AFC Fylde Under 18s face Chelsea in FA youth cup 4th round
02.04.2021
Ninety-four league positions separate their senior teams, but the AFC Fylde under-18s go head-to-head with Chelsea’s youth side in the FA youth cup fourth round. AFC Fylde’s senior team had an outstanding National League North season, finishing second before the null and void vote curtailed the competition. Their second-place spot would have earned them a decent qualification chance, alongside FA Cup high-fliers Chorley, who were sunk by Wolverhampton Wanderers in the competition’s fourth round.
As they head into a fourth round of their own, AFC Fylde’s youth share another Chorley connection. The youthful squad dedicated their third-round victory over Cambridge United to the memory of their friend and teammate Luke Bennett, from Chorley, who was 17 when he lost his life to a tragic accident. In a hard-fought clash, the Fylde Coasters edged a 3-2 victory with a Theo Ball strike in extra time. The side bore Bennett’s name on their shirts at the game, as they celebrated another FA cup win. Since the victory, the squad stated their belief in Bennett watching over their upcoming clash with the Blues.
However, facing Chelsea is no mean feat. The West London side recently shared memories of their previous non-league youth clashes, a series of resounding victories in the last two decades. In some ways, even if AFC Fylde meet a fate akin to Chipstead’s 9-0 defeat in 1997, they can still hold their heads up high. As underdogs and National League North overachievers, this youth team have already done grassroots football proud. This match, therefore, becomes win-win for AFC Fylde, while still offering a thrilling clash and a chance for more FA cup magic.
