Fylde striker won't settle for 30 goals

After a lean spell in the National League North, the Coasters have climbed to third with home victories against Boston and Corby.

Rowe failed to find the back net in Saturday’s 5-2 victory over the Pilgrims but he then scored both Fylde’s goals to see off the basement club.

The 27-year-old’s second on Tuesday was his 30th of the season and Rowe insists he hasn’t finished there.

“They were two very good striker’s goals from me,” said Rowe, who recently signed a new contract. “The first was just a tap-in and the second was a rebound, but I don’t mind how they come.

“I was delighted to reach 30, and I want to kick on and score as many as possible now.

“I thought we were very comfortable until the last 10-15 minutes and we looked to have put it out of sight at 2-0.

“We conceded late on and they piled on the pressure, but I never thought we would come away with anything less than three points.

“We created a lot of chances, Richie (Baker) and myself had a few early on. Their keeper made some very good saves but there were some bad misses in there too. The goal was coming and thankfully it arrived just before half-time. We weren’t quite as dominant in the second half but it’s another three points.

“We went through a bit of a bad patch but are back to winning ways after two on the bounce. We want to catch the teams above us, but if we can’t we have to make sure we finish in the play-offs.”

Manager Dave Challinor was full of praise for his prolific frontman. The Coasters boss joked: “I said to Rowey before the game on Tuesday that he was due one!

“The way things had gone in the first half, his first goal looked a little more difficult than it was, even though it was an open goal. I just wanted it to hit him and get over the line l.

“He has been our talisman in terms of scoring goals this season and 30 is a wonderful return at this stage.

“It was good for a few of the other lads to pitch in on Saturday. If we can continue that, plus have Rowey still scoring for fun, that’s hopefully a recipe for success.”

DANIEL AGNEW