PREVIEW: Fylde vs Wealdstone

Wealdstone’s 2026/27 Enterprise National League season commences on Saturday as Gary Waddock’s side travel up North to face last season’s National League North champions AFC Fylde.

The Basics

Date: Saturday, August 8

Venue: Mill Farm Stadium, PR4 3JZ

Competition: The Enterprise National League

Kick-Off Time: 3:00 pm

Broadcast Information: The game will be available to watch live via DAZN

News From The Vale

Gary Waddock’s side will be looking to carry their impressive pre-season form into the new campaign after ending their preparations on a high, securing three consecutive wins.

The Stones impressed throughout their preparations, claiming victories over EFL opposition MK Dons and AFC Wimbledon, as well as National League South side Slough Town.

A particular highlight of our pre-season campaign was the defensive resilience shown, with those last three wins secured without conceding a goal!

Following last season’s memorable FA Trophy run, the club has bid farewell to several members of that squad. Enzio Boldewijn, Omar Mussa, Anthony Georgiou, Dom Hutchinson, Junior Tiensia, Nathan Tshikuna, Sean Adarkwa and Deon Woodman have all departed the Vale.

It was also the end of loan spells for Shay Spencer, Jack Hinchy, Terrell Agyemang, Ashley Nataniel-George, Charlie Waller and Michael Adu-Poku.

Everyone at Wealdstone would like to thank them for their contributions during their time at the club and we wish them all the very best for the future.

Gary Waddock has been busy strengthening his squad over the summer, welcoming new arrivals Joe Newton, Jayden Harris, Dan Chesters, Admiral Muskwe and Aidan Francis-Clarke while Josh Mullins also joins the squad on a short-term loan from Watford.

The Stones have also added experience in attack and defence. Striker Luke Norris joins on a season-long loan from fellow National League side Boreham Wood and the former Crawley Town captain, Dion Conroy joins on a permanent deal to add a quality option at centre-back.

In addition to those new arrivals, the club is delighted to welcome familiar faces Aaron Henry, Kyle Smith, Jaydn Mundle-Smith and Endurance Johnson back to the Vale ahead of the new campaign!

The opposition:

Saturday’s hosts enter the new season full of confidence after earning promotion back to the National League and will be looking to make their home advantage count on the opening day.

Mill Farm proved to be something of a fortress last season, with the Coasters setting a new club record of 14 consecutive home league victories on their way to promotion.

Craig Mahon begins his second season as Head Coach after guiding AFC Fylde to an immediate return to the fifth tier.

The Coasters boss was awarded the National League North manager of the season award after a remarkable title-winning campaign, as his side finished with 100 points and 126 goals to end the club’s one-year absence from the National League.

Mahon’s side head into Saturday’s opener following a mixed pre-season having won just two of their seven friendlies. Despite their formidable home record last season, AFC Fylde failed to win any of their pre-season matches at Mill Farm.

Last meeting:

The Stones last faced AFC Fylde back in January 2025, when second-half goals from Ashley Boatswain and Nick Haughton secured a 2-0 victory for the Coasters at Mill Farm.

Waddock’s side will look to seek revenge when the two sides clash this weekend.

The danger-man Danny Ormerod:

At the end of the Coasters title-winning season, Ormerod was deservedly recognised as the standout performer, claiming a clean sweep of individual honours.

The 20-year-old forward was awarded the club’s top goal scorer prize after finishing last season with 32 goals in all competitions, while also collecting the ‘Players Player of the Season’, ‘Goal of the Season’ and ‘Supporters’ Player of the Season’ awards.

With such a prolific season behind him, Waddock will have to use all of his knowledge to nullify him on Saturday.

Stones Family Matchday: Kids £1 For Home Opener

Kids entry for a quid with access to a dedicated Family Fun Zone included - what better way to kick off the new season at The Vale!

Everyone's welcome to the club's first dedicated 'Stones Family Matchday' on Saturday August 15, when Harrogate Town are the visitors for a 3.00pm start at The Vale in the Enterprise National League season 2026/27.

Once an Adult or Concession (which includes EPL/EFL Season Ticket holders) ticket is selected online, you can add up to four Under-16s at the princely sum of just £1 each.

Click HERE to access tickets at the club's dedicated ticket purchasing portal, where you'll need to log in or complete a short registration process.