AFC Telford United vs AFC Fylde
Saturday 6th August, 2016, k/o 3pm
New Bucks Head Stadium
Vanarama National League North
League football is back! The Coasters travel to AFC Telford United in the opening match of the new 2016-17 Vanarama National League North season this weekend.
Dave Challinor’s side narrowly missed out on promotion last term and will be keen to get off to a positive start this time around as they launch another title bid.
A solid pre-season, including victories over Oldham Athletic and Blackburn Rovers, was brought to a close with a 4-1 defeat against National League side Tranmere Rovers last weekend.
This Saturday’s match presents a chance for new boys Steve Williams, Andy Bond and Brendon Daniels to make their competitive Fylde debuts.
Telford have been busy during the summer after a strong finish saw them comfortably stay up despite spending the first half of the season bottom of the league table.
Up front they have brought in Chester forward Tom Peers whilst Gianluca Havern and Ben Bailey have bolstered their defence, joining from Altrincham and Hednesford Town respectively.
Another goal threat will come from former Coasters forward Josh Wilson whose goals helped the Shropshire side to safety in the final months of the last season.
Telford started their pre-season with three consecutive wins over Colwyn Bay, AFC Wulfrunians and Brigdnorth Town. That run was ended in cruel fashion as late goals from Jordan Ayew and Aly Cissokho gave Championship side Aston Villa victory in front of a crowd of nearly 3,000 at the New Bucks Head.
A goalless draw with Solihull Moors was followed up by a 4-0 win at Market Drayton Town in the Shropshire Senior Cup. The Bucks’ last two friendlies saw them beaten by Wrexham (3-2) and Birmingham City Under 21s (3-0).
Team news:
Defender Steve Williams is struggling with a hamstring injury and will be touch and go. Aside from that, Challinor could have a full compliment of players to select from.
NLN fixtures:
AFC Telford Utd Vs AFC Fylde
Altrincham Vs Darlington FC 1883
Boston United Vs Stalybridge Celtic
Brackley Town Vs Tamworth
Chorley Vs FC United
Curzon Ashton Vs Kidderminster Harriers
Gainsborough Trinity Vs Bradford PA
Nuneaton Town Vs FC Halifax Town
Salford City Vs Gloucester City
Stockport County Vs Alfreton Town
Worcester City Vs Harrogate Town
Recent form:
AFC Telford United: L-L-W-D-L
Last result: AFC Telford United 0-3 Birmingham City U21s
League position 2015-16: 18th
AFC Fylde: L-W-W-W-D
Last result: AFC Fylde 1-4 Tranmere Rovers
League position 2015-16: 3rd
Last meeting: AFC Telford United 1-2 AFC Fylde, 30.01.15, National League North
Admission:
Adult £14
Concession £10
Youth (16-19) £5
Under 16 £3
When segregation is in operation, away fans are housed in the Frank Nagington (South) Stand, providing covered terraced accommodation for 1200. Seating is usually available for away fans in block A of the West Stand on request. You can purchase tickets in advance for a game, please call 01952 640064 for further information.
Ground address:
AFC Telford United
New Bucks Head Stadium
Watling Street
Wellington
Telford
TF1 2TU
