AFC Fylde Women play their final home game of the season on Sunday with an exciting return to Mill Farm for the visit of Durham Cestria.

This penultimate fixture of the 2024/25 campaign will be held at Mill Farm on Sunday 13th April, with kick-off at 2.00 pm.

It promises to be a special occasion for the Club as the Women’s team make their long-awaited return to Mill Farm for the first time in three years. When they last played at this iconic stadium back in March 2022, Huddersfield Town Women were the visitors for a midweek clash under the lights in the third tier.

Fast-forward to this weekend, and the Coasters find themselves at a crucial point of the season as they battle to maintain their place in the fourth tier with only two games left to play. Backed by their home support, Danny Murphy’s side will be determined to secure the win and take the fight to the final day of the season.

Last time out, the Coasters were held to a 1-1 draw by Doncaster Rovers Belles in Retford. Fylde will have felt unfortunate not to take home all three points after a commanding display against their fellow strugglers. Holly Kelsh-Ridge dispatched a first-half penalty to put Fylde ahead, before Doncaster’s Jasmine Saxton levelled from the spot twenty minutes from time.

Looking ahead, Durham Cestria will be aiming for a strong finish to their campaign as they attempt to consolidate sixth place in the table. Michael Third’s side will be eager to bounce back from their last outing when they fell to a narrow 2-1 loss to Middlesbrough Women at Maiden Castle. Second-half goals from Jess Mett and Lauren Robson helped the Teessiders overcome their local rivals, despite a late consolation by Grace Collinson for the hosts.

When the two sides last met in November, the Coasters suffered a 4-0 defeat at the Graham Sports Centre in Durham. The Blues were too strong opponents that day as they established a three-goal cushion at the break, before grabbing a fourth in the closing stages. The final scoreline was an unfair reflection of Fylde’s overall performance, but the hosts certainly ran out deserved winners on that occasion.

As the two teams face off again this weekend, the Coasters will be looking to claim all the spoils this time around to keep alive their survival hopes. Supporters are encouraged to get down to Mill Farm and drive the team onto victory this Sunday.

Words by Scott Jones