Accrington Web - 2012 Prediction League; Just for Fun - Game 3; v AFC Fylde, FA Cup Round 1 (away)

AFC Fylde

Accrington Stanley

2012 Prediction League – Just for Fun; v AFC Fylde (away) – FA Cup 1st Round

To the sounds of Match of the Day circa 1962, and with commentary by Kenneth Wolstenholme :D – the only man who could make “Newcastle” sound foreign :p – the FA Cup is back! :D:D:D

AFC Fylde – whose game against us on 24th July 2012 we will forget, thank you :eek: (our team being from our “Development Squad” (at least, that’s what it says now …..;))) – were formed from a merger of Kirkham FC and Wesham FC, who became, very originally, Kirkham and Wesham FC. In that guise they won the West Lancashire League 7 times in 8 years, eventually being accepted into the North West Counties League Division 2 – winning automatic promotion in their first year. Progressing through the Leagues, and changing their name at the end of 2007 – 8 season to AFC Fylde, they now play in the nattily-named “Evo Stik Northern Premier League Premier Division” :o where they currently lie 9th, having 21 points from their 11 games played (they keep having to postpone games because they’re winning Cup games (or replaying)), their record being 6 wins, 3 draws and two defeats (with games in hand over the 8 sides above them ….)

They won the FA Vase (as Kirkham and Wesham) in 2007/8, beating Lowestoft Town 2-1 at Wembley; for most of the game they were behind, but two goals in 6 minutes from 17 year old Matt Walwyn (son of ex Blackpool player Keith) won them the trophy – Walwyn only actually being on the pitch for 11 minutes all told :)…………………. He went on to play for Chorley, and then signed for Northwich Vics, playing one game (21st August 2012, scoring twice in a 5-0 win over Sutton Coldfield Town) and then promptly signing for Droylsden in the BS North.

They’re a free-scoring side at their level – they’ve already recorded wins by 5-0, 4-1 (twice, including Chorley away), 4-2 (over FC United of Manchester :mad:), 4-3, 3-1 and 3-0. Oh, and 6-0 :confused:. But we don’t talk about that :eek::eek::eek:. Leading scorers are Michael Barnes (ex Man U) with 10, Adam Farrell (ex Kendal Town) with 6 in his last 4 games, Jack Dorney, formerly of Bury, Leigh Genesis and Chorley (also with 6), and Richie Allen, on loan from Fleetwood, with 5. They aren’t mugs, and it would be a bad mistake to think that this is going to be an easy game ……………:cool: What it will do, without much doubt, is substantially increase their highest ever attendance at their present ground (currently 1412). :D

They’re turning into Cup specialists this season, having got to Round 1 Proper by beating Ramsbottom Utd 3-1, Bishop Auckland (there’s a name to conjure with :D) 2-1 away, Solihull Moors 4-1 and Ilkeston Town 1-0 after a replay; they’re still in the FA Trophy (they replay on Tuesday – another postponed League game!), and – just to demonstrate the glamour of the Cups – three days after playing us, they play in the Lancs FA Challenge Trophy against the delightfully named Atherton Laburnum Rovers (“Come on you Laburnums!” :rolleyes:)

Just for fun, this, as you know; gives my mate Chimer a week off. By the way, I’m told the player to watch at Fylde is Joe Booth in midfield – a free-kick expert who got 19 last season and is a helluva player. I have that on the good authority of his Mum, who works at the same place as me …………. :p

No prizes for this, as you know (just kudos – which is like karma, but a bit more Greek ;)). Entries, please, by scheduled kick-off time, which is 3.00pm on Saturday 3rd November.

Stanley for the Cup! Come on Team Leam! :alright:

(incidentally – is that to be pronounced “Teem Leem”, or “Tea-Am Leam” ?)