PREVIEW | Chester v AFC Fylde
The Blues take a break from league action this weekend, as AFC Fylde visit the Swansway in the FA Trophy.
Marcus Bignot’s side overcame a winless November with victory over fellow strugglers Solihull Moors last time out, and should have a fitter squad to choose from this Saturday.
AFC Fylde are fresh from their FA Cup second round replay defeat to Wigan on Tuesday evening, after holding Paul Cook’s side to a 1-1 draw at Mill Farm two weeks ago.
Dave Challinor’s side have suffered in their league form of late – losing 1-0 at Boreham Wood last weekend, and currently sit 17th in the National League table. Despite an uninspiring start, the Coasters have many games in hand over their nearest rivals, given their run in the FA Cup.
Blues have reached the last 16 of the competition on just one occasion since reforming, and fell to eventual winners Halifax Town on a cold, Tuesday evening back in February 2016.
ONE TO WATCH
Danny Rowe – Striker
Without question, Danny Rowe is the man who will prove himself to be a handful on Saturday. Currently joint top scorer in the League with 11 goals alongside Macauley Bonne and Ryan Bird, Rowe will definitely find himself in and around the top of that list come April.
Previously at Stockport County, the 27-year old wrote himself into Fylde’s history books this year – becoming the side’s all time leading marksman.
Rowe originally joined the Coasters in 2014 following an unsuccessful spell at now League Two side Lincoln City, and is considered a fans favourite on the Fylde coast.
HISTORY BOOKS
This is the third time these two teams will meet at the Swansway – with the first two games both ending in draws.
In this fixture in the National League back in August, Chester kicked off their season with a 1-1 draw; Lucas Dawson cancelled out Jack Muldoon’s opener.
The other meeting was Chester’s inaugural season since reformation. In January 2011, the two sides drew 2-2
Michael Wilde and Bradley Barnes bagged for the Blues in that game – with the latter going on to play for today’s opponents.
MATCH DETAILS
Kick off at the Swansway Chester Stadium tomorrow is 3pm.
Admission prices are reduced for the game – click here for more info
Can’t make the game? Follow us on Twitter @ChesterFC for full match updates OR listen to our live and FREE commentary on our dedicated Mixlr page.