Wrexham vs AFC Fylde
Saturday 28th April, 2018, k/o 12:30pm
The Racecourse Ground
Vanarama National League
It all comes down to this! The final game of the season is upon us and a play-off place hangs in the balance!
The Coasters are in prime position to seal a spot in the end of season lottery after a sensational debut campaign in the National League.
Dave Challinor’s side took a few weeks to find their feet in the fifth tier of English football, however their meteoric rise has continued this term and they find themselves in sixth place ahead of the final round of fixtures.
Victory at Wrexham would guarantee a place in the top seven, whilst a draw would all-but do so. See below for all the permutations.
After four wins on the bounce, the Coasters have suffered a slight blip over the past fortnight, losing by a single goal at Maidstone United before dropping points against Solihull Moors last time out at Mill Farm.
Saturday’s opponents Wrexham looked a certainty for the play-offs at the turn of the year, however an awful run of form over the past two months has seen them fall away.
Andy Davies’ side have won just once in eight, losing four of their last five outings and must beat Fylde comfortably to stand any outside chance of qualification.
Fylde hold the bragging rights over Wrexham this season, with victories in both league and cup. Danny Rowe’s solitary strike in the first-ever meeting between the clubs earned the Coasters a place in the FA Cup first round, whilst goals from Jack Muldoon and Dragons old-boy Jonny Smith sealed a fine National League victory ten days later.
Striker Rowe is still in the hunt for personal plaudits and currently sits two goals behind Tranmere Rovers hitman Andy Cook (26) in the race for the Golden Boot.
Fylde are expecting one of the biggest away followings in their history for the crucial clash with the club putting on free travel to Wales.
Over 500 supporters are expected to make the trip as we attempt to make yet more history!
There is still time to book yourself onto the FREE travel, please call 01772 598855 (deadline 12:30pm Friday).
Follow all the build-up and live match action via our Facebook page or minute by minute updates on Twitter (@AFCFYLDE).
Fixtures:
Barrow vs Chester
Boreham Wood vs Guiseley
Gateshead vs Leyton Orient
Macclesfield Town vs Dagenham and Redbridge
Maidenhead United vs Bromley
Maidstone United vs FC Halifax Town
Solihull Moors vs Eastleigh
Sutton United vs Aldershot Town
Torquay United vs Ebbsfleet United
Tranmere Rovers vs Hartlepool United
Woking vs Dover Athletic
Wrexham vs AFC Fylde
Play-off permutations:
Okay, here goes…
Victory would guarantee a place in the play-offs. If we better Ebbsfleet United’s result and Aldershot Town lose then we would finish in fourth – our highest attainable position.
If we were to draw, only a Boreham Wood victory with Bromley winning by seven goals or Dover Athletic winning by ten goals would knock the Coasters out of the play-offs.
Defeat, coupled with two of Boreham Wood, Dover and Bromley winning, would also knock the Coasters out of the top seven.
Play-off format:
This year, the play-off positions have been extended to the top seven – with the champions going up to League Two automatically.
The remaining six will fight it out for one final slot with two ‘eliminator matches’ taking place before the semi-finals. Although subject to change because of television, here are the play-off dates for your diary…
Wednesday 2nd May 2018
Elimination Round – Match A – 5th place vs 6th place
Thursday 3rd May 2018
Elimination Round – Match B – 4th place vs 7th Place
Saturday 5th May 2018
Semi Final – 2nd place vs winner of Match A
Sunday 6th May 2018
Semi Final – 3rd place vs winner of Match B
Saturday 12th May 2018
Promotion Final – Wembley Stadium
Admission:
Adults: £20.00
Concessions Over 64 & U21s: £15.00
Concessions Over 80 & U18s: £8.00
Minors U11s: £1.00
Address and Travel:
My Racecourse
Mold Road
Wrexham
LL11 2AH
By Car: Take the A483 from Chester or Oswestry to Wrexham. Exit at the ‘Mold’ junction and then follow the signs for ‘Town Centre’. The Racecourse will come quickly into view.
Parking is available on the Glyndwr University campus car park next to the stadium at a cost of £3 and is just a short walk through to the turnstiles.
By Train: Wrexham General station is located directly next to the ground.
