Radcliffe take on AFC Fylde in our final pre-season match ahead of the season opener against Scarborough a week on Saturday, a final test for the squad against Chris Beech’s National League side.
It has been a successful pre-season so far, with 0 losses across both trips. Those trips included wins against Aberystwyth and Lancaster, as well as a 3-3 draw with the Isle of Man. Radcliffe also hosted two National League outfits in Oldham Athletic and Halifax Town, coming away as the victors in both without conceding to either side.
Saturday’s match will give one final chance for the players to earn a spot in the starting eleven, along with the opportunity for our three new signings to get accustomed with the Neuven Stadium and their teammates.
The Opposition
Last campaign, Fylde were able to finish 18th, securing safety by just three points as they recovered well after a poor start to the season. Chris Beech entered the dugout in mid-October with the side having picked up just 9 points from a potential 45. A more positive second half of the season saw The Coasters rise as high as 13th in the table before they secured their position in the National League for the 2024/25 campaign.
Saturday’s visitors have performed well in pre-season at times, having won four of their matches so far including a 3-1 win against Blackpool and a 1-0 win over Barrow, but also let a three-goal lead against League Two side Tranmere Rovers slip in the final 30 minutes last weekend.
Head coach Chris Beech has added a number of signings to his squad including loanee ‘keeper Ben Winterbottom from Premier League side Brentford on a season-long deal, as well as signing Offrande Zanzala who he had previously managed at Carlisle United.
Last Time Out
Over 1100 spectators gathered at the Neuven Stadium, as Radcliffe continued their undefeated pre-season campaign with a second win over National League opposition.
Both sides began the game well, though neither side was able to take control. The games first chance fell to Oldham in the 27th minute, as Harry Charsley picked out Mike Fondop who had timed his run to perfection and found himself one-on-one with Mateusz Hewelt. Though, a poor finish from the visitor’s number nine saw the ball roll wide of the near post.
With a little over ten minutes remaining on the clock in the first half, the game’s only goal came from a Tom Walker set piece. As the ball swung in from the right side it was met by Oldham’s centre forward Fondop who, unfortunately for his side, headed the ball past Matthew Hudson and into the bottom corner to give the hosts a one-goal lead.
The closest the visitors came to Hewelt’s goal came a little later in the second half, as a driving run broke into the Boro box. However, a superbly timed sliding challenge from Rick Smith dispossessed the Oldham attacker before he was able to pick out the bottom corner.
Late in the game, Radcliffe bosses Bernard and Jonno decided to switch it up and introduced fresh legs with Ewan Bange and two trialists introduced for the final twenty minutes of the action, seeing out the game to continue our impressive preparations.
One To Watch
Nick Haughton was the top scorer for Fylde last campaign, as the creative midfielder racked up 16 goals for The Coasters. Haughton has been with the side since the 2018/19 season when he departed Salford City, having been named National League North Player of the Year, as well as featuring in the division’s team of the season on two occasions.
Should he be selected to start against Radcliffe, he will be a handful for the defence and has potential to be a nuisance to Mateusz Hewelt’s goal.
Matchday Information
Date: 03/08/24
Time: 3pm
Location: Neuven Stadium
Adult: £10
Concession: £7
U16: Free
Tickets are available online here!
Season Tickets are still available to purchase ahead of our National League North campaign here, every Season Ticket Holder gains free entry to both of our remaining home pre-season fixtures.
Can’t Attend The Game?
Listen to live kick-by-kick commentary over on Radcliffe Radio, click here to tune in from 2:55pm.
