Langley targets shutout hat-trick for Fylde at Stalybridge

Fylde were held to a frustrating goalless draw at struggling Brackley Town on Saturday – a stark contrast to the 4-0 demolition of Stockport County on Easter Monday.

However, Langley is delighted with the form of his backline and hopes to continue that at Stalybridge Celtic tonight.

Langley said: “I thought we did very well as a back four at the weekend and to keep a clean sheet, which is always pleasing.

“We struggled a bit going forward but the pitch wasn’t the best, so we had to really dig in at the back and thankfully we kept them out.

“Sam (Finley) had a great chance of going through on goal towards the end and the ball bobbled over his foot, which pretty much summed up our performance.

“Danny Rowe had a couple of chances, when he could maybe have got a shot away a bit sooner. He usually does that and it usually goes in the net but it wasn’t to be. But we picked up a point and now we move on to Stalybridge.”

Langley and central defensive partner Tom Hannigan are rediscovering last season’s form, having both missed part of the current campaign injured.

The former Wigan player added: “We kept a lot of clean sheets last season and tonight we’re hoping for three in a row. If we can do that, it gives the lads up front a great chance to win us the game. Hopefully we can put one away this time.”

“Tom and I are definitely settling back together after a stop-start season for both of us. We work well together and it’s pleasing to be starting to get back to where we were.”

Tonight’s fixture at Bower Fold was rearranged after the original mid-February clash was abandoned due to a waterlogged pitch after 12 minutes.

Fylde won their last encounter 5-0 and Langley said: “We know what we are getting from Stalybridge. They like to get the ball forward quickly and they are a big side, but they have decent players too.

“It’s our job to keep them quiet and extend our unbeaten run further still.”

That run stands at seven games but hasn’t prevented Solihull Moors stretching their lead in Vanarama National North to 14 points. Victory tonight would lift Fylde into second spot, three points clear of North Ferriby.