League back Coasters' Cup dream

AFC Fylde head into the biggest game of their season on Saturday with the rest of the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League right behind them.

The Coasters kick off against Accrington Stanley in the First Round Proper of the FA Cup as the league's sole survivors after beating Ilkeston to the honour when the side's replayed.

On Friday, as AFC Fylde's prepartions continued for the clash at Kellamergh Park, Evo-Stik NPL Operations Manager Alan Allcock said the whole league would be rooting for them to reach the Second Round with a famous win over the League Two side.

Allcock said: "All connected with the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League wish AFC Fylde well against Accrington Stanley. It was only two years ago that FC United of Manchester were the 'giant-killers' of the round by beating Rochdale. Hopefully 'The Coasters' can emulate 'The Rebels' by overcoming their illustrious neighbours to keep the Evo-Stik NPL's flag flying proudly in the next round of the competition."

As Dave Challinor's Evo-Stik NPL Premier Division side trained this week for the Cup clash, Coasters officials confirmed that matchday arrangements for supporters were now in place.

Following a meeting with Stanley advance tickets have been on sale and the ground, which can hold 2250, will not be segregated. Neither club or the police are expecting any problems on Saturday but AFC Fylde say stewards will still be conducting random spot checks as supporters enter the ground.

Supporters still to purchase a ticket shouldn't worry either. Fans of both sides will still be able to buy tickets on the day priced at £12 for adults, £8 for concessions and £5 for Under 17s.

Supporters hoping for seated tickets had better hurry though. Priced at £15, some are still available but are selling out fast on a first come first served basis with the game now less than 24 hours away.

The Coasters are also opening Kellamergh Park from noon so fans can warm up for the big game at their Fullers Bar by watching Manchester United v Arsenal.

AFC Fylde are also running their regular shuttle buses for supporters to avoid parking problems around Kellamergh Park with only 150 spaces available in the official club car park.

The free service makes pick-ups from the Stable Bar in Kirkham at 12.45pm and 2pm, Lane Ends in Wesham at 12.50pm and 2.05pm, The Plough in Freckleton at 1.30pm, The Bell and Bottle in Newton at 1.45pm and the County in Lytham at 1.15pm and 2.30pm. Accrington fans travelling to the game by train can also jump on the shuttle at the Lane Ends Pub which is a five minute walk from the station.

The Coasters are also urging fans not to park on Bryning Lane as police say they will be issuing tickets to illegally parked vehicles. To combat the expected large crowd, AFC Fylde say fans travelling by car should use available street parking in Wharton or one of the two extra designated car parks they have organised at nearby BAe Systems which is a five minute walk away or at Mill Lane next to the Lightning Club which is a 10 minute walk.

For more information on tickets or parking call the club's FA Cup hotline on 01772 682593.