FANTASTIC FYLDE ROMP TO GLORY
“This season we took a decision to go full-time and I think our performances and results show we deserve promotion” Dave Challinor AFC Fylde manager “We now want to put on a good show in front of our fans next week to round off a tremendous season” Danny Rowe AFC Fylde striker
GOAL KING Danny Rowe lit the promotion party touchpaper for jubilant AFC Fylde.
Rowe took his incredible league goals tally to a new National League North high of 46 as the Coasters clinched the title in fine style.
By virtue of their 3-0 triumph at the expense of Boston United, Fylde also posted a division-best figure of 105 goals.
The record-breaking title success fuelled a sense of euphoria. Coasters boss Dave Challinor said: “It’s all very emotional. To get over the line in the manner we did and with a game to spare is fantastic. It will take a while for it all to sink in, but it’s a fantastic achievement.
“This season we took a decision to go full-time and I think our performances and results show we deserve promotion. We can now look ahead to some exciting new challenges.
“But first we will be able to savour getting the championship trophy in front of our own fans next week.”
Prolific frontman Rowe said: “It’s brilliant for everyone at the club. For me personally the goals have been great, but I have been helped by the whole team who have been brilliant in setting up the chances for me. “We now want to put on a good show in front of our own fans next week to round off a tremendous season.” There was plenty of life and pace to the opening exchanges, with Rowe firing a 20-yard free-kick wide for Fylde and Lewis Hilliard seeing his low drive held by Rhys Taylor in reply. Later on, the visitors carved out two more openings – first when a Rowe snap-shot from a Tom Kennedy throw was saved by Ross Durrant and then when Dan Bradley’s glancing header from a Kennedy cross flew well wide. The Coasters lost the services of winger Bradley to injury on 31 minutes, but maintained decent forward momentum, with two Andy Bond corners in quick succession posing problems for Durrant.
Boston tried to answer with bright counter attacks, but these all-too-frequently foundered on a solid defensive unit well marshalled by Josh Langley and Dom Collins.
The goal that laid the platform for Fylde’s title party came on 41 minutes when Brendon Daniels forced his way into the home area only to be fouled by Kalern Thomas, allowing Rowe the chance to power home from the penalty spot for his 45th goal of the season.
The visitors were almost two goals up two minutes after the break but, after a flowing build-up, Daniels’ fierce low cross-shot flashed inches wide.
But Rowe found the target again on 61 minutes when he latched onto a through-ball from substitute Matt Hughes before running on to fire low beyond Durrant. The match was put beyond doubt 16 minutes from time when Hughes swept home the Coasters’ third from 12 yards following a cross by Matt Blinkhorn.
Boston almost got off the mark but Jay Rollins missed a great chance on 78 minutes when he headed over unmarked from a centre by Liam Adams.
The result left Boston anchored in the lower reaches of the table, safe from relegation but with a campaign of inconsistency to ponder on.