Photo: John Shirras
AFC Fylde Women are gearing up for a Lancashire derby on Wednesday when they take on Burnley FC Women at the Lancashire FA County Ground in Leyland.
This fixture takes place on Wednesday 21st February, with kick-off at 7.45 pm.
Last Sunday’s trip to Stoke City Women was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch at Emerys Stadium in Norton. A new date for the fixture will be announced in due course.
Meanwhile, the Coasters have been working hard on the training ground in preparation for their next assignment, which is a visit to Burnley Women in the FAWNL Northern Premier Division.
When the two sides last met in late January, the Coasters were drawn against Burnley in the semi-final of the Lancashire FA Women’s Senior Cup. This county cup tie was played at the Anchor Ground in Darwen as a neutral venue.
On a very wet and windy afternoon, Fylde competed well in challenging conditions but had to withstand significant pressure from Burnley’s formidable frontline.
In the end, the free-scoring Claret Women ran out convincing 6-0 winners to advance to the final, in which they will play fifth-tier West Didsbury and Chorlton Women on a date to be confirmed.
In their first league meeting of the season, Fylde entertained Burnley under the lights at Kellamergh Park last September. Despite matching their opponents for most of the contest, the Coasters fell to a 3-0 defeat.
On that occasion, Burnley went ahead when Leah Embley fired into the bottom corner. Lily Murphy almost levelled for Fylde just before the break but was denied by the post. Aimee Kelly then came off the bench to score twice in the second half and wrap up the win for the visitors.
This Wednesday's encounter will present the Coasters with another tough test against their Lancashire neighbours. Rebecca Sawiuk’s Burnley side have enjoyed an impressive campaign so far and are well-positioned in third place, with 26 points from 12 games played.
As the two sides prepare for the return fixture on Wednesday evening, the Coasters will certainly have to be at their best to take home the local bragging rights.
Words by Scott Jones
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