Bristol City vs AFC Fylde
League Cup Third Round
26th September 2040
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Championship strugglers against League One high fliers in what could be an interesting encounter. Ferguson stated Fylde will go there and challenge themselves against better opposition looking to reach the Fourth Round of the League Cup for only the second time. The last time coming in the 2022/23 season losing to Leeds United by a single Matty Cash goal. Fylde made one change and it was John Armah on the right wing for Patrick Craddock. David Hill, who was on loan at Fylde last season started for Bristol City up top. There were some early challenges going in, this one could be a fiesty game. Westwood and Land were having a good battle down the left today with Westwood coming out on top in the early exchanges. Armah got the ball out to Preece on 29 minutes and he crossed first time, Bala was coming in at the far post but he headed wide, nice idea and nice cross. David Hill came wide for Bristol City to get more involved with the game in the second half. Anderson came on for Patterson with just over 20 minutes to go but it didn't stop Ibrahima Daffe from converting the free-kick 25 yards out a minute later to make it 1-0 to Bristol City. Craddock and Thomas came on for the last 13 minutes for Armah and Lyons-Mayman. Bala knocked it down for Smyth from Westwood's clearance, Smyth sprayed it to the right for Craddock who came forward and passed inside to Hutchinson who went for goal getting the ball through the keepers legs but deflecting off his back leg and out for a corner. Hutchinson played the ball in and Chapman's header was easy for the keeper. The board went up for an additional four minutes and Bristol City slowed the game down, going down when they could and taking their time with throw-ins. It was the end of the road in the League Cup for Fylde and Bristol City advance to the fourth round.
DF: There's no complaints, we lost to a set-piece and had a couple of chances to get back into it but it didn't happen for us. I thought we broke up play well tonight and played some good football, it just wasn't to be in terms of the result.
PLAYER RATINGS
AFC Fylde vs AFC Telford
29th September 2040
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Fans were surprised when they noticed Bala and Smyth were on the bench for this with Thomas and Anderson coming in. The thinking behind it must be the tough mid-week trip to Oldham in a few days time. The first half was a quiet affair with Telford having the only real chance on goal from Derek Taylor who went off injured before half-time. Fylde were wasteful and they looked absent of a plan. Tommy Smyth came on with 30 minutes to go replacing Anthony Anderson. Emeka Bala came on 5 minutes later for Grant Thomas, Fylde really need some magic today. Time was running out and Fylde just did not look interested out there, minutes remained when Patterson played a short pass to Craddock, he got down the right and crossed into the box, Bala went up for the header but was obstructed by Terry Baker. Penalty given! Tommy Smyth made his way into the penalty area taking the ball and placing it on the spot. The 19 year old, not phased by the pressure stepping up confidently against Nixon. Smyth went right, the keeper guessed the same way and the ball hit the post and rolled across the line, Smyth sprinted to the ball and knocked it in! 1-0 to Fylde! They left it late today but it's still a win despite the poor performance.
DF: We play like that and nine times out of ten, we lose. That was poor and there was no real conviction today. I'll be letting the players know what I think and that we can't just turn up against bottom of the league thinking it's job done. Confidence is high but maybe a little too high but the season hasn't even started yet and I'm seeing smiles at full-time! Oldham will be a tougher test, they won't allow us not to be at our best.
PLAYER RATINGS
Oldham Athletic vs AFC Fylde
2nd October 2040
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After back to back Player of the Month awards, Emeka Bala was keen to maintain his impressive form and he was receiving praise from the footballing world. Brighton manager Nicolas Otamendi was impressed with Bala whilst on loan at Fylde and gave praise to the coaching staff at Fylde for the development of his talented asset. Matty Chapman was dropped to the bench and 18 year old Elliott Richardson got his third start of the season. Stuart Greene started the match in Attacking Midfield and John Armah was preferred on the right over Patrick Craddock. Neville-Spearritt got an early yellow card for the foul on Preece, Preece took the free-kick on 7 minutes and passed to Tommy Smyth who played a short pass to Stuart Greene, he fancied a shot and noticed the keeper was off his line and punted the ball into the top left corner beating the keeper! Tommy Smyth exchanged passes with Stuart Greene and played it to Armah who ran forward then struck a low shot towards the bottom corner but the keeper got across nicely to tip it wide. Fylde were playing well and looked relaxed in possession but the Oldham fans were right behind their team and they put some pressure on Fylde towards the end of the first half. O'Keefe went up against Westwood and went right past him, crossed for Neville-Spearritt and his header was just kept out by Breacker who had to scramble to stop it going in. Oldham started the second half and got lucky with a cross that hit the post, Greene was under pressure in possession but done well to play out of it and found Smyth who had great vision to see Armah in space on the right, he came forward and went for goal but the shot was no problem for Billy Price. Armah had another chance on 50 minutes which was comfortably saved and Emeka Bala was livid with him for taking on the shot. Bala being kept quiet this evening by David Henshall. Fylde had a chance from the free-kick 20 yards out, Smyth went for goal and forced Price into a great save, Richardson was first to the ball who almost lost it to O'Keefe but chipped it towards goal and managed to get it over the keeper! 2-0 Fylde and Elliott Richardson scored his first senior goal for the club he has been with since he was 9 years old! Straight over to the supporters he used to stand with on away days! Dale Alexander was the first change for Fylde replacing Kieran Westwood on 74 minutes. Fylde have been top drawer tonight and have made a statement with a win against Oldham in their back garden. Supporters cheered their team off the field and it is looking like the start of a good season for The Coasters who are joint top with Plymouth and Hull.
DF: We came here tonight and dug deep to get that win and we played really well. Stuart Greene stepped up and scored a fabulous goal, Smyth was the architect out there today and for a young lad he had a very mature match. Richardson scored his first goal and I couldn't be happier for him plus keeping a clean sheet.
