Play-off waiting game for Fylde

AFC Fylde go into tomorrow's final match of the National North season very much in the dark over who they will face in the play-offs next week.
Josh LangleyJosh Langley
Josh Langley

Manager Dave Challinor has simply told his players to enjoy the match at Worcester City and then concern themselves with who they confront in the two-legged semi-finals on Wednesday and the following Sunday.

Third-placed Fylde and North Ferriby United above them are assured of their places, but it’s any two from three clubs for the other spots.

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Battling to the wire are Harrogate, Boston and Nuneaton, who kept their hopes alive with victory at Bradford Park Avenue on Wednesday night.

AFC Fylde have a slender chance of claiming second place from North Ferriby, but must win at Worcester and hope the Humbersiders lose at home to Alfreton.

Challinor said: “We will go out, enjoy the game and then wait until five o’clock to find out who we get in the play-offs, then we’ll plan accordingly.

“We have played all the teams twice already, so we know all about them all.

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“We are not in a position to rest players for Worcester, though one or two with niggles will be left out.

“Play-offs are unique and you can’t necessarily go on form. We went into last year’s having not lost for two and a half months and still ended up missing out to Guiseley.”

Sam Finley and Josh Langley, who missed last weekend’s win over Harrogate, could be on the bench tomorrow.

Fylde will be at home in second leg of their semi. The final to decide who joins champions Solihull Moors in the National League will be a one-off match on May 14 at the home of the higher-placed qualifier.