Coasters lift trophy for third time in four years!

AFC Fylde are celebrating winning the Lancashire FA Challenge Trophy for the third time in four years after their 4-1 victory over their Evo-Stik Northern Premier League title rivals Chorley on Monday night.

Coasters star Andy Russell returned to haunt his former club by grabbing a goal and an assist as AFC Fylde were crowned Lancashire FA Challenge Trophy champions in front of 2,384 fans at the Bolton’s Reebok Stadium.

Russell gave his side the lead in the 25th minute before James Dean drew Chorley level four minutes before the break. Harry Winter then put Dave Challinor’s side back in front on the stroke of half-time before two late strikes from man-of-the-match Michael Barnes sealed the win over the Premier Division’s current leaders.

AFC Fylde's delighted manager told the Blackpool Gazette afterwards: "This is another game chalked off and it was a brilliant win. The lads are delighted in the dressing room.

"It was an important goal before half-time and felt we started well but then sat back a bit. We were passing the ball and moving it but we then stopped after going 1-0 up but it was a great reaction just before the break.

"As the game got stretched I knew we’d be a threat on the break and I was delighted for Mike to get the goals. He’s an important player for us and to have him back is fantastic."

Image courtesy of the www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk