor is looking for a similar reaction on Saturday.

Challinor said: “We trained on Sunday after the game and went through the game. Some of the lads then played in development game on Monday night but beyond that we have just trained normally.

“We have always responded after we have lost this season and we will look to do that again on Saturday. We are still in a great position and looking to get maximum points against Darlington.

“We have watched them recently and we know from the game at their place earlier in the season that it will be tough. They like to get the ball forward quickly and they will be a threat with Mark Beck up top but they also have very good delivery from set pieces.

“They are on a decent run and they still have everything to play for as they look to consolidate their place in the play-offs.

“At the same time I am after a reaction from our lads. Darlington will be coming to us knowing that they have a challenge ahead too and hopefully that is the case.

“I’ve love to be miles ahead at the top but we are where we are. We are top, we are still clear and although Kidderminster still have a game in hand, we have the points on the board and a better goal difference so we continue to concentrate on ourselves. 

“Around Christmas time we had a total that we wanted to get to as quickly as possible and that’s still the case.

“Where you are at Christmas or where we are now makes no difference, ultimately it’s where you are on April 29^th that matters. Our focus is to make sure we are still top come 5pm on that date.”