PLAYER RATINGS
AFC Fylde vs Cardiff City
6th October 2040
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Recently relegated Cardiff sat in mid-table as their promotion hopes seemed off to a stuttering start. Ferguson selected his favoured side led my Lyons-Mayman and Matty Chapman and John Hutchinson were back in the team despite Richardson and Greene playing well in midweek. Fylde had an early chance when Bala slid the ball through for Lyons-Mayman but his shot was wide of the post. News filtered around Mill Farm after 9 minutes that Plymouth were a goal down to Wimbledon which gave the supporters encouragement. Patterson won the ball back with an excellent slide tackle and Smyth played a sublime ball over the defence for Lyons-Mayman, he had sight of goal and the keeper was quick off his line to deny him, a Striker should be scoring from there! Bala came forward and switched the play to Craddock, he switched it back and Bala went for the volley which went over the bar from inside the area. The second half started and Lyons-Mayman switched with Bala who went up top. Hutchinson nodded it down for Smyth who played it forward to Bala, he dribbled towards the box with step overs and passed left to Smyth whose side footed effort went just over the bar. The issue Fylde have is Lyons-Mayman can't do the same work as Emeka Bala and is not creative enough which results in Bala being isolated up top. Grant Thomas came on for Lyons-Mayman on 59 minutes. Thomas played the ball down the left side for Westwood to chase and he just kept it in, he got the cross in which went over everyone in the box and a back peddling Bala won the header finding the back of the net! Fylde have the opener! The Coasters saw out the rest of the match and got their 10th win of the season putting them at the top of the table!
AFC Fylde vs Newcasltle U23's
EFL Trophy
9th October 2040
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Squad rotation was a must to keep players at their best and this match allowed Ferguson to tinker with the squad. Dale Alexander and Andreas Chatziaros started at Full Back allowing Jay Preece to rest with him playing all league games so far this season. Anderson and Patterson were the midfielders and Luke Williams and John Armah started on the wings. 23 year old Striker Grant Thomas started up top. Thomas seemed a little fired up and picked up a bookng within the first minute for a shove on Bell when Stuart Greene put in an early corner. Greene passed to Williams on 3 minutes and he curled a shot around the defence which clipped the post and went in! Luke Williams with a great finish! Williams was there again, working hard inside his own half winning the ball back and starting the attack with a great ball wide for Armah who dribbled past two, played it in for Thomas and he should have scored but the keeper pulled off a fine stop. Fylde had another great chance to make it 2-0 just before the break when Anderson's free-kick struck the face of the post, Thomas put it in but was offside. Williams tried to cross into the box in first half stoppage time, it deflected to Stuart Greene who found the top left corner superbly with an effortless finish! Fylde on ther verge of the knockout rounds! It got worse for Newcastle as Stuart Greene was brought down by Wootton with a nasty challenge and the referee sent him off on 59 minutes. Newcastle were feeling frustrated and Luke Williams drew a foul on the edge of the box but Danny Booth's challenge was shocking and he was issued a straight red card reducing Newcastle to nine men on 69 minutes! Jay Preece came on for Chatziaros for the last 20 minutes. Chatziaros showing his manager he can play well at Right Back when required. Luke Williams came close to his second when Armah found him with a great ball into the box but his shot was tipped over the bar, great save. The whistle was blown and Fylde progressed to the knockout stages with one group game left to play. A good victory and a good performance from some fringe players tonight.
DF: I was impressed with the effort shown by Luke Williams and thought the defence done well to keep another clean sheet. Elliott Richardson has benefited from his loan last season and is really leaving it all on the pitch, setting an example as an 18 year old. Todd Page had a good game in goal for them and is a decent goalkeeper, he is one to watch out for and he gave a real good account of himself.
PLAYER RATINGS
Mansfield Town vs AFC Fylde
20th October 2040
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After an 11 day break due to International call-ups, Fylde were back in action with a trip to Mansfield. Emeka Bala had another reason to celebrate when he received his first International call up for Nigeria and bagged a goal on his debut. John Hutchinson came close on 30 minutes shooting just wide of the post, the best chance so far in the match. The first goal went the way of Mansfield on 54 minutes, Lee Daunn beating Preece at the far post to slot past a rushing Breacker to make it 1-0 to the home side. Tommy Smyth was having a stinker and was brought off with 12 minutes to go for Anderson. So many players out there for Fylde have just not bothered to turn up. Bala had his worst game in a Fylde shirt and Tommy Smyth should be embarrassed after that performance. Fylde's defeat see's them drop down to 4th in the table.
PLAYER RATINGS
AFC Fylde vs Lincoln City
23rd October 2040
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Lincoln were not off to a great start after gaining promotion to League One with only one win in fifteen. Fylde had a couple of injury concers, Matty Chapman was out for a few weeks with a foot injury sustained in the match against Mansfield and John Hutchinson missed out due to a training injury. Ferguson had full faith in Elliott Richardson who came in alongside Chatziaros stating the youngster can become a first team regular if he continues to impress like he has been. Tommy Smyth was dropped to the bench after a disappointing game against Mansfield at the weekend. Fylde had a free-kick on 8 minutes which Preece launched into the box, Knight headed away but only to Bala who was unmarked and he knocked it in at the far post! Goal number 13 for Bala! Lincoln had a free-kick and Shaw crossed into the six yard box, Richardson missed the header and it fell to Lyng whose shot was saved well by Breacker but he scored the rebound to equalise on 20 minutes. Lincoln grew into the game and Shaw and Pole were running it out there, the ball was played down the wing for Knight who got there before it went out and put it into the box for Smith to knock in to give Lincoln the lead on the verge of half-time. Craddock never came out for the second half and was replaced by Armah. Tommy Smyth was introduced for the last half hour replacing Anthony Anderson. Patterson won the ball back in midfield and Armah turned and ran down the right releasing a great through ball for Lyons-Mayman who took it in his stride, got it on his right foot and slotted to equalise! With 5 minutes to go, Fylde were caught by another set-piece, Sheehan crossed the ball into the box, deep in the Fylde half, Lyng beat Preece in the air to flick on for Shaw who Richardson had lost and he slotted to make it 3-2 and potentially win the game for the imps. Westwood won the ball back but there was 20 seconds left to play, he sent it long for Lyons-Mayman down the left and he cut inside, passed to Armah on the right and with time just about up he couldn't find a Fylde shirt in the box and Lincoln were victorious. A second consecutive defeat for Fylde and we are starting to wonder whether the new manager bounce is over.
PLAYER RATINGS
Chesterfield vs AFC Fylde
27th October 2040
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Things went from bad to worse for Fylde as their Number One Keeper Jason Breacker was ruled out for six weeks with a sprained knee sustained in training this week. Aiden Butts was given his chance and handed nis league debut in what could be described as a game Fylde need to take something from. Tommy Smyth started this one and John Armah kept his place on the right wing. Lyons-Mayman needed to start taking his chances as a lot were being squandered recently. With Breacker out and Sean Jordan not selected, it was a huge honour for Elliott Richardson to captain his side today. Fylde had a great chance after the first minute when Lyons-Mayman laid it off for Hutchinson and his left footed shot looked destined for the top corner but the keeper got across to push it away. Fylde were in control but Chesterfield were happy to absorb the pressure and try to launch a counter attack, Smyth and Patterson supported the defence by staying back as much as possible but in the second half, Ferguson wanted Smyth to push forward. Bala was having a quiet game and he came to life on 58 minutes after receiving the ball from Smyth, he set off on a maizy run towards the area but his shot sailed over the bar. Armah passed to Bala just outside the box and he found room for the shot on 63 minutes, the keeper got a hand to it but he couldn't stop it from going in, 1-0! There's the opener! Emeka Bala breathes a sigh of relief as he runs off towards the corner flag! 1-0 is never a safe scoreline but Chesterfield were not threatening Fylde and Fylde had an organised back line which was well communicated by Richardson, Chatziaros and Butts. It's a well earned clean sheet and victory for Fylde, Butts and Richardson, two players beaming with pride at the whistle, and what a great debut for Butts albeit he didn't have a lot to do!
DF: Bala will turn something into nothing, we aren't solely reliant on him but he is capable of taking the game by the scruff of the neck. I'm proud of Elliott today, he wore the armband for the club he loves and he done a fine job at the back. We did our job, we won the game, not by many goals but we can enjoy our journey home this evening.
NO PUNCHES PULLED WITH DANNY ROWE
First of all, I'd like to start my article by congratulating my son Jon on playing for Fylde Under 18's this season. He's a Striker just like myself and has been at Fylde since he was 12 years old. For a 16 year old, it's a great opportunity and I can't wait to watch him develop here. Let's start with the negatives, we got beat my Mansfield and Lincoln recently abd there was some poor defending from set-pieces. There was a lack of orgsnisation and Breacker was not vocal enough setting his team up to defend it. Beating Chesterfield was a relief, I felt at times we could have been shooting all day out there and not scored a single goal. The lack of movement from Lyons-Mayman is a concern and we are fortunate to have Emeka Bala who can turn a game on its head. The Strikers here really do need to work harder and I will question Ferguson on this. When I was at the club I learnt a lot from Darren Huckerby, he showed me how to be more ruthless in front of goal and he taught me so much about positional awareness. From what I'm led to believe, Ferguson isn't working with the attackers as much as what he used to and Darren Sarll has taken a lead role in training. I could be wrong, but that came from a good source. It's a great feeling to be in the title race this season, it's still very early but we should be in the fight for promotion considering the quality we have in the squad. I do think we need to take this chance and fight in every game. We only have Bala and Armah on loan this season and with Man City sniffing around Smyth, he might not be here next season. Ferguson and the board have to fight off any bids in January for Smyth, he is vital to our season and no money is worth it for what we can achieve as a club. I'm feeling confident and things are looking good for us Coasters, let's stick together and keep pushing our Fylde over that line!
Championship strugglers against League One high fliers in what could be an interesting encounter. Ferguson stated Fylde will go there and challenge themselves against better opposition looking to reach the Fourth Round of the League Cup for only the second time. The last time coming in the 2022/23 season losing to Leeds United by a single Matty Cash goal. Fylde made one change and it was John Armah on the right wing for Patrick Craddock. David Hill, who was on loan at Fylde last season started for Bristol City up top. There were some early challenges going in, this one could be a fiesty game. Westwood and Land were having a good battle down the left today with Westwood coming out on top in the early exchanges. Armah got the ball out to Preece on 29 minutes and he crossed first time, Bala was coming in at the far post but he headed wide, nice idea and nice cross. David Hill came wide for Bristol City to get more involved with the game in the second half. Anderson came on for Patterson with just over 20 minutes to go but it didn't stop Ibrahima Daffe from converting the free-kick 25 yards out a minute later to make it 1-0 to Bristol City. Craddock and Thomas came on for the last 13 minutes for Armah and Lyons-Mayman. Bala knocked it down for Smyth from Westwood's clearance, Smyth sprayed it to the right for Craddock who came forward and passed inside to Hutchinson who went for goal getting the ball through the keepers legs but deflecting off his back leg and out for a corner. Hutchinson played the ball in and Chapman's header was easy for the keeper. The board went up for an additional four minutes and Bristol City slowed the game down, going down when they could and taking their time with throw-ins. It was the end of the road in the League Cup for Fylde and Bristol City advance to the fourth round.
DF: There's no complaints, we lost to a set-piece and had a couple of chances to get back into it but it didn't happen for us. I thought we broke up play well tonight and played some good football, it just wasn't to be in terms of the result.
Fans were surprised when they noticed Bala and Smyth were on the bench for this with Thomas and Anderson coming in. The thinking behind it must be the tough mid-week trip to Oldham in a few days time. The first half was a quiet affair with Telford having the only real chance on goal from Derek Taylor who went off injured before half-time. Fylde were wasteful and they looked absent of a plan. Tommy Smyth came on with 30 minutes to go replacing Anthony Anderson. Emeka Bala came on 5 minutes later for Grant Thomas, Fylde really need some magic today. Time was running out and Fylde just did not look interested out there, minutes remained when Patterson played a short pass to Craddock, he got down the right and crossed into the box, Bala went up for the header but was obstructed by Terry Baker. Penalty given! Tommy Smyth made his way into the penalty area taking the ball and placing it on the spot. The 19 year old, not phased by the pressure stepping up confidently against Nixon. Smyth went right, the keeper guessed the same way and the ball hit the post and rolled across the line, Smyth sprinted to the ball and knocked it in! 1-0 to Fylde! They left it late today but it's still a win despite the poor performance.
DF: We play like that and nine times out of ten, we lose. That was poor and there was no real conviction today. I'll be letting the players know what I think and that we can't just turn up against bottom of the league thinking it's job done. Confidence is high but maybe a little too high but the season hasn't even started yet and I'm seeing smiles at full-time! Oldham will be a tougher test, they won't allow us not to be at our best.
After back to back Player of the Month awards, Emeka Bala was keen to maintain his impressive form and he was receiving praise from the footballing world. Brighton manager Nicolas Otamendi was impressed with Bala whilst on loan at Fylde and gave praise to the coaching staff at Fylde for the development of his talented asset. Matty Chapman was dropped to the bench and 18 year old Elliott Richardson got his third start of the season. Stuart Greene started the match in Attacking Midfield and John Armah was preferred on the right over Patrick Craddock. Neville-Spearritt got an early yellow card for the foul on Preece, Preece took the free-kick on 7 minutes and passed to Tommy Smyth who played a short pass to Stuart Greene, he fancied a shot and noticed the keeper was off his line and punted the ball into the top left corner beating the keeper! Tommy Smyth exchanged passes with Stuart Greene and played it to Armah who ran forward then struck a low shot towards the bottom corner but the keeper got across nicely to tip it wide. Fylde were playing well and looked relaxed in possession but the Oldham fans were right behind their team and they put some pressure on Fylde towards the end of the first half. O'Keefe went up against Westwood and went right past him, crossed for Neville-Spearritt and his header was just kept out by Breacker who had to scramble to stop it going in. Oldham started the second half and got lucky with a cross that hit the post, Greene was under pressure in possession but done well to play out of it and found Smyth who had great vision to see Armah in space on the right, he came forward and went for goal but the shot was no problem for Billy Price. Armah had another chance on 50 minutes which was comfortably saved and Emeka Bala was livid with him for taking on the shot. Bala being kept quiet this evening by David Henshall. Fylde had a chance from the free-kick 20 yards out, Smyth went for goal and forced Price into a great save, Richardson was first to the ball who almost lost it to O'Keefe but chipped it towards goal and managed to get it over the keeper! 2-0 Fylde and Elliott Richardson scored his first senior goal for the club he has been with since he was 9 years old! Straight over to the supporters he used to stand with on away days! Dale Alexander was the first change for Fylde replacing Kieran Westwood on 74 minutes. Fylde have been top drawer tonight and have made a statement with a win against Oldham in their back garden. Supporters cheered their team off the field and it is looking like the start of a good season for The Coasters who are joint top with Plymouth and Hull.
DF: We came here tonight and dug deep to get that win and we played really well. Stuart Greene stepped up and scored a fabulous goal, Smyth was the architect out there today and for a young lad he had a very mature match. Richardson scored his first goal and I couldn't be happier for him plus keeping a clean sheet.
Recently relegated Cardiff sat in mid-table as their promotion hopes seemed off to a stuttering start. Ferguson selected his favoured side led my Lyons-Mayman and Matty Chapman and John Hutchinson were back in the team despite Richardson and Greene playing well in midweek. Fylde had an early chance when Bala slid the ball through for Lyons-Mayman but his shot was wide of the post. News filtered around Mill Farm after 9 minutes that Plymouth were a goal down to Wimbledon which gave the supporters encouragement. Patterson won the ball back with an excellent slide tackle and Smyth played a sublime ball over the defence for Lyons-Mayman, he had sight of goal and the keeper was quick off his line to deny him, a Striker should be scoring from there! Bala came forward and switched the play to Craddock, he switched it back and Bala went for the volley which went over the bar from inside the area. The second half started and Lyons-Mayman switched with Bala who went up top. Hutchinson nodded it down for Smyth who played it forward to Bala, he dribbled towards the box with step overs and passed left to Smyth whose side footed effort went just over the bar. The issue Fylde have is Lyons-Mayman can't do the same work as Emeka Bala and is not creative enough which results in Bala being isolated up top. Grant Thomas came on for Lyons-Mayman on 59 minutes. Thomas played the ball down the left side for Westwood to chase and he just kept it in, he got the cross in which went over everyone in the box and a back peddling Bala won the header finding the back of the net! Fylde have the opener! The Coasters saw out the rest of the match and got their 10th win of the season putting them at the top of the table!
Squad rotation was a must to keep players at their best and this match allowed Ferguson to tinker with the squad. Dale Alexander and Andreas Chatziaros started at Full Back allowing Jay Preece to rest with him playing all league games so far this season. Anderson and Patterson were the midfielders and Luke Williams and John Armah started on the wings. 23 year old Striker Grant Thomas started up top. Thomas seemed a little fired up and picked up a bookng within the first minute for a shove on Bell when Stuart Greene put in an early corner. Greene passed to Williams on 3 minutes and he curled a shot around the defence which clipped the post and went in! Luke Williams with a great finish! Williams was there again, working hard inside his own half winning the ball back and starting the attack with a great ball wide for Armah who dribbled past two, played it in for Thomas and he should have scored but the keeper pulled off a fine stop. Fylde had another great chance to make it 2-0 just before the break when Anderson's free-kick struck the face of the post, Thomas put it in but was offside. Williams tried to cross into the box in first half stoppage time, it deflected to Stuart Greene who found the top left corner superbly with an effortless finish! Fylde on ther verge of the knockout rounds! It got worse for Newcastle as Stuart Greene was brought down by Wootton with a nasty challenge and the referee sent him off on 59 minutes. Newcastle were feeling frustrated and Luke Williams drew a foul on the edge of the box but Danny Booth's challenge was shocking and he was issued a straight red card reducing Newcastle to nine men on 69 minutes! Jay Preece came on for Chatziaros for the last 20 minutes. Chatziaros showing his manager he can play well at Right Back when required. Luke Williams came close to his second when Armah found him with a great ball into the box but his shot was tipped over the bar, great save. The whistle was blown and Fylde progressed to the knockout stages with one group game left to play. A good victory and a good performance from some fringe players tonight.
