The ambition for AFC Fylde this season was to earn promotion as champions of National League North. The reality is a Play-Off campaign starting against Boston United at Mill Farm.

The Coasters welcome Paul Cox’s side to Mill Farm in the Play-Off Semi-Final, a day after York City overcame Brackley Town to book their place in the Play-Off Final.

Fylde come into the end of season dance with a win over Leamington, just 1 – 0 and fairly tight but the Coasters held their opposition at arm’s length for the majority of the fixture. Nick Haughton’s goal was enough to seal all three points on the final day of the regular season. James Rowe had a choice whether to play his strongest team or protect them and field the players not getting a regular game, he went with the former and built momentum with a win.

Boston took on Fylde just last month, James Rowe’s side picking up three points at Jakemans Community Stadium with two goals from Sam Osborne sealing a 3 – 1 triumph. Since then, Boston United have gone on an unbeaten run consisting of two draws and two wins. Paul Cox’s team defeated Farsley Celtic on the final day of the regular National League North campaign before overcoming Kidderminster Harriers at Aggborough in the Play-Off Eliminator.

Danny Elliott opened the scoring on 45 minutes before former Ashley Hemmings levelled the tie for the hosts twenty minutes later. The winning goal came courtesy of an own-goal as Alex Penny and Luke Simpson contrived to allow Jake Wright Jnr’s cross to creep over the goalline.

In terms of the regular season table, Fylde ended the campaign 17 clear of Boston. Boston scored 63 compared to Fylde’s 68 but the goals conceded column makes for worrying reading if you are a Pilgrims fan. The Coasters allowed 37 past them in 42 games played, Boston United conceded 57.

Back in August, the two clashed at Mill Farm with AFC Fylde emerging victorious as Nick Haughton provided the only goal and Chris Neal put in a superb performance to maintain a clean sheet.

Former Coaster Scott Duxbury looks set to miss out on returning to his old stomping grounds as he suffered a facial injury against Kidderminster. The likes of Brad Nicholson, Tom Platt, Joe Leesley and Jordan Burrow remain sidelined with a variety of injuries. Jake Wright Jnr is a slight doubt but look for him to play a part. Joe Piggott and Mark Cullen are sidelined for Fylde, who have welcomed back the likes of Stephen Dobbie, Luke Burke and Alex Whitmore from long-term injuries in recent weeks.

For York City, they will await their opposition in the Play-Off Final. If Boston win, the crucial tie would take place at LNER Community Stadium by virtue of York’s league position ahead of the Pilgrims. If Fylde win, we’re back at Mill Farm for one final promotion push.

Should the tie be level after 90 minutes, the match will head to extra-time and the lottery of penalties if required.

Predicted Fylde XI: Neal (GK), Morrison, Davis, Whitmore, Conlan, Burke, Hatfield, Philliskirk, Haughton, Taylor, Dobbie

Coasters Corner Prediction: 2 – 0