Trophy tie so timely for AFC Fylde

hallinor is likely to ring the changes and says this tie in the first round proper is well timed. He told The Gazette: “It gives some of our players extra time to recover from injuries. It is a game that we want to win, but I am looking at the bigger picture and there are important league games coming up over Christmas and the New Year.”

Skem earned the right to visit Kellamergh Park after beating Chorley in the final preliminary round, in which the Coasters overcame Warrington Town.

Chorley and Skem drew in their first meeting. Challinor was on scouting duty at the replay, in which Skem came from 2-1 down to run out 5-2 victors against the Magpies.

Skem play in the Evo-Stik premier division and Challinor is banking on his side’s proven class to prevail on the day.

The Coasters boss said: “We have to make sure our superior ability can stand out.

“I saw Skelmersdale when they beat Chorley and it was one of those games that shows just what can happen in football.

“Chorley looked to be on top before Skelmersdale got a freak goal to equalise. Chorley then caved in and scored three goals in the space of six minutes.

“It was a bit of a strange game but we know what Skelmersdale are about from playing them in pre-season.”

While Fylde were beating Alfreton in midweek by 2-1 to move within one point of top sport in National League North, Skem were involved in cup action in midweek, beating Bootle 4-3 on penalties in a Liverpool Senior Cup quarter-final.