Photo: John Shirras
AFC Fylde Women are set to play their final home game of 2024 on Sunday when they host Barnsley FC Women at Kellamergh Park.
If the weather permits, the Coasters will entertain the Reds on Sunday 8th December, with kick-off at 2.00 pm.
This Sunday marks the reverse meeting between the two sides after their season opener produced a thrilling 2-2 draw on the Oakwell AstroTurf last August. On that occasion, Fylde travelled to South Yorkshire for their away clash with Jess Horsley’s newly promoted Reds.
After a goalless opening 45 minutes, the game sprung into life in the second half as Barnsley went ahead through Freya Walton’s audacious lob, before Fylde’s Lois Moore levelled with a stunning strike of her own.
With time running out, Ruby Jex-Oldfield restored the Reds’ lead, but Fylde debutant Millie Tindall had the final word as she slotted home from a free-kick to ensure that the Coasters earned a share of the spoils.
Almost four months on from that curtain-raiser, Fylde find themselves rooted to the bottom of the table after a difficult run of results. With only two fixtures left in 2024, the Coasters are determined to turn their fortunes around in the coming weeks as they aim to finish the year on a high note.
Last time out, the Coasters endured a heavy defeat on the road with a 6-1 reverse to Huddersfield Town Women. The Terriers opened up a two-goal lead in the first half, before scoring four more goals in the second half. Fylde eventually got on the scoresheet in the closing minutes as Lois Moore marked her return from injury with a consolation goal.
As for their next opponents, Barnsley have adapted well to life in the fourth tier and currently sit sixth in the table, having collected eleven points from eleven games. That points tally includes as many as five draws, which represents the highest in the division. It underlines how Horsley’s well-drilled side have made themselves hard to beat.
Indeed, one of those draws came in their most recent outing last weekend when they came from behind to rescue a point away to York City Ladies.
Grace Sykes put the hosts ahead midway through the first period, before Alayna Millard equalised for Barnsley with a sumptuous volley inside the final 20 minutes. There was late drama when visiting goalkeeper Nyla Peterkin produced a heroic penalty save to keep the scores level with only two minutes left on the clock.
After a positive week in training, the Coasters are fully focused on this Sunday’s return fixture with the Reds as they prepare to play on home soil for the final time in 2024. Any changes to this fixture will be announced on our social media channels.
Words by Scott Jones
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