It's FA Cup weekend and what better way to celebrate one of the oldest cup competitions in the world than by only opening John Street and South Stand. That minus aside, even though it is not taken as seriously as it once was the third round of the FA Cup still holds a special place in many fans hearts. The titans of the game can go up against the minnows and, every so often, the underdog does have it's day and causes a massive upset. The Blades were the victims of a giant killing last year with defeat to non league Barnet putting United to the sword. When it happened, it felt very disappointing and many questioned whether United's season would be affected by the Cup exit. It didn't. So now we turn to this year's tie and another non league team are coming to The Lane. AFC Fylde are the opponents, let's see what makes them tick.
Currently plying their trade in The National League. AFC Fylde are seen as one of the big spenders in the lower leagues and almost made it to the Football League last season. After finishing 5th, The Coasters put away Harrogate Town and Solihull Moors to set up a play off final date with fellow non league big spenders Salford City. It would be the Salford boys who would secure the golden ticket to League 2 and ever since then, Fylde have been in a bit of a slump. Placed 21st in the National League, Fylde need a distraction and it comes in the form of the FA Cup. Reaching the third round for the first time in their history, this is a big chance for The Coasters to give their fans something to cheer about. So who are the dangermen for Fylde? Danny Rowe has been a very reliable source of goals since joining in 2014 scoring a mind boggling 165 goals in the five years he's spent at the club. This included the 16/17 season that saw him score 48 goals in all competitions. There is also a trio of ex United players who could potentially look to upset their former employers. Danny Philliskirk, Andy Taylor and Mark Yeates had pretty forgettable stints at The Lane but will be looking to impress against their former employers. How do I see this panning out then? To be honest, it depends whether our second string squad can be bothered to turn up and play. If they can be bothered, United should have enough to put away a Fylde team that is struggling at the foot of the National League. On the other hand, if they can't be bothered, we could be on course for another early exit in the cup. I'm going to be optimistic and go for a 3-0 United win with Sharp bagging a brace and Ravel getting his first goal. Until next time, UTB.
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AuthorHi my name is John and i will be giving my thoughts on the blades matches and all blades related news in this section Archives
November 2022
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