AFC Fylde v Stockport County
Tuesday 21st March, 2017, k/o 7:45pm
Mill Farm
Vanarama National League North
The Coasters’ 2-2 draw against Kidderminster on Saturday brought about one of the most thrilling games of the season so far.
The visitors raced into a two-goal first-half lead as they looked to cut the Coasters’ huge 11 point lead at the top of the league table.
Dan Bradley pulled a goal back inside the final ten minutes to give the hosts hope and following three red cards in the dying moments, hero of the hour Matt Blinkhorn guided a fabulous header into the corner of the goal to secure a crucial point. Blinkhorn’s late show was his first league goal of the season – and what a time to get it!
Despite dropping points, the result maintains Fylde’s 11 point advantage after fellow promotion hopefuls Chorley and Halifax were beaten whilst Salford and tomorrow’s opponents Stockport shared the spoils in their game.
Stockport slipped out of the play-off places following their 1-1 draw at Salford. Darlington were the side to replace them in fifth position after their 1-0 victory over Brackley Town.
The Hatters boast a couple of familiar faces in their ranks in the shape of goalkeeper Ben Hinchliffe and winger Danny Lloyd. The latter has been in fine form this term, netting 16 goals in the league.
Blinkhorn’s strike at the weekend may have been late, but the latest goal of the season so far came in the reverse fixture against Stockport back in September.
The Coasters lead the game at Edgeley Park through Bradley before Stockport levelled three minutes into stoppage time. However, there was still time for one more twist as Danny Rowe stepped up to fire a sensational free-kick into the top corner from 30 yards in the 98th minute.
Team news:
Midfielder James Hardy made his eagerly-anticipated return to the squad at the weekend, making his first appearance since January, and is likely to be involved again tomorrow. Midfielder David Morgan faces a late fitness test ahead of the game whilst captain Josh Langley continues his rehab after a groin operation.
NLN fixtures:
Tomorrow
AFC Fylde v Stockport County
Alfreton Town v Boston United
Altrincham v Nuneaton Town
FC Halifax Town v Gainsborough Trinity
Salford City v Chorley
Stalybridge Celtic v Harrogate Town
Tamworth v Kidderminster Harriers
Worcester City v Brackley Town
Wednesday
Darlington v Bradford Park Avenue
Recent form:
Stockport: D-W-D-L-W
Last result: Salford 1-1 Stockport
League position: 6th
AFC Fylde: D-W-D-W-W
Last result: AFC Fylde 2-2 Kidderminster
League position: 1st
Admission:
Seating: £15
Standing: £12, Under 16s FREE (with membership)
