AFC Fylde 2 Marine 0: Loan pair strike to pull Coasters clear at top
AFC Fylde extended their lead at the top of the National League North to four points with Tuesday's 2-0 win over Marine at Mill Farm.
Loanees Adam Lewis and Conor McAleny both scored their first Coasters goal as Craig Mahon's side backed up Saturday's 4-1 victory over Darlington with this 12th successive home league win.
Fylde dominated the first half but clear-cut chances were few in this rearranged match, which had been postponed a week earlier.
The hosts soon created their first opportunity as Danny Mayor picked out Danny Ormerod at the near post but his flick found only the side-netting.
Wonderful control by Ormerod then set up a shooting chance for Ethan Mitchell, who fired wide from the edge of the box.
Tom Whelan went closer from similar range midway through the half, when his effort crashed off the crossbar after neat play by Mayor from a short corner.
Against the run of play, the Merseysiders wasted the best chance so far when George Newell rolled the ball across the face of goal but Blackpool academy graduate Fin Sinclair-Smith blasted over.
Marine boss Bobby Grant, another former Seasider, would rue that miss as Fylde broke the deadlock five minutes before the break.
On-loan Chesterfield left-back Lewis aimed to whip a cross in from his flank but the delivery deceived keeper Jack McIntyre and found the top corner.
The Coasters looked to double their lead in the second half but Ormerod struck a post, although the flag was raised for offside, and Tom Whelan skied a shot.
McAleny made his second Fylde appearance off the bench and the Harrogate Town loanee soon forced McIntyre into a smart stop.
But he gave the keeper no chance with nine minutes remaining, driving into the bottom corner from the edge of the box.
Fylde have played a game more than title rivals South Shields but head into Easter in a strong position with five to play.
Friday's derby at Chorley is followed by their penultimate home game against Radcliffe on holiday Monday.
FYLDE: Jones, Mitchell, Taylor, Merrie, Thomas (Felipe 80), Mayor (McAleny 64), Lancaster, C Whelan (Coates 83), T Whelan (Wilson 86), Ormerod (Morris 86), Lewis; Not used: Boyes, McFayden,