Former Everton Centre Forward Duncan Ferguson steps into management.....
- Thread starter The Penalty Box Dancer
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Boss night that, first time I remember making £40.00 a bottle for buttercup syrup.
Still tastes great to this day and will get rid of any tickly cough of taken in a moderate dosage
2026 its our year. UTFC
cheap, never cheap, it’s Forest green we’re gonna beat.
This could be Chippenham or anywhere, Hartlepool or York?
I wrote this song for you. X
Harrogate,
Hereford,
Kidder-minster.
Dulwich Hamlet, Tranmere, too.
I wrote this song for you.
Hereford,
Kidder-minster.
Dulwich Hamlet, Tranmere, too.
I wrote this song for you.
Have you been going back through the thread to check which teams are in our league as well so that you can incorporate them into a Beautiful South song? lollollol This lockdown must end soon.
so true JJ, so sadly true. Nobody tell Aldo, it’s only that diary that’s keeping him going. x
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The Penalty Box Dancer
Player Valuation: £35m
LANCASHIRE COAST DERBY
AFC Fylde vs Blackpool
31st January 2026
Fylde looked to have turned the corner after disastrous run of form left them with minimal hope of going up as champions. Carlisle United had driven well into the lead but if Fylde could produce some of their early form, anything is still possible in the final third of the league campaign. It was the local derby at Mill Farm with Fylde looking to do the double over their once feared neighbours. Fylde's early attacking play looked promising and the fans were on side, Tyrone O'Neill tried to help the ball on from the corner with a header but the defence got the ball clear, McGavin picked up on it although his early control almost lost Fylde possession in a dangerous area, McGavin managed to get the ball under control and hit a shot on the edge of the box that the Blackpool keeper struggled to see through the bodies of players and it trickled into the bottom corner. It wasn't time for tricks and flicks but as the first half display came to an end the home supporters sounded their appreciation for what they were witnessing. Blackpool had a rare attack and got the ball into the box, penning back the Fylde defence, Mutch lost Connolly and as the ball fell to him he lobbed it over a committed Hadler to level for Blackpool. In true Fylde style they refused to give up winning a corner, Danny Smith crossed to the near post, Feeney got it under control and laid it back to his partner Connolly who threw his foot at it in hope and managed to put it into the net, Connolly scoring his first goal for Fylde. Blackpool came close to equalising again on 85 minutes, Barnwell dominating in the box to get up for a powerful header which went over the bar. Fylde victorious for the second time over Blackpool and it looks like they are putting another good run together.
DF: Performance was great to be honest but there's still work to do and things we have to do better. It's great for the fans but we do leave games on a knife edge sometimes. Connolly's goal saved us today and we need more wins on the board. This league fluctuates, there is no real consistency. Carlisle scored a 89th minute winner today, Wrexham were held by Kidderminster. The fans get on our backs over results but this league is on a very level playing field, anyone can beat anyone. We always have to be mindful of that and not get carried away.
PLAYER RATINGS
Bromley vs Fylde
10th February 2026
Bromley were knocked out the F.A. Trophy third round just three days ago and the re-arranged fixture against Fylde was set for a Tuesday night. Alex Kiyomya had been a thorn in the side of Fylde for years and was still an essential member of the Bromley side, Kiyomya laid it off to Cooper in the middle of the pitch who set up Hinds to score past Hadler with ease. Bromley took an early lead and almost got another on 30 minutes when Cooper beat the wall from the free-kick and forced Hadler into an acrobatic style save to keep the ball out. Danny Smith picked up the second ball outside the box and crossed for Henderson who had a shot saved on to the post, the ball bounced back into the sx yard box and O'Neill went in but he had his legs taken away resulting in a penalty. The Fylde players surrounded the referee demanding a red card for clearly denying a goal scoring opportunity, Ferguson was up in arms to the fourth official but the referee kept his cards in his pocket. Henderson was the usual Fylde penalty taker but this time up stepped Paul Townsend who put the ball into the roof of the net, Fylde back in the game. Fylde took their chances, McGavin drifted in the free-kick from 30 yards out on the left flank with a brilliant ball t the far post, Feeney came in with the header which the keeper saved but he let it run free and Feeney knocked home at the second attempt. Bromley kicked off and got the ball out wide to Kiyomya who came forward and got the ball forward for Hinds who got between the two defenders and slotted past Hadler, 2-2 in less than 30 seconds. What an unbelievable moment for Fylde having gone 2-1 up. Alex Kiyomya was in lethal form as was midfielder Seb Cooper who worked the ball forward, Kiyomya was to much for Okoroji on the day and a powerful ball forward for Cooper got him on the scoresheet and gave Bromley the lead in this dramatic match. Kian Robinson replaced a poor Tyrone O'Neill on 83 minutes to try a snatch a point, Townsend and Robinson both going close in the dying embers but the result belonged to Bromley.