DF: I was impressed with the effort shown by Luke Williams and thought the defence done well to keep another clean sheet. Elliott Richardson has benefited from his loan last season and is really leaving it all on the pitch, setting an example as an 18 year old. Todd Page had a good game in goal for them and is a decent goalkeeper, he is one to watch out for and he gave a real good account of himself.
After an 11 day break due to International call-ups, Fylde were back in action with a trip to Mansfield. Emeka Bala had another reason to celebrate when he received his first International call up for Nigeria and bagged a goal on his debut. John Hutchinson came close on 30 minutes shooting just wide of the post, the best chance so far in the match. The first goal went the way of Mansfield on 54 minutes, Lee Daunn beating Preece at the far post to slot past a rushing Breacker to make it 1-0 to the home side. Tommy Smyth was having a stinker and was brought off with 12 minutes to go for Anderson. So many players out there for Fylde have just not bothered to turn up. Bala had his worst game in a Fylde shirt and Tommy Smyth should be embarrassed after that performance. Fylde's defeat see's them drop down to 4th in the table.
Lincoln were not off to a great start after gaining promotion to League One with only one win in fifteen. Fylde had a couple of injury concers, Matty Chapman was out for a few weeks with a foot injury sustained in the match against Mansfield and John Hutchinson missed out due to a training injury. Ferguson had full faith in Elliott Richardson who came in alongside Chatziaros stating the youngster can become a first team regular if he continues to impress like he has been. Tommy Smyth was dropped to the bench after a disappointing game against Mansfield at the weekend. Fylde had a free-kick on 8 minutes which Preece launched into the box, Knight headed away but only to Bala who was unmarked and he knocked it in at the far post! Goal number 13 for Bala! Lincoln had a free-kick and Shaw crossed into the six yard box, Richardson missed the header and it fell to Lyng whose shot was saved well by Breacker but he scored the rebound to equalise on 20 minutes. Lincoln grew into the game and Shaw and Pole were running it out there, the ball was played down the wing for Knight who got there before it went out and put it into the box for Smith to knock in to give Lincoln the lead on the verge of half-time. Craddock never came out for the second half and was replaced by Armah. Tommy Smyth was introduced for the last half hour replacing Anthony Anderson. Patterson won the ball back in midfield and Armah turned and ran down the right releasing a great through ball for Lyons-Mayman who took it in his stride, got it on his right foot and slotted to equalise! With 5 minutes to go, Fylde were caught by another set-piece, Sheehan crossed the ball into the box, deep in the Fylde half, Lyng beat Preece in the air to flick on for Shaw who Richardson had lost and he slotted to make it 3-2 and potentially win the game for the imps. Westwood won the ball back but there was 20 seconds left to play, he sent it long for Lyons-Mayman down the left and he cut inside, passed to Armah on the right and with time just about up he couldn't find a Fylde shirt in the box and Lincoln were victorious. A second consecutive defeat for Fylde and we are starting to wonder whether the new manager bounce is over.
Things went from bad to worse for Fylde as their Number One Keeper Jason Breacker was ruled out for six weeks with a sprained knee sustained in training this week. Aiden Butts was given his chance and handed nis league debut in what could be described as a game Fylde need to take something from. Tommy Smyth started this one and John Armah kept his place on the right wing. Lyons-Mayman needed to start taking his chances as a lot were being squandered recently. With Breacker out and Sean Jordan not selected, it was a huge honour for Elliott Richardson to captain his side today. Fylde had a great chance after the first minute when Lyons-Mayman laid it off for Hutchinson and his left footed shot looked destined for the top corner but the keeper got across to push it away. Fylde were in control but Chesterfield were happy to absorb the pressure and try to launch a counter attack, Smyth and Patterson supported the defence by staying back as much as possible but in the second half, Ferguson wanted Smyth to push forward. Bala was having a quiet game and he came to life on 58 minutes after receiving the ball from Smyth, he set off on a maizy run towards the area but his shot sailed over the bar. Armah passed to Bala just outside the box and he found room for the shot on 63 minutes, the keeper got a hand to it but he couldn't stop it from going in, 1-0! There's the opener! Emeka Bala breathes a sigh of relief as he runs off towards the corner flag! 1-0 is never a safe scoreline but Chesterfield were not threatening Fylde and Fylde had an organised back line which was well communicated by Richardson, Chatziaros and Butts. It's a well earned clean sheet and victory for Fylde, Butts and Richardson, two players beaming with pride at the whistle, and what a great debut for Butts albeit he didn't have a lot to do!
DF: Bala will turn something into nothing, we aren't solely reliant on him but he is capable of taking the game by the scruff of the neck. I'm proud of Elliott today, he wore the armband for the club he loves and he done a fine job at the back. We did our job, we won the game, not by many goals but we can enjoy our journey home this evening.
NO PUNCHES PULLED WITH DANNY ROWE
First of all, I'd like to start my article by congratulating my son Jon on playing for Fylde Under 18's this season. He's a Striker just like myself and has been at Fylde since he was 12 years old. For a 16 year old, it's a great opportunity and I can't wait to watch him develop here. Let's start with the negatives, we got beat my Mansfield and Lincoln recently abd there was some poor defending from set-pieces. There was a lack of orgsnisation and Breacker was not vocal enough setting his team up to defend it. Beating Chesterfield was a relief, I felt at times we could have been shooting all day out there and not scored a single goal. The lack of movement from Lyons-Mayman is a concern and we are fortunate to have Emeka Bala who can turn a game on its head. The Strikers here really do need to work harder and I will question Ferguson on this. When I was at the club I learnt a lot from Darren Huckerby, he showed me how to be more ruthless in front of goal and he taught me so much about positional awareness. From what I'm led to believe, Ferguson isn't working with the attackers as much as what he used to and Darren Sarll has taken a lead role in training. I could be wrong, but that came from a good source. It's a great feeling to be in the title race this season, it's still very early but we should be in the fight for promotion considering the quality we have in the squad. I do think we need to take this chance and fight in every game. We only have Bala and Armah on loan this season and with Man City sniffing around Smyth, he might not be here next season. Ferguson and the board have to fight off any bids in January for Smyth, he is vital to our season and no money is worth it for what we can achieve as a club. I'm feeling confident and things are looking good for us Coasters, let's stick together and keep pushing our Fylde over that line!
