Chris Beech’s men will be looking for back-to-back wins to kick off the 2024/25 National League campaign as we face a long trip down to Eastleigh on Saturday afternoon.
The first away clash of the season follows on from Fylde’s impressive opening day fixture against Solihull Moors in which a Nick Haughton’s hat-trick secured all three points.
It’s the first of two away trips with Beech’s men travelling to Oldham Athletic in midweek on Tuesday 20th August before returning to Mill Farm to face Maidenhead United.
The Opposing Dugout: Kelvin Davies
A well-known figure around the local parts, Kelvin Davies was appointed manager of Eastleigh in mid-February before signing a new three-year deal following the conclusion of the 23/24 season.
A well-respected goalkeeper during his playing days, Davies came through the academy at Luton Town before making nearly 100 appearances for the Hatters.
Just before the turn of the century, Davies moved to Wimbledon before spells with Ipswich Town and Sunderland.
But after a stint up North, Davies returned south where he spent the remainder of his playing career at Southampton, making over 250 appearances for the Saints. He was team captain from 2009 to 2012 before being made club captain and going on to work as part of the support staff following the resignation of Eric Black.
Since leaving St Marys in 2022, Davies took permanent charge of Eastleigh in February, leading the Spitfires to a 13th-placed finish.
One to watch: Paul McCallum
Last season’s leading goalscorer in the National League, McCallum hit 35 goals last campaign, leaving his record at 70 goals in 111 appearances for the Spitfires at the end of last campaign.
A fine finisher who can score all types of goals, McCallum has had plenty of experience though loan spells after joining West Ham United in 2011.
After loan spells with the likes of Rochdale, Wimbledon, Heart of Midlothian and Portsmouth, McCallum joined Leyton Orient on a permanent basis before joining Eastleigh in his first spell at the Spitfires.
An impressive return with more than a goal every two games led to a permanent move to Dagenham & Redbridge before returning back to Eastleigh at the beginning of last season.
A phenomenal season followed with the England C international winning the National League’s Golden boot award, Eastleigh’s Player of the Year award, and the Player of the Month award for December where he averages a goal every 82 minutes across the month.
The 31-year-old has already got off the mark with a goal on the opening day as Eastleigh ran out 2-0 winners away at Maidenhead.
Tickets:
Tickets in the South Stand are available online only and whilst pay on the day is available, this process will still need to be completed online and there is a price increase of £3 if the ticket is purchased on Saturday.
Turnstiles will open at 1:30pm and tickets are priced at:
Adults (21-64): £19.00
Concessions (65+) & Students (17-20): £13.50
Juniors (7-16): £6.00
Child (Under 7): £3.00
Supporters are urged to purchase their tickets in advance of the game and can purchase HERE.
Strip:
The Coasters will be wearing their white home kit ahead of the trip to the Silverlake Stadium.
Match Coverage:
Unfortunately, there will be no audio coverage available for this fixture, but you will still be able to keep up to date with what’s going on at the Silverlake Stadium via our social media channels which provide minute-by-minute updates on the game’s events as well as a match report soon after the final whistle.
X: @AFCFylde
Facebook: @AFCFyldeOfficial
Instagram: @afc_fylde
