.png)
The Bulls were beaten 4-1 at Edgar Street after a disjointed first-half display left them with too much to do, despite an improved showing after the break.
With five games in 12 days, Downes made six changes to his side and confirmed more rotation will follow ahead of the trip to Alfreton which is a relegation six-pointer.
“There’ll be more changes against Alfreton from the team that started tonight,” he said, with the Reds five points behind Hereford.
“That’s the nature of the beast when you’re playing two games in two days.”
After the trip on Thursday, the Bulls then travel to Macclesfield before returning home to play Spennymoor Town, Buxton and Macclesfield.
Despite the result under the floodlights at Edgar Street on Tuesday, the Hereford boss insisted both the defeat and the upcoming clash in Derbyshire must be kept in perspective.
“There's a long way to go," he told the media after the game. "I’ve said to the players, tonight won’t define our season.
"Thursday won't necessarily define our season but we have to make sure that we learn from tonight, move on and approach Thursday night positive and go up there and give a good account of ourselves."
Despite the disappointing scoreline in what is the second defeat of Downes's eight-game reign, he was keen to highlight the reaction after the interval, as his side played with more energy and intent.
"Really proud of the boys in the second half because we were ever so bright and energetic and showed a real good reaction.
"They [Fylde] were clinical, don't get me wrong, in the first half definitely. They're a good side and credit to them and I'm sure they're going to have a good season, but from our point of view, really proud of the boys second half because they tried ever so hard and they didn't stop.
"They got the rewards with the goal."
It was Harrison Sohna’s late strike that ensured the Bulls had something to show for their efforts, and Downes felt better decision-making might have led to further goals.