Chester 1, AFC Fylde 0: Coasters defeat at Chester hands initiative back to title rivals
AFC Fylde fell to defeat in their penultimate away trip of the season as they lost 1-0 away at Chester on Saturday afternoon.
A flicked finish from defender Tom Davies four minutes from time handed the Seals all three points in a fairly even contest at the Deva Stadium.
Fylde had the better of the first half and had a handful of opportunities to hit the front, mainly through the wicked delivery of Adam Lewis.
The full back whipped a number of wonderful crosses across the face in the opening half, which went unfinished.
One of those wicked deliveries provided the most controversial moment of the match as Preston loanee Felipe Rodriguez-Gentile looked to reach the cross before being dragged down in the penalty area.
Referee Lewis Dawson ignored the appeals before booking the Argentine for his protests, along with sending off Head Coach Craig Mahon for his respective appeals.
The second half again provided little to a few clear-cut chances, with Fylde looking to carve open one of the league's form sides.
But with little time remaining, a cross into the Fylde area was acrobatically flicked on by the former Tranmere defender Davies, who celebrated in front of the travelling support having boosted Chester to all three points.
Lewis Leigh was handed a second yellow late on for a very rash challenge on Chris Merrie in the middle of the park.
But despite six added minutes with around ten actually played due to a head injury to Tom Davies, Fylde failed to find the breakthrough with their lead at the top of the National League North down to three with two games remaining.
The Coasters will remain positive as they lead the title race, although South Shields do have a game in hand which they play on Tuesday at home to Macclesfield.
Fylde are next in action when they host Southport next weekend.