AFC Fylde 0 Southport 1: Late goal sees Coasters KO'd in round five
AFC Fylde bowed out of the FA Trophy with defeat in the fifth round to Southport at Mill Farm on Saturday.
Teddy Lavelle’s goal on 87 minutes proved the difference in a game Fylde dominated for a large portion.
It was a fairly even opening 45 minutes with neither side able to find the breakthrough.
Jordan Keane squandered a chance for the visitors inside two minutes, when he received the ball on the edge of the area but blasted over Pat Boyes’ crossbar.
Fylde then looked to take control of proceedings, enjoying plenty of possession without really creating a clear-cut opening.
Corey Whelan went close with a header, which looked to be blocked by a team-mate, before the flag was raised by the referee’s assistant.
Tom Whelan then unleashed a thunderous effort from 25 yards, which was palmed behind by Southport keeper Chris Renshaw who had an excellent afternoon between the sticks.
While the opening 45 minutes were fairly even, the second half was dominated by Fylde who failed to put away any of the chances they created.
Danny Ormerod forced the first of multiple saves from Renshaw, who turned his effort around the post.
Boyes then pulled off a great stop at the other end in turning a dangerous free-kick away from goal.
Tom Whelan should have broken the deadlock after a brilliant driving run played him through on goal, only for his effort to be kept out by Renshaw.
Danny Mayor then drove all of 50 yards before setting up Luca Thomas, whose tame effort was held by the keeper.
Changes followed for Fylde with George Wilson, Ethan Mitchell and debutant Felipe Rodriguez-Gentile being introduced.
They really stepped up the pressure with 10 minutes to play, as Wilson went close after more Mayor magic on the edge of the area.
Mitchell’s thunderbolt flew just over the bar but, soon afterwards, Southport found the opener.
Boyes made a stunning save from a set piece but Lavelle turned in the rebound for a late winner in a half which Fylde had dominated.
AFC Fylde: Boyes, McFayden, Taylor, Merrie, Thomas (Mitchell 65), Mayor, Ustabasi (Rodriguez-Gentile 74), Healy-Byrne (Wilson 68), C Whelan, T Whelan, Ormerod. Subs not used: Jones, Hunter, Fisher, Moore.