Stalybridge Celtic v AFC Fylde
Saturday 8th April, 2017, k/o 3pm
Bower Fold
Vanarama National League North
The Coasters are hoping to take another huge step towards league glory on Saturday when they travel to relegation-threatened Stalybridge Town.
Fylde moved nine points clear at the top of the National League North last weekend following a sensational 4-1 victory over Darlington and Kidderminster Harriers’ home defeat against FC Halifax Town.
Sam Finley opened after just seven minutes with a stunning strike before Danny Rowe doubled the advantage on the hour-mark.
Darlington pulled one back through Gary Brown however Dan Bradley restored the cushion seconds later before Rowe sealed the result from the spot after Kevin Burgess had been dismissed for deliberate handball.
The Coasters now need just three wins from their final five games to guarantee promotion to the National League.
Stalybridge have endured a season of contrasting fortunes and look condemned to the drop. Celtic are 10 points adrift of safety, however two games in hand on the teams around them could give a glimmer of hope.
Despite winning just five of their previous 34 games, they earned an impressive 2-0 victory away Alfreton Town last time out. Scoring goals has been a real problem for Celtic and they have the lowest total in the division with just 30 in 35 games. Aiden Chippendale leads their goal charts with just four strikes.
In contrast, the Coasters have netted the highest number of goals in any of the top six divisions and are looking for their 100th league goal of the season this weekend.
Star striker Danny Rowe has his eyes set on a goal record of his own after bagging his 42nd league strike of the campaign against Darlington. The hitman is now just one goal short of equalling the league record set by Damien Reeves back in 2011-12.
Fylde’s last visit to Bower Fold, almost a year ago to the day, ended in a 1-1 draw. Former Coasters defender Matty Hughes’ scissor kick was cancelled out midway through the second half by Sam Finley’s leveller.
Team news:
Midfielder David Morgan will be pushing for a start after making a cameo appearance last time out against Darlington. James Hardy faces a fitness test after coming off at half-time last weekend with a back problem.
Fixtures:
Saturday 8th April
Altrincham v Brackley Town
Boston United v AFC Telford United
Bradford Park Avenue v FC United of Manchester
Darlington v Tamworth
FC Halifax Town v Alfreton Town
Gainsborough Trinity v Stockport County
Gloucester City v Kidderminster Harriers
Harrogate Town v Salford City
Nuneaton Town v Chorley
Stalybridge Celtic v AFC Fylde
Worcester City v Curzon Ashton
Tuesday 11th April
Stalybridge Celtic v Kidderminster Harriers
Recent form:
Stalybridge: W-D-L-L-D
Last result: Alfreton 0-2 Stalybridge
League position: 21st
AFC Fylde: W-L-D-D-W
Last result: AFC Fylde 4-1 Darlington
League position: 1st
Admission:
Adults £12
Concessions £7
