AFC FYLDE
The Vanarama National League
Friday 19th April 2019
Kick Off: 3:00pm
Stadium: Mill Farm, Wesham, Preston, PR4 3JZ
Telephone: 01772 682593
Club Colours: White
Nickname: The Coasters
Key Personnel:
Dave Challinor is the current Gaffer and has been in charge since November 2011. He had previous managerial experience at Colwyn Bay in the Northern Premier League.
As a tough defender with at one point possessing officially the worlds’ longest throw in football had spells at Tranmere, Stockport and Bury between 1994 and 2008
Brief Directions by Road:
Fairly straightforward (although over 200 miles away and some 4 hours in a car) as the new ground is very close to the M55. M6 onto junction 32 and then onto the M55. Come off at its Junction 3 and take the A585 signposted Kirkham (Fleetwood Road). After about a mile you will see the Stadium on your right. Entrance is situated near the Aldi Supermarket.
Car Parking:
There is a good sized car park at the stadium. Proceeding to the next roundabout, street parking becomes available.
Directions by Train:
Kirkham and Wesham is the nearest station about a mile walk from the ground. Served by Manchester Victoria or Preston and less frequently direct from London Euston. The number 61 bus is the route that passes closest to the stadium.
Eating and Drinking Locally:
The Bradley Sports Bar at the ground admits visiting supporters – plenty of ales, ciders and lagers are available. The nearest pubs are a good 10-15 walk away and the club recommends the Lane End on Weeton Road. Close to the station are the Stanley Arms and the Royal Oak, all endorsed by my spies with the Stanley Arms offering a really good bar menu (local pie, mash and gravy is irresistible to be fair and I’ll fight anybody who says differently). There is a Fried Chicken and a Greggs establishment across the car park if you really must. Look, 9 miles further on on the M55 is Blackpool – let’s go there for the morning!
Ground Description:
It was a surprise move to Mill farm for the club in some ways as the old Kellamergh Park was developing nicely, but such is the power of the Football Leagues’ tractor beam and ambition. The focal point of the ground is the main stand with a distinctive semi-circular roof which seats around 2,000. Opposite is a good sized covered terrace, while to the left is the South terrace also covered. Nice touches are the curved roofs to complement the main stand. To the left, the North End is underdeveloped at present offering just a flat hard standing area.
Our Last Meeting & Memories:
The teams met in the FA Trophy 4th Round in February of this year, unfortunately, Barnet lost on penalties after a 0-0 scoreline at 90 and 120 minutes.
The 1-1 draw at the Hive in September 2018 is the only other meeting between the two teams.
Overnight Stay Factor:
10/10 As previously reported Blackpool is 9 miles away and offers everything you will need for a weekend away. Like many clubs, I suspect stories of Barnet supporters visits to this part of the world are legendary and best keep for the Legends Bar on a Saturday, to be honest
Celebrity Watch:
Police guitarist Andy Summers, although he supports Blackpool, was born here and allegedly he got the idea for Don’t Stand So Close To Me while in the crowd at Bloomfield Road when they played Preston in 1976. Music Hall entertainer Tessie O Shea lived here as did brilliant ventriloquist Keith Harris (I think his puppet was called Jason).
