Fylde can continue to take the hike in class in their stride

3pm kick-offs Saturday

AFC Fylde are recovering strongly from a slow start to the National League season and they can chalk up a third successive victory by beating Halifax at the Shay.

The step up in class was always going to be tricky for Fylde, who won the National League North last season.

They struggled at the start - drawing four and losing one of their first five games - but wins away to Hartlepool (2-0) and at home to Barrow (1-0) have shown they have what it takes to flourish in their new environment.

A push towards the playoffs is by no means out of the question for big-spending Fylde, who have significantly added to their squad this summer.

Halifax, who won promotion via the National League North playoffs, have done far less to improve their team and could have a relegation battle to contend with.

They have made a decent start thanks to wins away to Solihull Moors (1-0) and at home to Guiseley (2-0).

However, Halifax will not be getting carried away with those successes because Guiseley and Solihull are widely expected to struggle and were priced at 5-4 and 10-11 in pre-season bottom-four finish betting.

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Fylde are likely to pose a much tougher test.

Bookmakers narrowly favour Halifax to take the points but there is a strong value case for backing the away win.

Hartlepool got their season up and running with a 1-0 win at Guiseley on Monday but their wait for a first home win could extend beyond this weekend's match with Maidstone.

Pools have taken just one point from three home games and look vulnerable against mid-table Stones, who are unbeaten in four.

Recommendations
AFC Fylde
2pts 19-10 Hills

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Maidstone
1pt 11-4 Hills, Sky Bet

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