Saturday 28th October 2023
Photo: John Shirras
AFC Fylde Women are looking to make further progress in the FA Women’s National League Cup on Sunday when they host Durham Cestria in the Second Round.
This home tie will be played at Kellamergh Park on Sunday 29th October, with kick-off at 2.00 pm.
Jack Garside’s team will be keen to bounce back from the disappointment of last weekend's league defeat when they switch their focus to the FAWNL Cup.
Last time out, Fylde saw their positive run of form come to an end with a 4-0 loss at home to Derby County Women. The Coasters certainly created their fair share of chances, but the Ewe Rams scored four goals without reply to continue their 100% away record in the league.
The result means that the Coasters are still seeking their first win of the league campaign. However, Fylde have enjoyed two victories so far in this season's FAWNL Cup, which presents the ideal opportunity for the team to put in a positive performance and return to winning ways.
In the Determining Round, Fylde staged a late comeback to beat Chorley Women 2-1 at Kellamergh Park. After the Magpies had taken the lead in the second half, Fylde fought back to score twice in the closing minutes. With time running out, Cath Hamill found the equaliser, before Beth Strutton grabbed the winner moments before full-time.
At the start of October, the Coasters safely navigated their way past the First Round with an emphatic 6-0 win at Notts County Women FC. Goals from Lily Murphy, Ginny Lackey (x2), Lauren Heria, Emma Siddall, and an own goal helped the team secure the win at the RM Stadium in Hucknall.
That victory set up a Second Round tie at home to Durham Cestria, who compete at fourth-tier level in the FAWNL Division One North.
To reach this stage of the competition, Durham Cestria first overcame the challenge of Leafield Athletic with a 2-1 win in the Determining Round, before needing extra-time to beat Loughborough Lightning 1-0 in the Preliminary Round. Durham Cestria then ran out 2-1 winners at home to Stockport County Ladies in the First Round.
It should make for an exciting cup tie on Sunday afternoon when the Coasters meet Cestria for a place in the Third Round.
Words by Scott Jones
C'mon Coasters, you can do it! ... also great words by Scott, they should give that man a raise!