Coasters hold Conference boys

The Coasters side featured 16-year-olds Jake Gregory and Ryan Charnley, and triallist Luke McCarthy and Luke Denson.

The Cambrians team included Gavin Skelton, a Scottish League Cup winner in his Gretna days.

The visitors took the lead on 12 minutes, when Andy Russell’s clearance only found Connor Tinian who volleyed home superbly from 20 yards.

The home side had chances as Charnley crossed and Brad Barnes shot wide from the edge of the box.

Parity was restored on 27 minutes, when referee Craig Buxton played a good advantage which Joe Booth used well. He played in James Dean with a superbly weighted ball and the striker finished coolly. Just a minute later Lynch almost restored the lead for the Reds but Ben Hinchliffe in the Coasters’ goal was equal to his effort.

On the stroke of half-time, Gavin Skelton conceded a free-kick 20 yards out and Booth shot perfectly into the top corner to give the Coasters the half-time lead.

Fylde made wholesale changes in the second half, and when Harry Winter gave away the ball cheaply on 67 minutes, keeper Hinchliffe came to his rescue as he saved from Ben McKenna. The respite was shortlived as seconds later a lovely ball from McKenna fed sub Allison and he brought the sides level

The next ten minutes belonged to Workington but their only real opportunity came on 74 minutes as Lynch shot wide. The Coasters finally got back into the game as Jamie Rainford spurned a fine chance, shooting over. The final two saves were made by Hinchliffe to keep parity.

Fylde boss Dave Challinor said: “We were up against opposition from a higher league and they put us under pressure.

“I don’t feel we showed what we are about, but over the 90 minutes there were things that were pleasing.”

“We have a strong 17 and have tried to add to it, but it is important to us to get the balance right between bringing players in and disrupting the squad we’ve already got. I don’t see there being massive changes.”

The Coasters move on to Irongate tomorrow for a hastily arranged fixture against Bamber Bridge after previous opposition Ramsbottom pulled out.