Chorley 2, AFC Fylde 0: Nine-man Coasters succumb to defeat in derby
Nine-man AFC Fylde put in a spirited display but fell to a 2-0 defeat away at Chorley on Good Friday.
Goals either side of half-time from Sam Bird and Mark Ellis proved the difference as Fylde played around 70 minutes with nine men, and left everything out there at Victory Park.
There was controversy inside three minutes as Luca Thomas was hacked down by goalkeeper Matty Urwin as he burst through on goal. However, the referee opted for just a yellow card in the first controversial event.
But soon later, Max Taylor was adjudged to have brought down Max Wilson, who had just crossed into the Fylde half, and Taylor was given his immediate marching orders by the referee as Craig Mahon's side were reduced to 10.
Danny Ormerod then had a half chance as he rounded Urwin and avoided another clumsy challenge before his cut back for Luca Thomas was well cut out.
It then went from bad to worse for Fylde as Tom Whelan was given a red card just over 10 minutes later, as his high foot was alleged to have caught midfielder Owen German and the Coasters were given a mountain to climb.
Chorley, despite the extra two men, was not causing Fylde too many issues, despite having large parts of the territory and possession. However, they did break the deadlock when Sam Bird slammed into the bottom corner before the interval.
Fylde looked to stay organised as the second half got underway, but Mark Ellis popped up at the back post and doubled the advantage as the pressure finally paid off for Andy Preece's side.
Craig Mahon's side continued to dig deep and ran themselves into the ground as they chased the Chorley possession and more than matched the home side despite the extra advantage.
Will Lancaster had a half-chance as he looked to meet a George Wilson cross, but his flicked header fell the wrong side of the post.
There was a half-chance for Chorley late on, which forced a brilliant last-ditch block from Corey Whelan, but Fylde continued to battle in a performance which, despite the result, brought nothing but pride for Craig Mahon.
Fylde will dust themselves down and move on quickly as they look to extend their lead at the summit of the National League North this Monday as we return to Mill Farm to host Radcliffe.