PLAYER RATINGS
LEAGUE TABLE
Carlisle United ten points clear of Wrexham who had five points on the rest of the chasing pack. There is still time for change in the table but Carlisle are looking like run away favourites at the moment. At the other end Leyton Orient find themselves in a relegation battle, the team many expected to bounce back up a few years ago after their relegation from League Two. Former Newcastle United striker Andy Carroll has been the manager for three months and has a real task on his hands.
AFC Fylde vs Blackpool
31st January 2026
=
Fylde looked to have turned the corner after disastrous run of form left them with minimal hope of going up as champions. Carlisle United had driven well into the lead but if Fylde could produce some of their early form, anything is still possible in the final third of the league campaign. It was the local derby at Mill Farm with Fylde looking to do the double over their once feared neighbours. Fylde's early attacking play looked promising and the fans were on side, Tyrone O'Neill tried to help the ball on from the corner with a header but the defence got the ball clear, McGavin picked up on it although his early control almost lost Fylde possession in a dangerous area, McGavin managed to get the ball under control and hit a shot on the edge of the box that the Blackpool keeper struggled to see through the bodies of players and it trickled into the bottom corner. It wasn't time for tricks and flicks but as the first half display came to an end the home supporters sounded their appreciation for what they were witnessing. Blackpool had a rare attack and got the ball into the box, penning back the Fylde defence, Mutch lost Connolly and as the ball fell to him he lobbed it over a committed Hadler to level for Blackpool. In true Fylde style they refused to give up winning a corner, Danny Smith crossed to the near post, Feeney got it under control and laid it back to his partner Connolly who threw his foot at it in hope and managed to put it into the net, Connolly scoring his first goal for Fylde. Blackpool came close to equalising again on 85 minutes, Barnwell dominating in the box to get up for a powerful header which went over the bar. Fylde victorious for the second time over Blackpool and it looks like they are putting another good run together.
DF: Performance was great to be honest but there's still work to do and things we have to do better. It's great for the fans but we do leave games on a knife edge sometimes. Connolly's goal saved us today and we need more wins on the board. This league fluctuates, there is no real consistency. Carlisle scored a 89th minute winner today, Wrexham were held by Kidderminster. The fans get on our backs over results but this league is on a very level playing field, anyone can beat anyone. We always have to be mindful of that and not get carried away.
PLAYER RATINGS
Bromley vs Fylde
10th February 2026
=
Bromley were knocked out the F.A. Trophy third round just three days ago and the re-arranged fixture against Fylde was set for a Tuesday night. Alex Kiyomya had been a thorn in the side of Fylde for years and was still an essential member of the Bromley side, Kiyomya laid it off to Cooper in the middle of the pitch who set up Hinds to score past Hadler with ease. Bromley took an early lead and almost got another on 30 minutes when Cooper beat the wall from the free-kick and forced Hadler into an acrobatic style save to keep the ball out. Danny Smith picked up the second ball outside the box and crossed for Henderson who had a shot saved on to the post, the ball bounced back into the sx yard box and O'Neill went in but he had his legs taken away resulting in a penalty. The Fylde players surrounded the referee demanding a red card for clearly denying a goal scoring opportunity, Ferguson was up in arms to the fourth official but the referee kept his cards in his pocket. Henderson was the usual Fylde penalty taker but this time up stepped Paul Townsend who put the ball into the roof of the net, Fylde back in the game. Fylde took their chances, McGavin drifted in the free-kick from 30 yards out on the left flank with a brilliant ball t the far post, Feeney came in with the header which the keeper saved but he let it run free and Feeney knocked home at the second attempt. Bromley kicked off and got the ball out wide to Kiyomya who came forward and got the ball forward for Hinds who got between the two defenders and slotted past Hadler, 2-2 in less than 30 seconds. What an unbelievable moment for Fylde having gone 2-1 up. Alex Kiyomya was in lethal form as was midfielder Seb Cooper who worked the ball forward, Kiyomya was to much for Okoroji on the day and a powerful ball forward for Cooper got him on the scoresheet and gave Bromley the lead in this dramatic match. Kian Robinson replaced a poor Tyrone O'Neill on 83 minutes to try a snatch a point, Townsend and Robinson both going close in the dying embers but the result belonged to Bromley.
PLAYER RATINGS
LEAGUE TABLE
Carlisle United ten points clear of Wrexham who had five points on the rest of the chasing pack. There is still time for change in the table but Carlisle are looking like run away favourites at the moment. At the other end Leyton Orient find themselves in a relegation battle, the team many expected to bounce back up a few years ago after their relegation from League Two. Former Newcastle United striker Andy Carroll has been the manager for three months and has a real task on his hands.
The Penalty Box Dancer
Player Valuation: £35m
AFC Fylde vs Hartlepool United
14th February 2026
Hartlepool were on a run of seven games without a win and their next opponents were an inconsistent Fylde. The Coasters had the first chance of the game after ten minutes when Smith found O'Neill with the cross but his header from 12 yards out went over the bar, the defender doing enough to put off the striker. Hartlepool gave Fylde a scare after some nice football saw them break into the box, Fylde winning tackles but Hartlepool mopping up possession and getting a shot away across the face of the goal. Mick Wisdom covered a lot of distance racing back to break up a Hartlepool counter attack but the midfielder was frustrated with his team-mates who were not quick enough to press for the ball and David Ramsden managed to get a curling shot away at the end of the first half that just drifted over Hadler's cross bar.
55 minutes on the clock and Hartlepool caught Fylde napping at the back, quick forward pasing deceived the back line and Collins broke through to put Hartlepool 1-0 up. Hartlepool's Jenkins had a shot that stung the hands of Hadler but no response from Fylde was concerning. The long ball from the back line towards Danny Smith was not working due to wingers height and Hartlepool's defensive set-up saw them through against a Fylde side that offered very little on the pitch today.
PLAYER RATINGS
AFC Fylde vs Dulwich Hamlet
21st February 2026
If Fylde did not start picking up points they could fall out of the play-off positions, after the last two defeats, this was a must win game. Dulwich were on a bad run but trying to predict a Fylde result was a difficult task. Ferguson decided to play two defensive midfielders in a bid to stop leaking goals. The first half played out with minimal action and both keepers untroubled, the second half started well for Fylde, Wright-Phillips and Josh Ferguson passing the ball nicely in the final third, found a ball to Henderson who hit a rifling shot on his right foot into the bottom corner to ease the tension amongst the fans and players alike. Fylde came forward, Okoroji and Freddy Burton both pushing the Dulwich Hamlet wingers back to get in some good crosses but Fylde unable to finish the created chances. A good solid defensive performance from Fylde saw them keep a clean sheet and get a much needed win to keep them in promotion contention.
PLAYER RATINGS
14th February 2026
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Hartlepool were on a run of seven games without a win and their next opponents were an inconsistent Fylde. The Coasters had the first chance of the game after ten minutes when Smith found O'Neill with the cross but his header from 12 yards out went over the bar, the defender doing enough to put off the striker. Hartlepool gave Fylde a scare after some nice football saw them break into the box, Fylde winning tackles but Hartlepool mopping up possession and getting a shot away across the face of the goal. Mick Wisdom covered a lot of distance racing back to break up a Hartlepool counter attack but the midfielder was frustrated with his team-mates who were not quick enough to press for the ball and David Ramsden managed to get a curling shot away at the end of the first half that just drifted over Hadler's cross bar.
55 minutes on the clock and Hartlepool caught Fylde napping at the back, quick forward pasing deceived the back line and Collins broke through to put Hartlepool 1-0 up. Hartlepool's Jenkins had a shot that stung the hands of Hadler but no response from Fylde was concerning. The long ball from the back line towards Danny Smith was not working due to wingers height and Hartlepool's defensive set-up saw them through against a Fylde side that offered very little on the pitch today.
