This week's match in focus comes from the National League as relegation-threatened AFC Fylde host Dagenham and Redbridge at Mill Farm.
AFC Fylde have been littered with inconsistency this season, winning two and losing five of their last seven games. Kevin Phillips' side occupy the final relegation spot in the National League but sit just one point off Maidenhead. The Coasters will come into this game full of confidence after a stellar performance in defeating 6th place Halifax away from home. Phillips appeared to make his side more robust and hard to beat - something that will set them in good stead in the latter stages of the season.
While The Coasters have struggled on the road, picking up just seven points, their 21 points from 14 home games has given them renowned hope of survival. With 26 goals scored and 24 conceded at Mill Farm, their home games are averaging 3.57 goals, with both teams to score landing in 9/14.
If AFC Fylde are to get a result on Saturday, Nick Haughton will be imperative. The 30-year-old now has 14 goals this season and will go down in Coasters folklore after seven seasons of goalscoring exploits. His 14 goals are nine more than their next top scorer Charlie Jolley, so Haughton will need to be on his a-game to drag Fylde over the line.
All does not seem well at Dagenham & Redbridge. The 2-1 loss at home to Woking made it six games without a win for The Daggers who have lost four of their last five. Junior Morias' post-match interview, coupled with Ben Strevens' comments on his 'unfair dismissal' suggests that trouble is brewing behind the scenes, potentially having an adverse effect on the pitch.
Away from home, Dagenham and Redbridge have struggled, picking up just 11 points, scoring 12 and conceding 18 goals in 14 games. With Dion Pereira struggling for fitness, a lot of the attacking impetus will be on midfielder Josh Rees for goals.
With The Daggers' lacklusture away record and recent off-the-field issues, the value lies with the home side.
Prediction: AFC Fylde 0.0, + 0.5 Asian Handicap @1.775
Users must be 18+. If you are having trouble with gambling then help and advice can be found at begambleaware.org. Please Play Responsibly.
