Boston United v AFC Fylde
Saturday 22nd April, 2017, k/o 3pm
The Jakemans Stadium
Vanarama National League North
AFC Fylde travel to Boston this weekend knowing that victory will see them crowned National League North champions!
Dave Challinor’s side head into the final two games of the season with a four point advantage over second-placed Kidderminster Harriers with a superior goal difference. Therefore, should Fylde equal or better the Harriers’ result at Gainsborough Trinity on Saturday, they would clinch the title.
The Coasters missed an opportunity to all-but secure top spot last time out against Bradford Park Avenue on Easter Monday. However, Challinor’s side trailed the match until super-sub Matt Blinkhorn popped up with his second 97th minute equaliser in the space of a month.
The goal secured a crucial point to keep the Coasters four points clear, whilst his first goal of the season came deep into stoppage time against Kidderminster back in March … but which one could prove most important?? Answers on a postcard!
Saturday’s opponents Boston United have seen results pick up of late, with two victories, two draws and just one defeat in their last five games. Last time out they twice came from behind to earn a credible draw against Gloucester City.
Despite a poor start to the campaign – where they lost six of their opening eight games – Boston, who made the play-offs last season, have managed to pull themselves well clear of relegation and currently sit in 15th place. Striker Jay Rollins tops their goalscoring charts this term with 11 goals.
On the subject of netbusters, Fylde striking sensation Danny Rowe enjoyed a personal milestone over the Easter Weekend. His winner against Halifax was his 44th goal of the season, breaking the league record (43) previously held by Altrincham’s Danien Reeves.
There is another goal record up for grabs this weekend. The Coasters have netted 102 league goals this season and need just two more to overhaul the 103 scored by Chester in their record-breaking season of 2012-13.
The last meeting between ourselves and Boston back in November saw yet another league record set, as the Coasters ran out 9-2 victors in a thrilling encounter at Mill Farm – the highest scoring game in NLN history.
Rowe found the net on four occasions that day, although it was James Hardy that picked up the plaudits with a goal and four assists in a breathtaking display in the snow.
Team news:
Midfielder James Hardy is the only injury doubt for this weekend with a back problem. Fellow midfielder Sam Finley is suspended following his dismissal at Halifax Town on Good Friday.
Fixtures:
Altrincham v Alfreton Town
Boston United v AFC Fylde
Bradford Park Avenue v Stockport County
Darlington v AFC Telford United
FC Halifax Town v Curzon Ashton
Gainsborough Trinity v Kidderminster Harriers
Gloucester City v Chorley
Harrogate Town v Brackley Town
Nuneaton Town v FC United of Manchester
Stalybridge Celtic v Tamworth
Worcester City v Salford City
Recent form:
Boston United: D-L-W-D-W
Last result: Boston United 2-2 Gloucester City
League position: 15th
AFC Fylde: D-W-L-W-L
Last result: AFC Fylde 1-1 Bradford Park Avenue
League position: 1st
Admission:
Main stand: Adults £15, Concessions £11, Children (16 years & under) £5
Standing: Adults £13, Concessions £10, Children (16 years & under) £4
