AFC Fylde Women return to league action on Sunday when Norton & Stockton Ancients are the visitors to Kellamergh Park.

This home clash with the Ancients takes place on Sunday 22nd September, with kick-off at 2.00 pm.

The Coasters are preparing for their third consecutive home game this Sunday as they resume their league campaign in the FAWNL Division One North.

Jake Williams and Steve Mainwaring are hoping that their Fylde team can complete a hat-trick of wins following back-to-back victories over the past fortnight. After defeating Stockport County Ladies 3-0 in their previous league outing, the Coasters followed it up with a 2-1 win against Chorley Women in the FAWNL Plate last weekend.

On that occasion, Fylde opened up a two-goal lead through Iszy Binks and Abi Duffell, before Nicola Worthington halved the deficit for Chorley in the closing minutes. The Coasters saw out the game to book their place in the First Round of the FAWNL Plate, in which they will travel to Telford to face Wolves Women at the end of September.

But before then, Fylde will be fully focused on this Sunday’s encounter with Norton & Stockton Ancients. It has been a tough start to the season for Chris Burton’s side after collecting just two points from their opening four games.

Having said that, the Ancients did well to hold Middlesbrough Women to a 1-1 scoreline in their opening home game, before earning a valuable point on the road with a 2-2 draw at Huddersfield Town Women.

Last time out, the Ancients needed extra-time to finally overcome Doncaster Rovers Belles in a thrilling 5-3 win in the FAWNL Plate. Bianca Owens bagged four goals for the Ambers, while debutant Annie Mitchell also got on the scoresheet in extra-time.

Both sides will be looking to build on their recent cup exploits when they go head-to-head at Kellamergh Park on Sunday. And the Coasters will have to produce another strong performance if they are to claim all three points on home soil.

Words by Scott Jones