The 2015-16 National League North season sees the Coasters’ face some familiar teams plus a couple who we have never met before. Reporter JACK CONNOR looks at five teams we will be playing next season as we bid to gain promotion to the National League.
AFC Telford United
AFC Telford United finished 23rd in the Conference Premier last season and faced Fylde in the FA Trophy in January, resulting in a 4-0 victory for the Coasters. The Bucks boast former Coasters striker Adam Farrell in their ranks and play at the impressive 6,300 capacity New Bucks Head stadium, built in 2003 a year before the original Telford United folded. Telford have history in this division as they won promotion to the Conference Premier by winning the Conference North title in 2014. New faces include former Hyde defender Josh Brizell and their main rivals are League One side Shrewsbury Town.
Alfreton Town
Another side recently relegated from the Conference Premier, Alfreton Town are based in Derbyshire on the edge of the Peak District. Relegated on goal difference on the final day of last season, the Reds will be looking to bounce back and make a swift return to the top tier of non league football. Like AFC Telford, Alfreton have also won this division before in 2011 and are managed by former Blackpool defender Nicky Law. The Reds home is North Street which has a capacity of 3,600 and will be a tough trip for any side this season.
Boston United
Like the Coasters, Boston also fell in last season’s play-off semi finals to a dramatic late goal from Chorley’s Adam Roscoe. The Pilgrims are a former football league side and play at the 6,600 capacity York Street, where the Coasters lost 3-1 in November last year. Boston finished directly below Fylde in last year’s league table, albeit 13 points behind and will be hoping that this season will be even better for them as they look to reach their long term target of a return to the Football League.
Brackley Town
The Coaster’s first ever opposition in the Conference North last season, Brackley were put to the sword in a 4-0 win and only just survived relegation last season. Based in Northamptonshire, Brackley will once again be one of the longest away trips for Coasters fans next season as they travel to the 3,500 capacity St James’ Park. Last season’s games against Brackley will be remembered for some memorable goals from Danny Lloyd and Richie Allen in the game at Kellamergh Park and Danny Rowe’s stunning finish in the reverse game.
Bradford Park Avenue
We faced Bradford Park Avenue four times last season, which saw a narrow success in the FA Cup Second Qualifying Round and two closely fought wins in the league. Our game at the Horsfall stadium will be remembered for Danny Lloyd’s late goal and for Liam Tomsett’s superb team goal in the 2-1 win at Kellamergh Park. There will be a familiar face in the Park Avenue line-up next season as Michael Potts has joined the Yorkshire club after leaving the Coasters’ at the end of this season. Last season’s top scorer Chib Chilaka is the danger man for Park Avenue.
Make sure to read the next article which will concentrate on Chorley, Corby Town, Curzon Ashton, FC United of Manchester and Gainsborough Trinity.
