Alfreton Town 0 AFC Fylde 1: Coasters continue their stunning away form
Luca Thomas’ early strike was the difference as AFC Fylde made it eight consecutive National League North away wins with Saturday’s 1-0 victory at Alfreton Town.
Looking to bounce back from their midweek defeat against South Shields, Fylde enjoyed the perfect start as they opened the scoring within two minutes.
Danny Ormerod flicked on the ball to Jon Ustabasi but the Coasters’ winger dummied it, enabling Thomas to drive towards the Alfreton area before picking out the bottom corner.
However, the Coasters were forced into an early change as, soon afterwards, Ryan Colclough was forced off with Charlie Jolley coming on in his place.
Ormerod looked to double Fylde’s advantage, only to see his effort deflected over the home goal, while Ustabasi saw an attempt well kept out after Jolley had turned brilliantly inside the area.
Although Craig Mahon’s players were unable to build on Thomas’ early strike, Fylde were fairly untroubled across the opening 45 minutes as they retained their one-goal advantage at the break.
They had chances to double that lead early in the second half, Jolley squandering a great opportunity as he dragged an effort wide of the post after Ustabasi had made a great driving run.
Ustabasi was then found by Ormerod but saw his effort turned around the post before Alfreton ramped up the pressure on the Coasters.
Mahon’s side were forced to defend a strong 15-minute spell from the hosts, who saw Mark Beck drive an effort across the face of goal before the ball eventually went out on the far side.
Despite Alfreton’s search for an equaliser, Fylde’s defence stood strong to claim a crucial three points as they now take a week off from league matters.
Next up for them is Saturday’s FA Trophy trip to Spennymoor as they look to back up last month’s league win when the two sides met.
Alfreton Town: Burgoyne, Anderson (Perritt 59), Hunt, Newall, Leckie (Dodoo 88), Lund, McCann, Cantrill, Fewster (Beck 59), Salmon (Abbey 80), Ligendza. Subs not used: Sissons, Barrett, Hawkins.
AFC Fylde: Jones, Coates, Taylor, Whelan, Brockbank, Mitchell, Whelan, Thomas, Ustabasi, Ormerod, Colclough (Jolley 7). Subs not used: Boyes, McFayden, Meadowcroft, Healy-Byrne, Merrie, Wilson.
Referee: Liam Smith.
Attendance: 501.