WIN WOULD PUT CHERRY ON TOP

AFC FYLDE chairman David Haythornthwaite says the Coasters’ televised FA Cup clash with Wigan Athletic was a landmark in their rise up football’s ladder – and he can’t help dreaming of an away day at Premier League side AFC Bournemouth. The National League side take on the League One Latics in a replay at the DW Stadium on Tuesday night following their 1-1 draw at Mill Farm last Friday. It was the latest step on the club’s rise as they try to reach the Football League by their long-stated goal of 2022. And chairman Haythornthwaite, who first got involved with the ambitious Lancashire club in 2006, says it was a proud occasion. “It was a great day – I couldn’t have been more delighted with the way it went,” he said. “As I’ve said many times, I’m as passionate about it being as right off the field as it is on the field so it was a very good day on both aspects. “The BBC did a fantastic opening piece about the four old guys who started the club years ago. “It was fantastic to highlight them and their memories of being involved with Kirkham & Wesham all those years ago. “For me it’s another step in the journey we’re on. It was a big step obviously. Boreham Wood this weekend is a bigger game because we feel we’ve still got a chance of getting in the promotion hunt this season. “But we’re looking forward to the replay. It’s going to be tough. They’re a very good side, they’re not top of the League One for nothing. “So it’s going to be hard but we’re going to give it a bash and we’re going to enjoy ourselves.” And should they manage to pull off the unthinkable, a trip to the south coast Cherries awaits. “Everybody at the club is motivated, you saw what it did for Lincoln last year and we’re in the FA Trophy next Saturday against Chester, so there’s lots going on at the football club at the moment,” Haythornthwaite said. “That’s just great and if we can possibly pull off that shock and get ourselves a trip down to Premier League Bournemouth, what a day that would be.”