The start of three Enterprise National League clashes in the space of a week awaits Luke Garrard’s side, with the first test coming against AFC Fylde this weekend.
Following their title-winning Enterprise National League North campaign last season, the Coasters have adapted well after promotion at the first time of asking. Currently occupying seventh place, AFC Fylde have shown their credentials of competing in the division’s upper echelons with statement victories over Yeovil Town and Harrogate Town.
However, they will be aiming to end their two-game losing run after defeats to Southend United and Carlisle United in their last two matches.
A familiar face at the base of AFC Fylde’s midfield, Tom Whelan could lock horns with his former employers having played an influential role in the Wood’s promotion to the National League two seasons ago.
Plying his trade at Yeovil Town as a youngster while enjoying loan stints at Salisbury and Weymouth, Whelan helped the latter secure promotion from the National League South via the play-offs during the 2019/20 campaign.
A move to Chesterfield followed as the Spireites went in search of promotion, becoming one of the first names on the teamsheet as they finished in the play-offs. Eastleigh was his next destination, following the return of Paul Cook at Chesterfield, before signing for the Wood in the summer of 2023.
The 30-year-old enjoyed two fruitful seasons at Meadow Park as he was named in the National League South Team of the Season before heading to Mill Farm last summer. Whelan added another promotion to his CV as he played an integral role in the Coasters returning to the National League.
Tasked with guiding AFC Fylde to the top tier of non-league when he arrived from Curzon Ashton last summer, Craig Mahon is now aiming to establish his side at this level.
An Irish youth international as a player having risen through the ranks at Wigan Athletic, he made a name for himself with Chester where he made over 200 appearances in a seven-year spell. Mahon also had stints with the likes of Salford City, Vauxhall Motors and Altrincham.
Ending his career at Curzon Ashton, he moved into the managerial hotseat there at the start of 2024 after interim spells in charge before moving to Lancashire last summer.
We haven’t locked horns with the Coasters since the 2023/24 campaign, and the spoils were shared in the first meeting in a 2-2 draw. An Angelo Balanta brace put the Wood ahead with 72 minutes on the clock before Owen Evans had the final say, netting the equaliser two minutes from time.
The return clash was a routine victory in February 2024 as the Wood ran out 4-0 victors. Three to the good by half-time thanks to strikes from Kabongo Tshimanga, Ethan Mitchell and Matt Robinson, the former added the cherry on top of the cake in a commanding win in the closing stages.
The game kicks off at 15:00 and will operate under full segregation.
Adult – £20.00
OAP – £18.00
Under 20 – £14.00
Under 16 – £10.00
Under 14* – £6.00
Under 5* – £2.00
Tickets can be purchased by clicking here.
*Must be accompanied by a paying adult or OAP.
Tomorrow’s match includes free admission for all women, alongside a complimentary mojito, glass of prosecco or mocktail.
Join us after the match for post-match karaoke with the team and staff. Anyone who gets up to sing will receive a free shot!
Written by Jack Patmore.