Fylde had their chance to regain the lead in the table with their game in-hand against Birmingham City. Craddock was named in the starting eleven as was Thomas in attack. Two former Fylde players Jordan Wright and Mel Pope lined up for Birmingham this afternoon. Wright put in a good cross for Edwards who headed against the bar inside the first half and Emeka Bala created some magic but his finish went over the bar. Ferguson switched Bala with Thomas for the second half and Thomas had a great chance when he took the ball down the left from Patterson, he went back to Westwood who passed to Smyth and Craddock took on the shot which was going well away from goal. Thomas was eventually subbed for Lyons-Mayman and Bala went back to the left side. Smyth turned on the ball with 22 minutes to go and played in Bala, he ran through the centre and his shot struck the post, that's the closest anyone has been all afternoon. Billingham thought he had the better of Richardson who put in two great tackles in his area, the second going behind for a corner. With less than ten minutes to go Birmingham went 4-3-3 and Greene came on for Hutchinson. Birmingham had a great chance to win the game when Edwards put the ball on a plate for Wright and Butts saved incredibly from close range, Butler went in with the rebound and Westwood slid across the line to clear! Fylde hit Birmingham on the break and Bala played a great through ball for Lyons-Mayman who beat the last defender and slotted across the keeper into the bottom left corner! Five minutes to go and Fylde lead! A minute later the ball was played into the box for Edwards and Chatziaros put in a great tackle but the referee blew up and awarded the penalty! What was that for! Ferguson was reprimanded by the officials on the touchline as that decision was absurd. Chatziaros won the ball fair and square. Edwards took the kick and went to the right and Butts saved! He pushed it out for the corner! The plaers rush to congratulate the young keeper! He might not have been on for long but Greene is subbed off and Sean Jordan comes on to help the defence. Fylde had their work cut out but defended very well to keep their lead. Lyons-Mayman hoofed the ball out for a goal kick with seconds to go. It's all over! What a hard fought win for Fylde and they showed true determination out there to win today! All players fought hard and the defence pulled together to pull off their best display of the season!
DF: Its's the kind of performance you need when you go away to Birmingham, the crowd were hostile and they had chance after chance but we gave it all and we stole it. Lyons-Mayman with a fine finish, we were nowhere near our best today and gave the ball away needlessly but I'm focusing on the win and the way we kept the lead at 1-0.
PLAYER RATINGS
Burton Albion vs AFC Fylde
F.A Cup First Round
11th November 2040
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It was a big tie for non-league Burton Albion who were once of League One but a decline over the last ten years has seen them drop into the National League. Football fans would like to see Burton return to better days and new manager Cliff Byrne has them second in the table a point behind Bromley. Live coverage of the tie was broadcast on BBC. Ferguson made a few changes with Alexander, Jordan and Chapman in defence. Luke Williams started on the left and Grant Thomas led the line. Buerton pumped the ball long on 3 minutes, Preece headed but it only went as far as Mills-Haytere who took it down nicely and curled it into the top right corner to make it 1-0 to Burton. The home fans are in raptures. Preece got down the right and crossed into the box but it was cleared, Tommy Smyth muscled his way to the ball and passed left to Hutchinson who hit it first time and beat the keeper to level! The first half was coming to a close, Parish took the ball in the middle and played it wide to Brehon on the right side, he crossed to Ridley into the box, he played a one-two with Okereke and slotted past Butts to put Burton back in front! The Fylde defence had no idea what just happened. Emeka Bala came on for Luke Williams ten minutes into the second half. Bala had an instant impact when he got onside with the last man and finished Hutchinson's ball into the area, 2-2! Burton matched Fylde in every department and what a game it was for the BBC. Burton were pleased for the whistle and it's a replay at Mill Farm. Fylde should be disappointed with their performance today, Emeka Bala having to come on to rescue the tie for them.
PLAYER RATINGS
AFC Fylde vs Tranmere Rovers
EFL Trophy
13th November 2040
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It was the last group game of the EFL Trophy and Fylde had already qualified. Qualification for Tranmere looked unlikely as they were bottom of the group with one point. Jay Preece earnt himself a rest as Chatziaros filled in at Right Back and Stewart Milby got his second start of the season alongside Ron Patterson in midfield. Milby played it to Armah who was always looking to get on the ball and drive at the defence, he passed into the box cutting the Tranmere defence wide open, Williams should have scored from that angle but the keeper kept it out. Greene had a chance just before half-time, Chatziaros found him on the edge of the box but he sliced it horribly and it rolled out of play. Fylde had a corner just before the break, Greene played it into the box and Lyons-Mayman took it down on the chest, took it away from the keeper and tucked it in at the post, clever finish! Fylde got caught on the counter with less than 20 minutes to go, both full backs out of position, Jordan went wide to close down the early cross but it came in for Walker who only had the keeper to beat and he did to level. Fylde hit back and Patterson played it to John Armah who used his strength to shrug off his man on the right and run at the back line before firing into the bottom left corner, 2-1 two minutes later! Fylde had a golden chance a few minutes later when Chatziaros played a ball into the left channel for Lyons-Mayman, he got to the byline and put in a splendid cross for Greene which he headed just over. Fylde made it 3 out of 3 and finish top of the group with a 100% record!
