AFC Fylde v Gainsborough Trinity

Saturday 24th September, 2016, k/o 3pm

Mill Farm

Vanarama National League North

AFC Fylde will be aiming cement their place at the top of the National League North table when they entertain Gainsborough Trinity at the weekend.

The Coasters are currently top of the pile on goal difference with a game in hand on the chasing pack. Harrogate Town sit level on 24 points whilst Kidderminster Harriers and Darlington are just a point behind.

Despite exiting the FA Cup last weekend at Alfreton, Fylde have been on a tremendous run of form and are unbeaten after 10 games in the league.

Last time out in the league, Dave Challinor’s side overcame FC United of Manchester 3-2 despite playing for half the match with 10 men following Sam Finley’s dismissal.

The Coasters bolstered their ranks this week with the addition of Alfreton Town forward Dan Bradley, who could be in line to make his debut this weekend. 

Gainsborough have struggled on the road so far this season picking up just one point from a possible 15. However, their home form of late has been impressive and after back-to-back victories over Telford United and Halifax Town, they sit in 14th position in the table with 12 points.

Fylde shared the spoils with Gainsborough in a 2-2 draw in the corresponding fixture last season at Kellamergh Park before sealing a 2-0 victory away from home in January.

Manager’s view, Dave Challinor:

“People will see a team that are struggling coming up against a team that are top of the league to be a forgone conclusion but we won’t be approaching the game like that.

“Gainsborough have had some decent results against good sides but they have lost other games that they would have hoped to have got something from.”

“We expect them to be resolute and organised but if we play like we know we can then we will cause most teams problems. We are at home and we are certainly looking to win the game.”

Team news:
Goalkeeper Rhys Taylor has resumed light training, whilst winger Brendon Daniels is also close. Both are likely to be available in around a fortnight. Midfielder Sam Finley is serving the second game of a three-match suspension whilst new boy Dan Bradley could feature.

NLN fixtures
Saturday:
AFC Fylde v Gainsborough Trinity
Telford v Chorley
Alfreton v Kidderminster
Altrincham v Boston United
Curzon Ashton v Stockport
Darlington v Stalybridge Celtic
Halifax v Bradford Park Avenue
Harrogate Town v Gloucester City
Salford City v Brackley Town
Tamworth v FC United of Manchester
Worcester City v Nuneaton

Recent form: 
AFC Fylde: W-W-D-W-L
Last result: Alfreton 1-0 AFC Fylde (FA Cup)
League position: 1st

Gainsborough: D-L-W-W-L
Last result: Altrincham 3-2 Gainsborough (FA Cup)
League position: 14th

Admission:
Seating: £15
Standing: £12
Under 16 FREE (with membership)

Match info:
Make sure you pick up your new look Matchday Programme, priced at just £2. With 52 pages jam-packed with all the latest information, player interviews and photos – the new programme is not to be missed!