This  feature divulges into the past and looks at the success that The Coasters have had since the re-branding as AFC Fylde. This feature is also in the match-day programmes for home games.

AFC Fylde 2-2 Buxton (05/10/13)

Coasters Starting XI:

Hinchliffe, Hankin, Sumner, M. Hughes (C), Russell, C. Hughes (Dorney 75), Mahon, Winter (Booth 57), Blinkhorn, M. Barnes, Lloyd (Rainford 63).

Subs not used:

Denson, B. Barnes

AFC Fylde missed the chance to go two points clear at the top of the table having to come from behind twice to claim a draw off visiting Buxton. The visitors hit The Coasters on the break twice, first through Leon Osborne on 13 minutes, but Danny Lloyd levelled the game in first half stoppage time. 12 minutes into the second half, Buxton struck again through Lee Morris but Jack Dorney equalised seconds after coming off the bench with 15 minutes to go to give the game a tense finish.

Five minutes in, Harry Winter missed a great double chance to give Fylde the lead. Two minutes later, Fylde were denied a penalty after Lloyd raced through despite a defender clearly handling the ball in his box to try and stop the striker getting his shot on goal. Buxton then raced up field and took the lead against the run of play on 13 minutes – Osborne half-volleyed home just inside the box.

It was a very open affair in the opening stages but Fylde began to gain the momentum half way through the half with Adam Sumner making his 100th appearance for The Coasters. Harry Winter and Matty Blinkhorn both missed chances for an equaliser soon after but the intense pressure eventually paid off in first half stoppage time when Lloyd jumped higher than anyone at the back post to nod in Mike Barnes’ expert cross.

Both sides knew the next goal would be crucial and after Derek Niven shot wide, it was the visitors who struck again – Craig King broke on the left, fed Osborne in the area who then laid off for Morris who had plenty of time and space to fire in unopposed from 12 yards on 57 minutes. Joe Booth came on for his 250th appearance but it was another substitute, Jack Dorney, who got the equaliser. Sumner made another great run to poke to the ball through to Dorney who was free in the area and slot home to make it 2-2.

Neither team could find that all-important winner and the spoils were shared and The Coasters remained top of the table on goal difference after Chorley and Blyth Spartans also dropped points in their games that weekend.

Other games from this week:

29/09/2012 – The Coasters beat Marine at home in the F.A. Trophy with the score finishing 1-0.

05/10/2010 – We beat Skelmersdale 3-1 away from home in the NPL Div 1 North.

04/10/2008 – We travelled to Formby in the North West Counties Premier League and came back with three points after a 5-1 victory.