PLAYER RATINGS
AFC Fylde vs Burton Albion
F.A Cup First Round Replay
21st November 2040
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International duty did not go too well for Fylde as Elliott Richardson came back with a knee injury ruling him out for 4 weeks and Tommy Smyth returned suffering with fatigue. Patrick Craddock was given a go on the right with the hope that he could recapture last season's form which saw him crowned as Fylde's player of the year. Although he does have 7 assists in all competitions so far this season. Emeka Bala was travelling back from Nigeria so Luke Williams started on the left wing. Lyons-Mayman came deep to get the ball on 7 minutes and played it to Patterson, he found Alexander in space on the left and his low cross into the box for Lyons-Mayman was perfect for his left foot to tuck away! Fylde ease the tension early on! Patterson and Anderson play some short passes in midfield before releasing Preece down the right, he crossed deep but it was headed away, Patterson took it down and played a lovely through ball into the box and Stuart Greene smashed it into the roof of the net, 2-0! Luke Williams gave away a free-kick on the edge of the Fylde box, Kendall surely won't shoot from this angle but he did and he got it into the near corner, 2-1, what a strike that was. Butts should have done better with that. Burton were off to a good start in the second half with Fylde struggling to get hold of the midfield, Preece was left in his tracks by Ridley but his shot was wide of the post. Brehon came down the right, Alexander couldn't stop the cross, Butts went up for the ball and was nowhere near it, Mills-Hayter had an easy header and made it 2-2, shocking defending. Luke Williams went off for Grant Thomas with under 30 minutes to go. John Hutchinson came on for Anderson and Greene went into central midfield. The 90 minutes over and it was the dreaded extra-time which neither side wanted. Mills-Hayter was getting the better of Chapman every time and had a chance to make it 3-2 on the 3rd minute but Butts kept it out. The corner was claimed by Butts and he rolled it out to Preece, Preece knocked it down the line to Craddock who dribbled forward, he put a good ball into the box which Lyons-Mayman went for with a diving header but the replay showed he was pushed. The referee took a look and awarded the penalty! Stuart Greene placed the ball down, took a breath and sent the keeper the wrong way with a cool finish! Sean Jordan came on for Matty Chapman inside the first half. Jay Preece took the Fylde free-kick with 10 minutes to go, he aimed towards the far post and Hutchinson done well to keep it in heading across goal, Jordan got a foot to it scooping it towards goal and Neil Turner put it into his own net! 4-2 and that should be Fylde through to the second round!
DF: Burton matched us over two ties and I've got to give credit to Cliff Byrne and his team, they fought us hard and they've put us through a bit of a war. I think we were lucky at times because we were cut open too easily and it's something we need to be aware of in the future.
It was back to league action and 3rd agaiunst 9th as Charlton aimed to better last season's 7th place finish. It was still too soon for the return of Jason Breacker but he was nearing a return to first team training. Tommy Smyth, Emeka Bala, John Hutchinson and John Armah all lined up for Fylde as the big guns were determined to get Fylde back on top. Charlton had a corner on 35 minutes which Matty Chapman dealt with and released John Armah on a run towards goal, Armah used his pace to get forward and put a ball forward into the box for Lyons-Mayman who sprinted to get there and slot first time into the bottom corner! Anderson was working hard in midfield, won the ball back and played it to Smyth who struck a well hit shot that crashed against the bar from 30 yards out, great effort from the youngster. Charlton went route one and as the ball came towards the box Chapman used his hand which looked intentional and received his second yellow card, he was off. Sean Jordan came on for Hutchinson with the aim to tighten up at the back. Charlton came forward but Fylde defended well, the clearances were coming back in and it was nervy as the game went into additional time. Armah done well to intercept Tang's ball out wide to Hunter but his clearance was picked up by Boateng, the ball was played out wide to Blackmore and he crossed but Butts was there to claim. Butts kicked it long and Lyons-Mayman slowed the game down, he exhanged passes with Thomas and the ball was played wide to Armah who knocked it back to Preece, Fylde ticking down the clock. That was the end and Fylde's win sees them return to the top of the table! It might not have been pretty or comfortable but it's three points in another game they had to grind out and is this what winners are made of?
PLAYER RATINGS
Bury vs AFC Fylde
27th November 2040
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After 18 games Fylde were top of the table and a win over Bury would be massive at this stage who were third in the table. Performances may not have been great recently but they were still picking up results in games they looked second best. The season was far from over and consistency was key for Fylde to be successful this season. The mood was upbeat, the supporters were in great spirits and the atmosphere around Mill Farm was vibrant. Chairman Dale Potter was true to his word and put the money up for key transfers unlike his predecessor Kevin Ward. The club seemed to finally have stability and it couldn't go wrong in the safe hands of Duncan Ferguson. Matty Chapman was suspended for this game due to his sending off against Charlton so Sean Jordan partnered Andreas Chatziaros. Aiden Butts was enjoying is spell in goal in the absence of Jason Breacker and fans feel it could be time for Ferguson to drop Breacker and give Butts the playing time he deserves. Tommy Smyth put a great ball through for Lyons-Mayman on 10 minutes which he blasted straight at the keeper. Got to score from there. Smyth passed to Bala who lost the ball outside the area, Hutchinson lashed at it and it went just wide on 13 minutes. Bury made all three subs with 30 minutes to go with changes to both Strikers. Fylde's first change came with just under 20 minutes to go, Hutchinson going off for Anderson and Smyth moving further forward. Anderson had an impact straight away when he played the ball to Bala who turned and struck the post from 20 yards out. Westwood cleared with a header and Anderson didn't go in for the 50/50 losing out to Agard who came forward and struck low into the bottom corner on 86 minutes, is that the winner for Bury? Just like that and the game has changed. Bala took the ball down on the left, cut inside and sprayed it to Craddock who hadn't long been on the pitch, he come forward and played a great ball into the box for Lyons-Mayman to finish around the keeper! 94 minutes gone and Fylde grab a point! It's all over at Gig Lane and Fylde deserved something out of it but in reality they will be disappointed not to have won.
