Match Preview: AFC Fylde Women v Burnley FC Women

AFC Fylde Women make their long-awaited return to Kellamergh Park on Sunday when they host Burnley FC Women in the Lancashire FA Women’s Senior Cup.

This home tie takes place on Sunday 19th January, with kick-off at 2.00 pm.

Earlier in the week, AFC Fylde were delighted to announce the signing of Danny Murphy as the new Women’s First Team Head Coach. In what is a truly historic appointment for the Club, Murphy is excited to embark on the first full-time Women’s role in the Club’s history.

This weekend’s county cup tie will be Murphy’s first game in charge of AFC Fylde Women as the team looks forward to the start of a new chapter in their development.

The Coasters are hoping to kick-start their 2025 at the third attempt after their two previous games were called off due to the recent adverse weather.

Last time out, the Coasters were set to travel to Stockport Sports Village for their away clash with Stockport County Ladies. Understandably, the fixture was postponed due to the freezing temperatures and icy conditions last weekend.

A fortnight ago, the Coasters were due to welcome Middlesbrough Women to Kellamergh Park, but that fixture also fell victim to the weather.

Returning to action for the first time since the winter break, the Coasters will be reacquainted with familiar opposition in the form of Burnley Women. Rebecca Sawiuk’s side continue to challenge towards the top of the FAWNL Northern Premier Division, where they currently sit third, with eight wins out of their opening ten games.

Despite now competing in different divisions, these Lancastrian neighbours have already met this season when they were paired together in the Determining Round of the FAWNL Cup. At the end of August, Fylde travelled to Victoria Park in Nelson to face the Clarets on a late summer’s evening.

On that occasion, Burnley bagged five goals in the first half, before adding two more goals in the second period. Although the Coasters acquitted themselves well against their higher-league opponents, the Clarets more than merited their victory on the night.

Looking ahead to this Sunday’s encounter, the Coasters will have to be on top form if they are to overcome the current holders of the Lancashire FA Women’s Senior Cup, but they will be giving their all to advance to the next round of this year’s competition.

Words by Scott Jones