The Penalty Box Dancer
Player Valuation: £35m
AFC Fylde vs AFC Wimbledon
3rd March 2040
It was a massive game for both teams with 18th against 19th in an early battle for survival. Bytheway was unphased by recrent media pressure about his managerial credentials and urged the players to show their worth on the field. Grant Thomas led the line after getting a hattrick in the 6-3 defeat to Fleetwood with Currie and Johnson partnering in the middle. Craddock was back from injury and was rushed straight back in due to having a lack of options on the right side. It was a tough start for Fylde as Wimbledon came clone on two occasions inside the first 15 minutes, both balls almost going over the line but Breacker doing enough to get to them. Craddock came forward down the right but Williams came in with a strong tackle which seemed fine but the referee had other ideas and sent him off! Zak Knight is furious out here and it is all kicking off with the fourth official. Knight had to be told to calm down and eventually he took to his seat. The first half ended with only one real chance for Fylde, John Hutchinson forcing a save from the keeper from a low drilled free-kick. With just under 30 minutes to go, Tommy Smyth was introduced replacing John Hutchinson. The fans were encouraged by the change despite feeling frustrated all afternoon. Johnson got the ball wide to Hakeem on 82 minutes, he crossed for Craddock but he was beaten to the header, Aaron Hudson came to collect and sent it back into the box, it was cleared out and Currie went for goal but got it all wrong and skied it over the bar. Fylde were pushing for that one goal to win the game, Hakeem threw the ball to Bellairs on the edge of the box, with a short pass to Johnson and then out wide to substitute Preece who had just come on, he had space to cross but it was cleared. Milby picked up the ball and went wide to Hakeem who had men waiting in the box, it went in for Craddock but his shot hit the side netting. Time was running out, Milby took control and played a great ball wide for Bellairs, he skilfully went past Dale Burns and got into the box, his cut back was poor but Johnson came in with the shot and put it over the bar. That was it, the match ended, Wimbledon will be pleased to get a point from this but just look around at the supporters of Fylde, they are absolutely fuming. They were given it on a plate for most of this game and they could not get that one goal. Vince Bytheway's tenure as manager could soon be coming to an end.
PLAYER RATINGS
Sky Sports were joined by Former Fylde manager Duncan Ferguson after the game.
SS: Where do you think it's going wrong for Fylde this season?
DF: I think there has been quite a few changes within the coaching staff. I left last season and Galvez was brought in as Henderson's number two but since Henderson left, Galvez and the same staff have stayed in-post and maybe there is a difference between the manager and his staff. Vince is a great leader and he doesn't deserve the stick he's getting, he's a fantastic player for the club and is really giving it his all as manager.
SS: Do you think Fylde will part ways with Bytheway?
DF: I think it will be harsh to do so, so soon but it happens. Vince still has a career at the club and will stay on as a player regardless of what happens. I think he has inherited a tough job and has not had the right support in place.
SS: If you were approached, would you think about going back for a third time? I know the fans would love that!
DF: I've been enjoying my time away from the game but it's in my blood. I love football and love being around it. I wake up most days and think about it. I feel good in myself and I've seen managers go longer than me! I'm 68 now and feel as good as I did 20 years ago! If it happened, I would consider it but Fylde have to get fully behind Vince now. He is owed that much.
3rd March 2040
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It was a massive game for both teams with 18th against 19th in an early battle for survival. Bytheway was unphased by recrent media pressure about his managerial credentials and urged the players to show their worth on the field. Grant Thomas led the line after getting a hattrick in the 6-3 defeat to Fleetwood with Currie and Johnson partnering in the middle. Craddock was back from injury and was rushed straight back in due to having a lack of options on the right side. It was a tough start for Fylde as Wimbledon came clone on two occasions inside the first 15 minutes, both balls almost going over the line but Breacker doing enough to get to them. Craddock came forward down the right but Williams came in with a strong tackle which seemed fine but the referee had other ideas and sent him off! Zak Knight is furious out here and it is all kicking off with the fourth official. Knight had to be told to calm down and eventually he took to his seat. The first half ended with only one real chance for Fylde, John Hutchinson forcing a save from the keeper from a low drilled free-kick. With just under 30 minutes to go, Tommy Smyth was introduced replacing John Hutchinson. The fans were encouraged by the change despite feeling frustrated all afternoon. Johnson got the ball wide to Hakeem on 82 minutes, he crossed for Craddock but he was beaten to the header, Aaron Hudson came to collect and sent it back into the box, it was cleared out and Currie went for goal but got it all wrong and skied it over the bar. Fylde were pushing for that one goal to win the game, Hakeem threw the ball to Bellairs on the edge of the box, with a short pass to Johnson and then out wide to substitute Preece who had just come on, he had space to cross but it was cleared. Milby picked up the ball and went wide to Hakeem who had men waiting in the box, it went in for Craddock but his shot hit the side netting. Time was running out, Milby took control and played a great ball wide for Bellairs, he skilfully went past Dale Burns and got into the box, his cut back was poor but Johnson came in with the shot and put it over the bar. That was it, the match ended, Wimbledon will be pleased to get a point from this but just look around at the supporters of Fylde, they are absolutely fuming. They were given it on a plate for most of this game and they could not get that one goal. Vince Bytheway's tenure as manager could soon be coming to an end.
PLAYER RATINGS
Sky Sports were joined by Former Fylde manager Duncan Ferguson after the game.
SS: Where do you think it's going wrong for Fylde this season?
DF: I think there has been quite a few changes within the coaching staff. I left last season and Galvez was brought in as Henderson's number two but since Henderson left, Galvez and the same staff have stayed in-post and maybe there is a difference between the manager and his staff. Vince is a great leader and he doesn't deserve the stick he's getting, he's a fantastic player for the club and is really giving it his all as manager.
SS: Do you think Fylde will part ways with Bytheway?
DF: I think it will be harsh to do so, so soon but it happens. Vince still has a career at the club and will stay on as a player regardless of what happens. I think he has inherited a tough job and has not had the right support in place.
SS: If you were approached, would you think about going back for a third time? I know the fans would love that!
DF: I've been enjoying my time away from the game but it's in my blood. I love football and love being around it. I wake up most days and think about it. I feel good in myself and I've seen managers go longer than me! I'm 68 now and feel as good as I did 20 years ago! If it happened, I would consider it but Fylde have to get fully behind Vince now. He is owed that much.
