Wow, what an amazing season it has been in our first year in the Conference North. We might have missed out on the title and promotion, but it’s been a memorable season for everyone connected with the club. Let’s look back on an amazing 2014-15 campaign game by game. 

 

August started off in spectacular fashion with a 4-0 demolition of Brackley Town. Michael Potts gained the distinction of scoring the Coasters’ first goal of the season, with memorable goals from Richie Allen and Danny Lloyd. However in the next game, a mid week trip to Stalybridge Celtic ended in a 3-0 defeat, despite Fylde having the better of the game, with a second away defeat at Lowestoft just four days later. A goalless draw at home with league leaders Guiseley was followed by a 5-0 hammering of Colwyn Bay on August Bank Holiday Monday, which provided a turning point in the Coasters’ season and started a run of nine consecutive league victories. A 3-1 victory at home to Hednesford Town brought August to a close.

 

 

The first game of September saw the Coasters send a strong message to the rest of the division. An 8-1 annihilation of Oxford City which saw braces for Richie Allen, Danny Rowe and Michael Barnes and a 6-1 half time scoreline. A narrow 2-1 win over Bradford Park Avenue saw three terrific goals scored. An unstoppable header from Liam Tomsett opened the scoring before a stunning volley from Scott Kerr saw the Yorkshire side level. Danny Rowe’s volley from Michael Barnes’ cross sealed victory and lifted the Coasters into the top three. Tom Hannigan’s brace at Gloucester City brought another three points before an emphatic 4-0 home victory over Worcester City, which saw Fylde go top of the table confirmed that they were genuine title contenders. Next up was FA Cup action with another two games with Bradford Park Avenue. Progression to the next round was confirmed thanks to a replay win in extra time at Kellamergh Park after a 2-2 draw at the Horsfall Stadium, with Buxton drawn as opponents in the next qualifying round. 

 

North Ferriby United provided Fylde’s first opponents in October. A Danny Rowe goal just before half time edged the game against a North Ferriby side who provided stern opposition. An impressive mid week away victory at Tamworth saw the Coasters cement their position at the top of the table and saw Danny Lloyd score one of the goals of the season, an unstoppable half volley from 25 yards. A narrow 1-0 win at home to Evo Stik Premier side Buxton meant that just one more victory would see AFC Fylde progress to the First Round for only the second time in their history. A 2-1 victory over Gainsborough Trinity  preceded arguably the best game of the 2014-15 season. A thrilling 4-3 win at Kings Lynn Town saw the Coasters’ progress to the FA Cup First Round. A Richie Allen hat-trick inspired the victory with another great goal from Michael Potts sandwiched in between Allen’s first and second strikes. A late Kings Lynn  fightback wasn’t enough and the win set up an unforgettable First Round tie at Plymouth Argyle.

 

November saw the Coasters’ struggle compared to their early season exploits. A first league defeat in ten games at Boston United wasn’t great preparation for their FA Cup game at Plymouth. However their trip to Home Park saw Fylde impress and match their Football League opponents for long periods of the game. Argyle keeper Luke McCormick kept out efforts from Michael Barnes,Danny Lloyd and Richie Allen whilst two defensive errors saw Plymouth over the line with a 2-0 victory. Despite the scoreline, the Plymouth players,fans and staff acknowledged that the Coasters’ had given them a very good game and were terrific and accommodating hosts. A shock penalty shoot-out defeat at home to Holker Old Boys saw their defence of their Lancashire FA Trophy end early on. Next up was a trip to Humberside to face a stubborn North Ferriby United side. The game was closely fought and the 1-1 draw was a fair reflection on the game, Liam Tomsett’s early second half opener being cancelled out by Nathan Jarman’s header. A crowd of nearly 1,000 saw Fylde play out a 0-0 draw with former Football League side Stockport County, a further reminder of the great strides the club has made over the years. The Coasters did at least end November with a victory, an entertaining 3-2 victory at home to Hednesford Town in the FA Trophy. 

 

 

 

Another goalless draw with Stockport, this time at Edgeley Park was the last time the Coasters would drop points until the end of January. Consecutive 3-0 wins over Stalybridge Celtic in league action and Gainsborough Trinity in the FA Trophy were followed by a confident 3-1 win at home to Leamington and a comfortable 2-0 win at Brackley Town. Next up came a victory which would change the Coasters’ season. A dramatic 3-2 win against title rivals Barrow on Boxing Day saw the biggest crowd of the season at Kellamergh Park, with nearly 1,300 in attendance. Richie Allen’s penalty with 10 minutes to go saw Fylde come out on top in a game which could have gone either way. Fylde ended the calendar year with 14 wins, 4 draws and just 3 defeats in 21 games, earning 46 points. 

 

 

 

 

Part Two will be available on 20/05/15