Fylde, currently in 2nd place in National Three (North), face their toughest game of the season so far when they visit Priory Park on Saturday to take on 4th placed Macclesfield (15.00). The two clubs have had some fine clashes in the past five seasons although Fylde hold the recent bragging rights with five consecutive wins, three in succession at the well appointed Priory Park.

Macclesfield have had a disappointing three seasons in the division following a superb 2004/5 when they finished runners-up and lost the promotion play-off game at Launceston. They have flirted with relegation during this period and finished in 9th place in 2005/6 & 2006/7 and 11th last season.

This season, with a new coaching structure and a summer of squad building, has been very different with Macc being one of the early pace setters in the division. They have a 100% home record, with good wins against Hull Ionians (33-16), Preston Grasshoppers (35-14) & Leicester Lions (26-6). Their form away from Priory Park has been more mixed with a win at Bradford & Bingley (26-13) but defeats at Huddersfield (18-19) and Nuneaton (35-41).

The new coaching partnership has seen Geoff Wappett (formerly coach at Rotherham, Bradford & Bingley and Hull RUFC) join the club together with Andy Northey who has had coaching experience at Rotherham & Sedgley Park. Northey had a glittering playing career - RU at Waterloo, Lancashire, Northampton Saints, Rotherham & North of England - and RL at St Helens.

The the new coaches have strengthen the squad with a host of signings including Mark Devine (prop), Craig Smithson (No 8) and Alan Marsh (lock), all from West Park, & wingers Luke & Josh Fowles (Broadstreet). These have been joined by centre Rob McDermott (Tynedale & Newcastle Falcons), fly-half Gary McDermott (Longton), utility back Jon Lowden (ex-Waterloo, Nuneaton & Manchester), flanker Nathan Bonner-Evans (Sale Sharks Premiership experience & Ospreys) and the return of no 8 Jonathan Keep who has spent a couple of seasons at Manchester.

The fulcrum of their back line is former Orrell, Plymouth & Wakefield fly-half Ross Winney, equal top scorer in N3N with 88 points. Fylde fly-half Steve Nutt is six points behind so the head to head between them will be worth the admission money alone. Their dangerous backline features the current top try scorer, ex-Sale fullback or winger, Fergus Mulchrone and reliable centre Richard Hughes, formerly of Manchester & Halifax.

Leading Fylde & N3N try scorer Nick Royle has been selected by Sale Sharks for their home EDF Cup game against Bath on Friday evening so misses the match at Priory Park. As part of the development link between Fylde & the Sharks, England Academy & England U'18 international wing Jordan Davies (right) replaces Royle. The 6'2, 14st Bolton-born back, originally with Eccles RUFC, is a member of Sale's Academy, has played for the Jets in Guinness 'A' league games and is considered to be a very good prospect indeed.

Twelve other changes are made from the team which won at Hereford last Saturday although there are one or two injury worries. Centre Tom Albinson is certain to miss the match with a damaged ankle. Hooker Alan Holmes is abroad at his brother's wedding and is replaced by former Waterloo & Lancashire stalwart, Chris Tyms who is making only his second starting appearance for the club since joining in the middle of last season. Amongst the replacements named are a couple of 1st team newcomers - hooker Mark Darlington and flanker Mark Stephenson. Darlington has just returned to his home club following spells with Newcastle Falcons, Darlington Mowden Park & Blaydon. Stephenson joined the club from Fleetwood in the summer and impressed in the cup display at Hereford.

Due to continuing concerns over niggling injuries to some of the backs, Richard Kenyon is on standby to come out of semi-retirement, should the need arise. 

The provisional squad is:

15  Mike Waywell; 14 Jordan Davies, 13 David Wiseman, 12 Neil Hunter, 11 Oliver Brennand; 10 Steve Nutt, 9 Craig Aikman; 1 Sam Simpson, 2 Chris Tyms, 3 Darren Clark, 4 Nick King, 5 Roger Banks, 6 Dan Bowman, 7 Dave Wilks, 8 Sam Beaumont.

Replacements from: Mark Darlington, Mark Stephenson, Andrew Irving, Dan Palmer, Grant Ferguson & Martin Wallwork. 

Macclesfield v Fylde: comparative statistics from Statbunker

Attacking statistics