PLAYER RATINGS
AFC Fylde vs Dulwich Hamlet
21st February 2026
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If Fylde did not start picking up points they could fall out of the play-off positions, after the last two defeats, this was a must win game. Dulwich were on a bad run but trying to predict a Fylde result was a difficult task. Ferguson decided to play two defensive midfielders in a bid to stop leaking goals. The first half played out with minimal action and both keepers untroubled, the second half started well for Fylde, Wright-Phillips and Josh Ferguson passing the ball nicely in the final third, found a ball to Henderson who hit a rifling shot on his right foot into the bottom corner to ease the tension amongst the fans and players alike. Fylde came forward, Okoroji and Freddy Burton both pushing the Dulwich Hamlet wingers back to get in some good crosses but Fylde unable to finish the created chances. A good solid defensive performance from Fylde saw them keep a clean sheet and get a much needed win to keep them in promotion contention.
PLAYER RATINGS
The Penalty Box Dancer
Player Valuation: £35m
Up next for Fylde is an away trip to Salford City. Manager Duncan Ferguson spoke to Four Four Two about his admiration for left back Luke Garbutt:
DF:Luke was a player I worked closely with at Everton, he was always seen as the understudy to Leighton Baines but for the sake of his career he made the right decision moving on. He had two good seasons in League One at Rotherham but for one reason or another they never renewed hs contract. Salford picked him up and he's been there ever since. I always see him as a threat every time we play Salford and is someone I tell our players to keep an eye on. He has the ability to make something out of nothing and at 32, he has the experience to go with his ability.
DF:Luke was a player I worked closely with at Everton, he was always seen as the understudy to Leighton Baines but for the sake of his career he made the right decision moving on. He had two good seasons in League One at Rotherham but for one reason or another they never renewed hs contract. Salford picked him up and he's been there ever since. I always see him as a threat every time we play Salford and is someone I tell our players to keep an eye on. He has the ability to make something out of nothing and at 32, he has the experience to go with his ability.
Losing at home to the monkey hangers ffs.
Turned a corner straight into a brick wall ffs
Where's the consistency?
Where's the sausage rolls?
Where's Barry????????
Where's the consistency?
Where's the sausage rolls?
Where's Barry????????
The Penalty Box Dancer
Player Valuation: £35m
Salford City vs AFC Fylde
28th February 2026
Kian Robinson got the nod as the sole striker in the match against Salford as Ferguson kept with two midfielders, Croasdale and McGavin due to the calf injury sustained by Mick Wisdom a few days earlier. The first 20 minutes were spent feeling each other out, no side taking many risks, Henderson testing the keeper from range in the early proceedings. Salford came into the game more and worked their opening in the final third, Vincent-Day found Damian Hill in the box who's glancing header across goal managed to find it's way in past Hadler who could not get over to the ball. The first half ended with Salford going in as leaders in a game Fylde could not afford to drop points in. In the second half O'Neill replaced Robinson and Price came on for Croasdale who was still not up to full match sharpness in a bid to get something from the game. The experienced left back Chima Okoroji picked up on the loose ball before it went out for a goal kick, Okoroji fed the ball down the line for the run of Tyrone O'Neill who crossed low into the box, Wright-Phillips anticipated the defenders error when he failed to clear the ball and Wright-Phillips slotted past the Salford keeper to rescue a point for Fylde.
PLAYER RATINGS
AFC Telford vs AFC Fylde
3rd March 2026
Mid-table Telford took the lead against Fylde after 21 minutes when Wood hit a curling shot into the bottom corner from inside the area after not being picked up by Chima Okoroji but Fylde reacted to going a goal down when they scored from the kick off, Croasdale had the ball looking for an option, Henderson came short to receive the ball and took it forward but was tackled, the loose ball fell to McGavin who gave it quickly to Josh Ferguson, Ferguson took it on his left foot and the powerful effort put Fylde level. Before the half closed out, Henderson nodded Smith's cross against the post before being cleared away and the whistle blowing to end the half. The second goal came, Ferguson played it to Danny Smith, Smith looked for options inside the box, Henderson received the pass, left the defender Wood for dead and slotted with his right foot to put Fylde ahead but Fylde were not ready from the kick-off and Telford levelled the scoring with a lomg ball forward to Miller who put it over the top of Hadler to make it 2-2! What a game it's turning out to be! Fylde went for the third, Henderson heading over from Lamptey's cross. Fylde kept coming forward and won a throw-in deep in Telford's half, Okoroji threw it to Ferguson but Harrington-Wright intercepted the ball, Okoroji picked it up and crossed into the box but the ball sailed over the keeper and into the top corner! Goal for Fylde! Nobody can believe what they have just seen, what a goal for Okoroji but it wasn't purposely done. The Fylde players all celebrating at the corner flag in this five goal thriller. Ferguson knew the threat of Telford and decided to go defensive in the last ten minutes, Kyle MacDonald replacing Josh Ferguson and playing as the anchor man to see the game out. Telford came forward in the last minute but MacDonald was there to take the ball and clear it as the referee blew up for full-time, what a result for The Coasters!
