Skelmersdale United vs AFC Fylde
After being postponed several times this FA Trophy 1st round replay will finally take place tonight as both clubs have agreed to play the game on a neutral pitch at the AJ Bell Stadium in Salford. That means Skelmersdale home pitch advantage is out the window and increses the chance of Fylde progressing to the next round. Here’s the preview already posted a couple days ago, now with an even better feel to it but with a different pick.
Skelmersdale United are on a bad run in the Evo-Stik Premier Division, losing four on the trot while conceding 10 goals in the process. On Saturday they were trashed 4-0 at Salford City leaving them 20th place in the table, just above the relegation zone. With confidence low and only two days rest, the home side might struggle in tonight’s FA Trophy first round replay with AFC Fylde. The first game ended in a remarkable 4-4 draw where Fylde grabbed an early 3-0 lead only for Skelmersdale to score four straight goals in the second half to grab the lead. Eventually though Fylde came up with the equalizer in the 88th minute to secure the replay. The game was postponed at its original date due to a waterlogged pitch but is likely to take place tonight.
Team news: Since the first tie Skelmersdale have secured loan signings of 19-year old Everton midfielder Tyrone Duffus as well as Max Hazeldean from Accrington Stanley.
AFC Fylde are unbeaten so far this year in the Non League Premier Northern Division after defeating Chorley 1-0 at home followed up by a 2-0 win at Gainsborough. That means Fylde are now fourth in the table, just four points off table topping Solihull Moors with one game in hand. With confidence riding high we think they have a good chance of punishing Skelmersdales shaky defence. Especially since Fylde striker Danny Rowe has been in red hot form lately and scored a hattrick in the first tie followed up by goals both against Chorley and Gainsborough. He is looking for more goals tonight if involved.
Team news: Matty Hughes and Brad Barnes were back in the team against Gainsborough after injury layoffs and are hoping to be involved again.
Date & Time: 13 Jan 2015 – 20.45 CET
League: FA Trophty (England)
Match: Skelmersdale United – AFC Fylde
Pick: AFC Fylde to win & Both teams to score
Highest Odds: 3.20 @ Betway
Stake: 10 EUR
Rating: 1/5
Result: 0-4, bet lost.