Match Preview: Bamber Bridge v AFC Fylde(Pre Season) 15/07/23.
Current form:
This is the Coasters 3rd pre-season match after facing Longridge Town and Barnsley FC. The Coasters were losing 2-0 in their last outing against Barnsley when the game got abandoned due to adverse weather conditions. However for the Brig this is their 5th pre-season outing after playing: Preston North End, Curzon Ashton, Bolton Wanderers and Longridge Town. 1 win out of 4 is as expected for the Northern Premier League division side as primarlily they have been playing teams from a higher division
Manager- Jamie Milligan
Ex Coaster Jamie Milligan is the man in the dugout for the Brig and he has a wealth of knowledge not only in the local area but in non league itself. As a player Milligan could be somewhat described as a journeyman playing for 10 clubs spreading across the Lancashire, Yorkshire and Greater Manchester regions. Milligan most notably played for Blackpool as well as local rivals Fleetwood Town during their non league period, he also had a spell at AFC Fylde. However this is Milligan’s first job in management and he isn’t making a bad job of it, overseeing one promotion since his arrival in 2019.
Key players
Nathan Pond- Pond a vastly experienced centre back played with Milligan during his Fleetwood days and has been a great addition to the side providing stability at the back. Featuring in many online team of the seasons last year Pond is still going strong at the ripe old age of 38. Former Coaster, Pond played during the covid eras at Mill Farm always looking solid at the back despite his age.
Matt Challoner- Challoner a face familiar to Coasters fans previously playing at Chorley and Curzon Ashton. A full back by trade Challoner is versatile across the back four and really could be playing National league north football so could be seen as a coup of a signing for the Brig.
Recent Transfers:
The Coasters bolstered their squad this week with the signing of attacking left side defender Owen Evans on a free transfer. Evans, previously of Gloucester City has a wicked left foot causing panic for defenders and goalkeepers. Aged only 22 Evans sure has a bright future within the game with potential to go all the way.
For the hosts no recent transfers as most of their business was concluded in early June getting their squad sealed off in plenty of time before pre season.
As mentioned before the gaffer Jamie Milligan once plied his trade for the Coasters during the Kellamergh Park days. Jamie left to return to Fleetwood Town for his 3rd spell.
Nathan Pond played for the club during the covid era with Jim Bentlley as manager. Pond always seemed to give 100% for the badge and was a key figure during that period.
Macaulay wilson. Wilson spent a short spell on loan with the coasters from league one side Blackpool Fc, traditionally a right back Wilson was learning his trade when arriving at Mill farm often seen as rotation to Caspar Hughes.
Sheldon Green. Green came through the Fylde system as a youngster and made minimal appearances for the first team. Versatile across the front line Sheldon never got the chance he probably deserved due to the quality of the Coasters side such as Danny Rowe, Jack Muldoon, Jonny Smith and Dan Bradley.
Micheal Potts. Pottsy stayed at the club for one season and was unfortunate not to get more game time however once again this was due to the quality that the coasters had with players such as Brad Barnes, Joe Booth and Harry Winter keeping him out of the side.
Previous meetings:
2011/12 season
Northern Premier League first division north
Boxing day 2011: Bamber bridge 0 vs Afc Fylde 1
A Ritchie Allen goal in the second half separated the two sides in this festive period, in front of a crowd of 260 which was the third highest in the division on that day.
Monday 9th April 2012: Afc Fylde 2 vs Bamber Bridge 0
Goals from Brad Barnes and James Mccarthy provided the goals on this april bank holiday to earn the coasters victory in front of a crowd of 448 which was the division's highest on that day. The Coasters ended the 2011/12 season as champions whereas the Brig finished in 10th.
Pre season friendlies:
Seems to be a regular fixture in both clubs seasons preperations!
14th August 2014 Bamber Bridge 2 vs Afc Fylde 2
21st July 2015 Bamber Bridge 2 vs Afc Fylde 3- Goals from Danny Rowe, Danny Lloyd and Ritchie Baker earned the coasters the win in this pre-season friendly which had the likes of Dion Charles, Ben Hinchcliffe and Ritchie Allen playing for the coasters team. Ex Coaster Glen Steele captained the Brig whilst current manager Milligan also appeared for the hosts. Coasters ended this season with play off final heartbreak to North Ferriby with a Danny Lloyd goal disallowed to a controversial offside decision in extra time. Attendance: 412
3rd August 2021 Bamber Bridge 0 vs Afc Fylde 3
Current fan favourite Nick Haughton notched the opener in this friendly which was played behind closed doors due to the covid 19 pandemic. Jordan Hulme and Sam Osborne also got on the scoresheet that day. Only 4 of the squad that was involved on this day are still at the club. Fylde ended the season losing the playoff semi final at home to Boston United.
How to get to the Tom Finney stadium:
Previously named Irongate, the stadium was renamed the Sir Tom Finney Stadium after his death.
A train from Preston to Colne will travel through Bamber Bridge and it is a short 10 minute walk to the ground.
