Chorley FC vs AFC Fylde
Saturday 26th December, 2015, 3pm
Victory Park
National League North
The Coasters have had a few days extra to prepare for their Boxing Day cracker against local rivals Chorley after the FA Trophy tie in midweek was postponed for safety reasons.
Dave Challinor’s side were due to play Skelmersdale United on Tuesday evening, but following a pitch inspection the referee deemed the pitch unplayable.
The weather also played a major factor in the Coasters’ last fixture against Solihull Moors last weekend.
AFC Fylde suffered a disappointing 2-1 defeat in horrendous weather and pitch conditions, whilst seeing yet another player forced off through injury – Richie Baker the latest in a long line of injury woes for Challinor.
The manager will be hoping that Baker is available for the busy Christmas spell, whilst Matty Hughes could be involved after missing the visit of Solihull.
Tom Hannigan has missed much of the season so far with a knee problem, but is expected back early in the new year. Brad Barnes could potentially be involved in Challinor’s squad on Saturday.
Chorley head in to the match on the back of an impressive 2-2 draw away at Nuneaton Town. The Magpies were twice ahead in the match, but the league headers came from behind on both occasions to earn a share of the spoils.
Matt Jansen’s side are 13th in the league table, whilst the Coasters trail top spot by just two points with two games in hand and currently sit it fourth place.