DF: It's a great feeling to score at the death and to come away with a point is better than none. We'l see how the table looks after this but it won't be too damaging. It would have been nice to try and pull away by beating our rivals but they still have to come to Mill Farm. Lyons-Mayman is scoring goals, too many people are focusing on the chances he misses but he's got 12 in 21 games which is a great record, I'm pleased with his contribution.
PLAYER RATINGS
Maidenhead United vs AFC Fylde
FA Cup Second Round
31st November 2040
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A huge third round tie could await the winner of this match and could be the financial support non-league Maidenhead require in their quest to stay afloat in the footballing pyramid. It's a big game for Fylde, although they are of League One standard, they are still small in stature compared to clubs at their level. Ferguson rested a few players for the trip to Maidenhead, it was leaked this week that Tommy Smyth was struggling with fitness and was unable to complete 90 minute matches. He was rested and did not travel. Emeka Bala picked up a groin injury so Luke Williams started the game on the left and Seam Jordan started at the back alongside Matty Chapman who was back from suspension. The ball was played out wide to Preece from Anderson and he hit a stinging cross that Thomas caught with the glancing header but it went wide on 9 minutes. Chapman played the ball forward but it was headed away, Greene intercepted and passed to Anderson who was in space and had time to line up the shot from the edge of the box and make it 1-0 on 13 minutes! Pemberto got down the line and won his team's first corner after Craddock blocked the cross, the fans behind the goal got right behind their team. The corner by Prosser was easily caught in the air by Butts. Stuart Greene took the ball down from Preece's throw just on the centre circle, turned his man and dribbled forward at speed, he got towards the box and played it through to Williams who stroked it in with his left on 27 minutes, 2-0! Maidenhead were not afraid to get stuck in and were always looking to hit Fylde on the counter, Blake came down the right with Alexander chasing, he found Prosser but his cross was cut out by Preece and Fylde came forward with Craddock, he got into the box and went across the keeper but he palmed it away. Maidenhead had a great chance on the stroke of half-time when Backhouse put the free-kick into the box and Blake beat the offside but he volleyed over from close range, if only he kept it low it would have been 2-1. Patterson went off for Milby just after half-time. Greene played a low ball into the box from the free-kick, Craddock and Jordan both took a swing at it but the keeper saved both times, Grant Thomas got the third strike and put it away to pretty much seal the victory for Fylde on 60 minutes. Aiden Butts was called upon towards the end and stayed calm to keep another clean sheet and put himself in the thoughts of Ferguson long term. It's a win for Fylde and progression to round three where they could pick up a lucrative tie.
DF: The FA Cup Third Round is always a special day in the calendar, for us we'll be looking for a team of similar standard to progress to the next round but I know the chairman will be looking to the Premier League!
PLAYER RATINGS
AFC Fylde vs Cheltenham Town
4th December 2040
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Tommy Smyth was back in the team as the club welcomed struggling Cheltenham to Mill Farm. Aiden Butts kept his place in goal despite Jasomn Breacker being fully fit after returning from injury. A win for Fylde tonight would see them return to the top of the table by a clear two points. Preece won the header in defence and Patterson flicked it on to Hutchinson who turned his marker and ran towards goal, he took a shot from outside the box that was going towards the bottom corner but it went wide. Kieran Westwood found Lyons-Mayman with a quality ball over the top but his finished was kept out by the onrushing Peacock. The aerial balls into the box were not working for Fylde due to the height in the Cheltenham defence. They were defending well and their physicality was getting the better of Fylde. Patterson won the header from Peacock's poor goal kick and he passed forward to Lyons-Mayman who took advantage of the slip by Marsden and he slotted beautifully curling his shot around the keeper making it 1-0 and grabbing his 50th league goal of his career! Westwood with another great long ball forward and Lyons-Mayman beat the defence, staying onside and slotting to the keepers right to make it 2-0 just before half-time! What a ball from Westwood, he was on the edge of his own box! Three minutes after the restart, Westwood done exactly the same thing again and got the ball through for Lyons-Mayman and he sealed his hattrick with a left footed finish! How are Cheltenham allowing this to happen? Aside from scoring goals, Lyons-Mayman has played with confidence, winning the ball back for his team and dropping deep to help the midfield. Fylde were off to a great December, the songbook came out in the North End and the supporters were giving their best renditions of songs of yesteryear for Danny Rowe and Euan Henderson but the game was not over and as the referee put his whistle to his lips, Chatziaros played a direct ball forward for Lyons-Mayman who had the defence zig-zagging before slotting home to get his fourth and Fylde's fourth and the fans were ecstatic with his solo performance! The Lyons-Mayman chant was in full force as the Striker strutted around the pitch at full-time beaming with joy! What a night for Fylde, the rain came down but their reign is only just beginning. The class of 2040 is in session and with a return to the top of the table, they could be well on their way to The Championship!
DF: Lyons-Mayman certainly proved himself tonight to any doubters! He was clinical and was predator-like the way he man-handled their defence. He took all of his goals really well and he played with an air of confidence tonight. I told the lads to go more direct and to try to play through the defence on the ground, they were too good in the air for us and we found that out early one with our crossing so through the middle worked well and we got the win.
It's not just Lyons-Mayman scoring for fun, Jon Rowe is making a name for himself at youth level and has 15 goals to his name this season. The youngster who turned 17 last month is beginning to create some hype. Under 18's Manager Stephen Purges states Jon Rowe has it all and his finishing was devastating against Port Vale especially a 30 yard strike with his weaker left foot into the top corner. There's certainly a lot for Fylde to be excited about in the coming years with Rowe and Winstanley making a name in the U23's and U18's and they are two players to keep an eye on throughout the course of the season.
It's not just Lyons-Mayman scoring for fun, Jon Rowe is making a name for himself at youth level and has 15 goals to his name this season. The youngster who turned 17 last month is beginning to create some hype. Under 18's Manager Stephen Purges states Jon Rowe has it all and his finishing was devastating against Port Vale especially a 30 yard strike with his weaker left foot into the top corner. There's certainly a lot for Fylde to be excited about in the coming years with Rowe and Winstanley making a name in the U23's and U18's and they are two players to keep an eye on throughout the course of the season.
