AFC Fylde will play in the National League North next season, a division the Coasters were promoted from as champions in the 2016/17 season.

 

We take a look at next season’s opponents, as Jim Bentley and his side look to secure promotion back to the National League.

Our next team ‘under review’, is Bradford Park Avenue.

Nickname(s):

The Avenue, BPA

Ground:

The Horsfall Stadium (Capacity 3,500)

2019/20 League Position:

22nd

Star Player 19/20:

Adam Nowakowski – The former Harrogate midfielder has been with Bradford for over 5 years now and has become a fan favourite for his versatility and energetic performances. He recently made national headlines for accepting a new contract with the club worth just one pound per week!

Manager:

Mark Bower – The 40-year-old former Bradford City defender will be well known to Coasters fans after his then Guiseley side knocked Dave Challinor’s men out of the Conference North play-off semi-finals in the 2014-15 season. After a poor start to the 2016-17 season he was sacked and was appointed boss of the Avenue in September 2016 where ,apart from a brief hiatus between May and October 2019, he has been ever since. 

Last Played:

The two sides last met towards the end of the 2016-17 season at Mill Farm. A dramatic 97th minute header from Matt Blinkhorn (where have we heard that one before?) earned the Coasters a hugely important point which went a long way to securing the National League North title just five days later.

Last Played Home: 17/04/17 – AFC Fylde 1-1 Bradford Park Avenue

Last Played Away: 29/08/16 – Bradford Park Avenue 1-4 AFC Fylde

Distance:

The distance from Mill Farm to The Horsfall Stadium is 72.2 miles via the M61 and M62 motorways and should take approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes to drive.