AFC Fylde vs Bradford Park Avenue
Saturday 26th March, 2016 (k/o 3pm)
Kellamergh Park
National League North
The Coasters will hoping to stretch their unbeaten run to six this weekend as Bradford Park Avenue visit Kellamergh Park.
Fylde are currently undefeated in the last five outings after two draws with Nuneaton Town this month and victories over Boston United, Corby Town and FC United of Manchester.
Last time out the Coasters suffered late heartbreak against fellow promotion hopefuls Nuneaton. Dave Challinor’s side fell behind inside two minutes but completed a fine comeback in the 88th minute and looked like taking all three points.
However, a cruel twist saw Boro awarded a 93rd minute penalty and Rob Duffy duly dispatched to earn a share of the spoils.
The Coasters now trail league leaders Solihull Moors by nine points with a game in hand and just eight games left to play.
It has been all change at Bradford Park Avenue this week after the club replaced manager Martin Drury with former Barrow boss Darren Edmondson.
The club stated that both fans and management alike had high hopes of a successful season after investment in the team and work on the pitch at the ground in south Bradford.
Results have not gone their way and the club sat in 18th position in the National League North when the decision was made, a similar position to a year ago and just a few points above the relegation zone.
Edmondson had an immediate impact and Avenue won their first game under the new management regime, defeating Chorley by a single goal at the Horsfall Stadium on Wednesday night.
Chib Chilaka grabbed the vital goal 10 minutes after half-time in wonderful style, curling into the top corner from 25 yards.
The victory lifted Avenue to 15th in the league standings and five points clear of the drop zone.
Bradford have a difficult run ahead as this weekend’s game is followed by matches against Harrogate Town and Solihull Moors as they look to pull clear of the bottom three.
Avenue will today be hoping to avenge the 2-1 defeat inflicted by Fylde back in August.
A Dion Charles strike and an own goal from Jon Stewart cancelled out James Walshaw’s volley to seal the Coasters’ first away win of the season.
Fylde will be missing midfield duo Richie Baker and Bohan Dixon through suspension on Saturday. Dixon will also miss Monday’s trip to Stockport County after picking up his tenth booking of the season against Corby Town.
National League North Fixtures:
AFC Fylde v Bradford Park Avenue
AFC Telford Utd v Tamworth
Alfreton Town v Gloucester City
Boston United v Brackley Town
Corby Town v Hednesford Town
FC United Of Manchester v Chorley
Harrogate Town v Curzon Ashton
North Ferriby United v Stockport County
Nuneaton Town v Lowestoft Town
Stalybridge Celtic v Gainsborough Trinity
Worcester City v Solihull Moors
Matchday information:
>Admission: adults £12, concessions £9, under-16s £5. Members: adults £10, concessions £7, under 16s FREE.
>Limited car parking is available at the ground on a first come first served basis.
>Pick up a match programme on sale inside the ground. This week’s edition is just £2 and includes exclusive player interviews, plus many other exciting features on both AFC Fylde and our visitors.
>Also available is the match day 50/50 which is growing in value by the week and gives you the chance to win a big cash prize!