DF: It's not good for the heart but we did our job and got the result, the lads dug deep and pulled out a result. We're still in the hunt for promotion, we've got ten games left to play and we've still got to go to Sutton and Wrexham were they will make it very tough for us. Every game now is a battle to the end.
PLAYER RATINGS
LEAGUE TABLE
28th February 2026
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Kian Robinson got the nod as the sole striker in the match against Salford as Ferguson kept with two midfielders, Croasdale and McGavin due to the calf injury sustained by Mick Wisdom a few days earlier. The first 20 minutes were spent feeling each other out, no side taking many risks, Henderson testing the keeper from range in the early proceedings. Salford came into the game more and worked their opening in the final third, Vincent-Day found Damian Hill in the box who's glancing header across goal managed to find it's way in past Hadler who could not get over to the ball. The first half ended with Salford going in as leaders in a game Fylde could not afford to drop points in. In the second half O'Neill replaced Robinson and Price came on for Croasdale who was still not up to full match sharpness in a bid to get something from the game. The experienced left back Chima Okoroji picked up on the loose ball before it went out for a goal kick, Okoroji fed the ball down the line for the run of Tyrone O'Neill who crossed low into the box, Wright-Phillips anticipated the defenders error when he failed to clear the ball and Wright-Phillips slotted past the Salford keeper to rescue a point for Fylde.
PLAYER RATINGS
AFC Telford vs AFC Fylde
3rd March 2026
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Mid-table Telford took the lead against Fylde after 21 minutes when Wood hit a curling shot into the bottom corner from inside the area after not being picked up by Chima Okoroji but Fylde reacted to going a goal down when they scored from the kick off, Croasdale had the ball looking for an option, Henderson came short to receive the ball and took it forward but was tackled, the loose ball fell to McGavin who gave it quickly to Josh Ferguson, Ferguson took it on his left foot and the powerful effort put Fylde level. Before the half closed out, Henderson nodded Smith's cross against the post before being cleared away and the whistle blowing to end the half. The second goal came, Ferguson played it to Danny Smith, Smith looked for options inside the box, Henderson received the pass, left the defender Wood for dead and slotted with his right foot to put Fylde ahead but Fylde were not ready from the kick-off and Telford levelled the scoring with a lomg ball forward to Miller who put it over the top of Hadler to make it 2-2! What a game it's turning out to be! Fylde went for the third, Henderson heading over from Lamptey's cross. Fylde kept coming forward and won a throw-in deep in Telford's half, Okoroji threw it to Ferguson but Harrington-Wright intercepted the ball, Okoroji picked it up and crossed into the box but the ball sailed over the keeper and into the top corner! Goal for Fylde! Nobody can believe what they have just seen, what a goal for Okoroji but it wasn't purposely done. The Fylde players all celebrating at the corner flag in this five goal thriller. Ferguson knew the threat of Telford and decided to go defensive in the last ten minutes, Kyle MacDonald replacing Josh Ferguson and playing as the anchor man to see the game out. Telford came forward in the last minute but MacDonald was there to take the ball and clear it as the referee blew up for full-time, what a result for The Coasters!
DF: It's not good for the heart but we did our job and got the result, the lads dug deep and pulled out a result. We're still in the hunt for promotion, we've got ten games left to play and we've still got to go to Sutton and Wrexham were they will make it very tough for us. Every game now is a battle to the end.
PLAYER RATINGS
LEAGUE TABLE