Match Preview: AFC Fylde Women v Halifax FC Women

AFC Fylde Women return to league action on Sunday when they entertain Halifax FC Women at Kellamergh Park in the FAWNL Northern Premier Division.

Photo: John Shirras

Since both teams will not be involved in cup competition this weekend, their league fixture has been brought forward to Sunday 26th November, with kick-off at 2.00 pm.

A fortnight ago, the Coasters bowed out of the Women’s FA Cup with a 1-0 reverse to Durham Cestria in the First Round Proper. An early goal by Cestria’s Faye Dale proved to be the difference between the two sides as Fylde just could not find that elusive equaliser in a closely fought encounter at Kellamergh Park.

Jack Garside’s team will be looking to put the disappointment of their Cup exit behind them when they resume their league campaign with the visit of Halifax FC Women on Sunday.

After a challenging start, the Coasters are yet to win in the league this season and currently prop up the rest of the division. Nevertheless, if the Coasters can replicate the strong performances that they have displayed over recent games, it will not be long until they are propelling themselves up the table.

Rob Mitchell’s Halifax Women sit ninth in the league standings, having recorded notable victories over Huddersfield Town and Liverpool Feds back in September. The Eagles have also enjoyed a successful run in the FAWNL Cup and can look forward to a Quarter Final tie against Huddersfield Town at the end of January.

Much like the Coasters, however, the Eagles suffered an early exit from the Women’s FA Cup, with a 3-1 defeat to Hull City Ladies in the First Round Proper. Halifax Women were then due to face Wakefield AFC Women in the West Riding County Cup last weekend, but their opponents had to withdraw from the competition. As a result, the Eagles received a bye into the next round.

Following their recent cup exploits, the Coasters will be fully focused on the challenge that lies ahead and determined to pick up a positive result at home this Sunday afternoon.

Words by Scott Jones