AFC Fylde 1 Buxton 2: Campbell’s curler leaves Coasters counting the cost
It was defeat for AFC Fylde on Saturday afternoon as they fell to a narrow loss at home to Buxton.
Luca Thomas sent the two sides in level at the break, but a great strike from Tate Campbell in the second half proved the difference at Mill Farm.
The Coasters sit second in the table, two points adrift of leaders South Shields, who drew at AFC Telford United.
Buxton broke the deadlock inside 10 minutes when Cian Coleman's effort deflected off Corey Whelan and wrong-footed Coasters keeper Zac Jones to open the scoring.
Fylde looked to grab an instant equaliser as Danny Ormerod's header looped into the air but couldn't trouble Young in the Buxton goal.
But after the half-hour mark, Fylde did draw level as a deep corner from Tom Whelan picked out Thomas at the back post, and the winger expertly volleyed home to level the scores.
Thomas thought he had a second straight after the restart in the second half as he drove at the Buxton defence before his effort dragged just wide of the far post.
Ten minutes into the second period, however, it was Buxton who re-took the lead as Campbell curled home a wonderful effort, picking out the top corner leaving Zac Jones with no chance.
Luke Hunter was introduced for his Fylde debut with just under half-an-hour to play as the half lacked any real chances or momentum for either side.
Jon Ustabasi forced a great save out of Young with five minutes to play, with a left-footed curling effort which was well kept out as Fylde pushed for a late equaliser.
Whelan went close with minutes remaining as his effort from range flew just over the bar, before late pressure from Fylde almost forced an equaliser but it wasn't to be for Craig Mahon’s side.
It's a quick turnaround for Mahon’s men, who face another home clash on Tuesday night with Macclesfield being the visitors to Mill Farm.