The Bees travel to Mill Farm to face AFC Fylde in their penultimate away game tomorrow afternoon.
Darren Currie’s men will be looking to bounce back after their 2-1 defeat at home to Fylde’s fellow promotion chasers Wrexham in their last game. Despite Shaq Coulthirst cancelling out Akil Wright’s opener with 20 minutes to go, a late Jermaine McGlashan chip sealed maximum points for the Dragons.
Last Meeting:
The last time these two sides met was in February in the FA Trophy quarter-final where the tie ended 0-0 at Mill Farm. However, Fylde came out on top and booked their place in the semis after winning 4-1 on penalties.
Nothing could split the two sides over 90 minutes in their last league meeting either. After Coulthirst opened the scoring with 20 minutes on the clock, Danny Philliskirk quickly popped up with the equaliser as the points were shared at The Hive London.
Manager: Dave Challinor
Dave Challinor was appointed Fylde manager back in November 2011 and has gone on to become a club legend after guiding them to England’s fifth tier for the first time in their history.
In his first season in charge, Challinor lead a Fylde side to Evo-Stik North glory after winning the title against Salford City but suffered play-off heartbreak the campaign after, losing in the final. However, it was a much happier outcome the year after as Challinor’s side clinched Evo-Stik Premier promotion after going up through play-offs. In their first year in the National League North, Fylde finished second but lost to Guiseley in the play-off final before suffering a similar outcome the following season. Challinor’s side then clinched promotion to the National League after being crowned champions before achieving a play-off spot yet again but were beaten in the qualifying round. Last season saw the Fylde boss guide the club to their highest ever league position in 7th and also reach the FA Cup second round for the first time in the club’s history.
Before taking charge at his current side, the Chester-born manager was in the Colwyn Bay dug-out, taking up a player-manager role in May 2010. It was a debut season to remember as he helped the club to a second place finish in the Northern Premier League Premier Division before achieving promotion through the play-offs.
Away from management, the Fylde boss also played for Tranmere, Stockport, Bury and Colwyn Bay during a playing career that lasted 17 years.
One to Watch: Danny Rowe
With 26 goals to his name this season, it’s no surprise that Danny Rowe is the one the Bees must watch out for tomorrow.
Ever since he joined the club in 2014, the prolific striker just can’t stop scoring.
He played a vital part in Fylde’s promotion to the National League and will be hoping to do the same this time around with League Two in their sights.
However, the striker hasn’t scored against the Bees this season and is without a goal in his last three games but he will be eager to end that minor drought tomorrow.
Recent League Form:
Fylde, who sit fifth, can cement a play-off spot with a win or a draw against the Bees tomorrow.
The Coasters go into tomorrow’s encounter with two wins to their name in their last five league games. The points were shared two games in a row after drawing 0-0 away at Aldershot before the score ended 1-1 in their next game against Dagenham & Redbridge. However, they returned to winning ways after beating Eastleigh 4-2 before securing a 1-0 victory over Gateshead. They go into tomorrow’s game off the back of a defeat though having lost 2-1 away at Braintree Town last weekend.
Tomorrow’s opposition have also bagged 70 goals this season, conceding 39 and have the third best home record having won 14 of their 21 games at Mill Farm.
Last 5 league games: DDWWL
