by Potted Shrimp » Wed Sep 05, 2018 1:26 am
Ironically I watched AFC Fylde V Salford tonight.
The quality of play from both sides was quite good and was of equal to that of League 2 standard, particularly from Salford. It is fair to say there a number of teams in the National League that would give clubs in League 2 a good run for their money.
Stadium and facilities at Mill Farm were very good, maybe just slightly superior to The Globe (but not much) and a good crowd as well 2900+ , however, as a neutral I felt as though I was watching two 'artificial' clubs, minor non-league clubs bankrolled through the non-league pyramid. It must be noted that AFC Fylde fans provided absolutely minimal atmosphere.
It did remind me of the set-up at Rushden and Diamonds. Remember watching them in the early 2000's, their set up and facilities at that time were miles ahead of the rest of the standard of non-league clubs but when the owner Max Griggs pulled out the club dissipated and the ground was occupied by their local rivals Kettering and now is in disrepair. I do wonder what will happen if the owners of AFC Fylde, Fleetwood and Salford pull out and they can no longer survive on their artificial fan base that they would follow the same fate. At least Morecambe FC has a history, and a relitevely strong backing a fan base who will always be there no matter what.