With the return of neighbours Chorley to the fixture list, tomorrow night marks a big local derby at Mill Farm.
From the Northern Premier League playoff final defeat back in 2011, through to the record-attendance reaching Boxing Day clash in 2017, there have certainly been big talking points between the two sides.
“It’s great to be playing them again,” said Manager Dave Challinor. “It’s been quite a south-centric league in the last couple of years, so to have this type of game back is fantastic.”
“We’ve kind of been going up alongside Chorley in the leagues, and have had some great games over the years,” he continued.
“So it’s brilliant to have this derby back, and of course under the lights in midweek, you get that extra special feel to it.”
The Magpies kicked off their season with a goalless draw at home to Bromley, and will no doubt look forward to their trip to Mill Farm.
“Despite having the core of the side that has been there for a while, they are a new side in many ways,” says Challinor.
“They’ll be well-organised, and having just been promoted, they’ll be used to winning games, which can definitely be a big advantage in a new league.”
“I’ve spoken to Jamie [Vermiglio] a number of times over the summer, as he’s asked about certain ways in which we’ve done things, and advice we can give – so the relationship there is good.”
Despite the positive relationship between the two managers, there’ll certainly be no love lost come 7.45pm on Tuesday 6th August, when the two sides meet at Mill Farm.
“Just as they’ll have targets and ambitions, ultimately so do we,” says Challinor.
“I believe that we have the squad together to really compete in this division and the players have the mentality required to be winners, and starting strongly is important to that.”
Tickets
Tickets for tomorrow night’s local derby with Chorley are on sale now, via tickets.afcfylde.co.uk.
The ticket office and club shop will be open all day tomorrow prior to the game for those looking to get tickets.
It is advised that fans look to get theirs either online or in store well in advance, as queues on the night are expected to be very lengthy.
