Dagenham & Redbridge vs AFC Fylde
Saturday 24th March, 2018, k/o 3pm
The Chigwell Construction Stadium
Vanarama National League
AFC Fylde are back on the road for the first time in over a month this weekend when they travel to Dagenham and Redbridge.
The Coasters were dealt a blow in their tussle for a place in the play-offs last time out, surrendering a two-goal lead to draw against Hartlepool United.
Fylde led their relegation-threatened opponents 3-1 with just one minute of normal time remaining, however wonder goals from Jake Cassidy and Devante Rodney earned the visitors a share of the spoils.
Dave Challinor’s side now trail seventh-placed Dover Athletic by four points with eight games to play.
Danny Rowe & Co. have been in sensational form in front of goal recently, netting 13 times in their last three games.
Rowe has helped himself to four of those, taking his league total to 22 for the season – five ahead of his nearest rival – whilst Andy Bond doubled his tally for the term with a brace against Hartlepool.
Midfielder James Hardy, fresh from starring in England C’s 3-2 victory over Wales on Tuesday night, will be hoping to add to his two goals over the last three games.
Full-back Zaine Francis-Angol also enjoyed international glory during midweek, helping Antigua & Barbuda to a 3-2 victory over Bermuda.
Hardy will go head-to-head with England teammate and Dagenham striker Fejiri Okenabirhie this weekend. The Daggers frontman goes into the match on top form after netting a hat-trick for his country on Tuesday. He has eight goals in the National League for Dagenham.
The hosts made an impressive start to the season and were unbeaten over their opening seven matches, however their form has dipped of late and they find themselves in 11th place, 12 points adrift of the play-offs.
Fylde were denied their firs league victory of the season back in August by a cruel late goal against Dagenham.
Challinor’s side took an early lead when Henry Jones slotted home, however Morgan Ferrier’s breakaway goal on the stroke of half-time levelled up proceedings.
Veteran centre-half Simon Grand though he had won it on his full debut in the dying stage before Sam Ling nodded in a 94th minute equaliser.
Challinor further strengthened his ranks this week with the addition of Guiseley midfielder Jake Lawlor, who joins on loan until the end of the season. The 26-year-old can also play at the heart of defence.
Follow all the build-up and live match action via our Facebook page or minute by minute updates on Twitter (@AFCFYLDE)
Team news:
Zaine Francis-Angol misses the trip due to international duty. His Antigua side face Jamaica on Sunday. The trip to Dagenham may come a little soon for new man Jake Lawlor who is recovering from injury. Sam Finley serves the second game of a three-match suspension following his dismissal against Aldershot Town
Fixtures:
Admission:
A13 Steel Stand
Adult: £21
Concession: £15
Juniors (10-16 year olds): £12
Under-10: £2
Address and Travel:
Address: Victoria Rd, Dagenham, RM10 7XL
By Car: If you are coming from the North or West, follow the M25 Clockwise until junction 27 and take the M11 towards London. Proceed along the M11 and as the road splits at the end of the motorway follow the signs for A406 South & A13. After 5 miles, take the slip road on the left signposted A13 Dagenham, Tilbury and Southend.
Go under the underpass and over the flyover and with the leisure complex on your left bear left onto the A1306 signposted Dagenham East. At the fifth set of lights with McDonalds in front of you, tern left onto the A1112, Ballards Road. At the Bull Roundabout bear left and go past Dagenham East Tube Station. Victoria Road is the fifth turning on the left.
By Rail: Nearest Tube station is Dagenham East on the District Line of London’s Underground Network. After exiting the station turn left and the ground is the fifth turning on the left about 400 metres from the station.
