MATCH PREVIEW: AFC Fylde (H)

Aldershot Town welcome Vanarama National League strugglers AFC Fylde on Tuesday evening, in this midweek clash at the EBB Stadium.

Founded in 1988 as Kirkham and Wesham, few clubs have enjoyed a 21st century transformation quite like the Coasters, who were playing in the eleventh-tier of English football as recently as 2007.

The club might have made their sensational rise through the pyramid even more impressive, had it not been for a heartbreaking play-off loss to nearby rivals Salford City in 2018-19, the winner of whom achieved EFL status.

In present day, the 2022-23 National League North champions are fighting for their survival towards the foot of the fifth-tier, with an even 39 points from 39 matches.

RECENT FORM

Aside from an emphatic victory against promotion hopefuls Forest Green Rovers, it has been a difficult few weeks for the Coasters.

29/03/25 – Yeovil 1-0 AFC Fylde
22/03/25 – AFC Fylde 3-0 Forest Green Rovers
18/03/25 – AFC Fylde 1-2 Sutton United
15/03/25 – Ebbsfleet United 1-0 AFC Fylde
08/03/25 – AFC Fylde 0-2 Braintree Town

Fylde have struggled on the road this campaign, their 11 points gained is among the worst records in the division, second only to bottom of the table Ebbsfleet United.

IN THE DUGOUT

Following the departure of Kevin Phillips in late-February, former assistant David Longwell has been appointed interim boss until the end of the season, along with the help of goalkeeping coach Chris Neal.

While this is his first taste as first-team coach, the 50-year-old is highly rated, and has gained significant experience in various backroom roles with clubs including Shrewsbury Town, Orlando City, New York Red Bulls and St. Mirren.

Joining the club as number two in January, his previous role was in charge of Burnley’s U21 side. He successfully led the young Clarets to Central League Cup victory last year, though after reported controversy surrounding Whatsapp messages damaged his relationship with the club last summer, he parted ways in August 2024.

With seven points from seven games thus far, the Scot will be hoping to improve his impact on the squad in pursuit of National League survival.

LAST TIME OUT

The Shots will be hoping to exorcise their demons on Tuesday night, as the Lancashire side have been something of a bogey team for them over the years, conceding 24 goals across nine meetings since 2017.

The reverse fixture saw the Coasters come out 5-2 victors at Mill Farm in early-October. Nick Haughton opened the scoring from his own half before the hosts found themselves with a three-goal before the forty-minute mark. Goals from Josh Barrett and James Henry sparked a comeback before half time, though a similarly dominant second-period from the Coasters completed a convincing victory on the day.

Last time out at the EBB was no better, as a 5-0 defeat in February 2024 marked the club’s joint-worst home result this century.

PLAYED FOR BOTH

Simon Grand – Born in Chorley, the defender has played the majority of his career in Lancashire, making 35 appearances for Fylde across the 2017-18 season, and made six appearances for the Shots in 2011, on loan from Fleetwood Town. Currently at Bamber Bridge, Grand is still playing at 41-years-of-age.

Jim Kellerman – Released from Wolves in 2016, Kellerman begun his professional career at the EBB, playing 68 times across two seasons, scoring eight times. The midfielder, currently at Kidderminster, has never lost a game in which he has scored.

Gime Toure – The French forward played for both clubs across an extended stay in England’s fifth-tier between 2017 and 2023 that also included stints at Macclesfield, Sutton, Hartlepool and Yeovil. The 30-year old is currently playing in Northern Cyprus for Doğan Türk Birliği.

TICKET INFO

Tickets are available HERE, and are priced as follows after the earlybird period has ended: