Brackley Town v AFC Fylde

Saturday 18th February, 2017, k/o 3pm

St. James Park

Vanarama National League North

AFC Fylde go head-to-head with Brackley Town on Saturday for the fourth time this season.

The Coasters hosted Brackley for the first ever game at Mill Farm on the 13th August last year as Steve Williams netted a late equaliser to earn a 1-1 draw.

The two sides were then drawn against each other in the FA Trophy and after another 1-1 stalemate, Brackley ran out 4-0 winners in the replay.

On the league front, although Fylde are without a win in two, Dave Challinor’s side still lead the pack by seven points, however Kidderminster Harriers, who face a tough trip to Chorley this weekend, currently sit in second place with two games in hand.

The Coasters were held to a frustrating 1-1 home draw last time out against AFC Telford United. Dan Bradley opening the scoring for the hosts before Bucks debutant Lee Hughes levelled the scores to claim a point.

Midfielder Bradley now has eight goals in 16 starts since joining the Coasters for a record fee from Alfreton Town in September.

Success on the cup front appears to have taken a toll on Brackley’s league form of late, leaving the Saints without a NLN victory since Boxing Day. Indeed, they have only taken three points from a possible 18 in their six games since the festive victory over Gloucester City.

James Armson and Steve Diggin, who both scored that day in a 3-0 win, are Brackley’s top scorers with seven and eight goals respectively.

Interestingly, Brackley have picked up exactly as many points at home as the have on their travels this season (21), leaving them on 42 points.

The Saints currently have three games in hand and sit nine outside the play-off places. 

Team news:
Defenders Dom Collins and Steve Williams both missed the visit of Telford, although Williams returned to training this week and could be in line for a return to the squad. Captain Josh Langley was forced off with a groin injury and will face a late fitness test. James Hardy has a similar injury and may not make the trip. Fellow midfielder Sam Finley returned to training this week but is unlikely to feature for another month. 

Fixtures:
Saturday
AFC Telford United v Tamworth
Altrincham v Harrogate Town
Boston United v Darlington
Brackley Town v AFC Fylde
Chorley v Kidderminster Harriers
Curzon Ashton v Alfreton Town
Gainsborough Trinity v Gloucester City
Nuneaton Town v Bradford Park Avenue
Salford City v Stalybridge Celtic
Stockport County v FC United of Manchester
Worcester City v FC Halifax Town

Recent form:
Brackley Town: D-L-L-D-D
Last result: Alfreton Town 0-0 Brackley Town
League position: 11th

AFC Fylde: D-L-W-W-L
Last result: AFC Fylde 1-1 AFC Telford United
League position: 1st

Admission:
Adults: £12
OAP and Students: £6
U18s: £1
Family Ticket (2 Adults, 3 U18s): £25