Photo: Heather Watson - AFC Fylde Women
AFC Fylde Women return to cup action on Sunday when they host Newcastle United Women in the Quarter Final of the FA Women’s National League Cup.
This weekend sees the Coasters welcome the Magpies to Kellamergh Park for their third encounter of the season. This cup tie takes place on Sunday 28th January, with kick-off at 2.00 pm.
The Coasters secured their passage to the Quarter Final of the FAWNL Cup by overcoming three different opponents in the early stages of the season.
In late August, Fylde came from behind to beat Chorley Women 2-1 in the Determining Round. After trailing midway through the second half, the Coasters showed their fighting spirit by scoring two quick-fire goals in the dying embers of the game. Cath Hamill netted the equaliser, before Beth Strutton grabbed the winner to spark jubilant scenes at full-time.
Fylde kicked off October with a 6-0 win against Notts County Women in the First Round. Goals from Lily Murphy, Ginny Lackey (x2), Lauren Heria, Emma Siddall, and an own goal helped the Coasters seal the victory in a dominant display.
The Coasters rounded off October by beating Durham Cestria 4-2 in the Second Round. Fylde went 3-0 up in the first half thanks to Beth Strutton’s opener and two goals from Ginny Lackey. In the second half, Durham Cestria reduced the arrears courtesy of a brace from Alisha Mainwaring, but Fylde soon extended their lead when Lackey completed her hat-trick to make it 4-2.
Newcastle United Women have adapted remarkably well to life in the FAWNL Northern Premier Division. After achieving promotion last season, Becky Langley’s Magpies are competing in the third tier for the first time in their history. Despite suffering a narrow 2-1 defeat to Nottingham Forest Women last Sunday, Newcastle remain top of the division with 31 points from 12 games.
When the two sides met in early September, Newcastle came away from Kellamergh Park with all three points. Although Fylde competed well for large spells of the contest, the visiting Magpies showed their clinical edge to score four times without reply.
For their final game of 2023, the Coasters travelled to Kingston Park in mid-December for their return fixture with the Magpies. It turned into a tough afternoon for the visitors as Newcastle ran out convincing 11-3 winners to stretch their lead at the top of the table.
This Sunday marks the first home game for Fylde’s recently appointed First Team Managers Jake Williams and Steve Mainwaring. The new management duo will be looking for a positive performance from their team as they hope to progress to the semi-final of the competition.
Supporters are encouraged to get down to Kellamergh Park for this exciting cup tie on Sunday.
Words by Scott Jones
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