Stockport County versus AFC Fylde is, no doubt, a fixture that both sets of supporters will have had an eye on following the Coasters’ late show at Edgeley Park back in February.
Alex Reid struck in the 89th minute to send AFC Fylde to the FA Trophy Final at Wembley Stadium; ecstasy for the Coasters, agony for the Hatters.
Amongst those in blue shirts that day was Scott Duxbury, the full-back who swapped Edgeley Park for Mill Farm in the summer following the expiration of his contract.
“Looking back, we were obviously gutted afterwards, being so close from playing at Wembley, so that was tough to take,” said Duxbury.
From the Coasters point of view, this was a strong platform to build on for the rest of the season, and despite missing out on promotion at the hands of Salford City, went on to lift The FA Trophy on 19th May.
With the summer came ins and outs, and the first through the door at Mill Farm was Duxbury, joining just two days after that Coasters victory at Wembley.
“Coming in to AFC Fylde, it’s been a different style of play, and as a result I’ve had to change aspects of my game, which can only be a positive,” said Duxbury.
“In terms of our performances, we’ve shown that we’re not a million miles away from where we want to be, and have been unfortunate not to take three points on a couple of occasions.”
“We deserved the point at Bromley, and were probably unlucky not to take all three,” said Duxbury.
“Going and playing on 3G and having a performance like that is really encouraging, and in fairness I think it suited our style of play, as we were able to play from the back.”
Returning to Edgeley Park
“There’s obviously going to be mixed emotions tonight, I don’t know what kind of reception I’ll get!” said Duxbury.
“I’m hoping for a decent one having been there for that many years and being part of the team that went up, but I’m not sure.”
Duxbury made 204 appearances for Stockport County in his four years with the club, and will no doubt be well placed in knowing both the strengths and weaknesses of Jim Gannon’s side.
“We’ve got to go there tonight and start brightly,” Duxbury says. “Stockport will look to come all guns blazing from the start, so if we can get through that first 20 minutes, get the ball down and create chances, then I think we can come away with all three points.
“I’m certain that, if we can pick up three points tonight, and then get another win against Yeovil, that we can really kick on.”
Tickets and Travel
For full ticketing information for tomorrow night’s clash, please click here.
Travel is available for just £15, departing Mill Farm at 5pm.
To book yours, click here.
Coverage
You can follow the game via Twitter as we provide regular updates, pre and post-match interviews and more.
There will be full match commentary on Coasters Live, which will start at 7.15pm, with a special guest summariser.
You can find commentary on mixlr.com/afcfylde
