AFC Fylde v FC United of Manchester
Saturday 7th January, 2017, k/o 3pm
Mill Farm
Vanarama National League North
The Coasters will be hoping to make it back-to-back victories after making the perfect start to the New Year.
Fylde kicked off 2017 with a hard-fought 3-1 victory away at promotion-rivals Chorley just six days after suffering defeat against the Magpies on home soil.
Dave Challinor’s side fell behind just seconds after half-time at Victory Park on New Year’s Day, but goals from Dom Collins, Dan Bradley and Andy Bond turned the game on its head.
The Coasters regained their nine point lead over Chorley and currently sit six points clear of second-placed Kidderminster Harriers in the National League North table.
FC United enjoyed a reasonable first half to the season and find themselves slap-bang in the middle of the table ahead of Saturday’s match.
They picked up four points from their festive fixtures – a 3-0 victory over Altrincham followed up by a 1-1 draw.
The Coasters came out on top in the previous match against FC United earlier in the season, but the match wasn’t without its drama.
The hosts took the lead, but goals from Danny Rowe and Bohan Dixon put Fylde in the driving seat. And whilst Sam Finley was dismissed on the stroke of half-time, the Coasters still went on to get the next goal – a fantastic individual effort from Rowe. A late strike from George Thomson made it a nervy ending, but the visitors held on for a crucial three points.
Team news:
Coasters Manager Dave Challinor is waiting on the fitness on several of his first team stars ahead of the weekend.
Midfielder starlet James Hardy missed the festive double-header against Chorley with a groin problem but could be available on Saturday after returning to light training.
Defender Steve Williams could miss out with a hamstring injury whilst on-loan winger Darren Stephenson is struggling with an ankle problem picked up against Chorley on Boxing Day.
Fylde are expecting another bumper crowd against FC United after smashing their attendance record last time out against Chorley, with 1,800 tickets already sold in advance.
Fixtures:
Saturday
AFC Fylde v FC United of Manchester
AFC Telford United v Gainsborough Trinity
Altrincham v Gloucester City
Boston United v Stockport County
Brackley Town v Chorley
Darlington v Nuneaton Town
Harrogate Town v Alfreton Town
Salford City v Kidderminster Harriers
Stalybridge Celtic v FC Halifax Town
Tamworth v Curzon Ashton
Worcester City v Bradford Park Avenue
Tuesday
FC Halifax Town v Chorley
Recent form:
AFC Fylde: W-L-W-L-D
Last result: Chorley 1-3 AFC Fylde
League position: 1st
FC United: D-W-D-L-W
Last result: FC United 1-1 Altrincham
League position: 11th
Admission:
Seating: £15
Standing: £12, Under 16s FREE (with membership)
