Coasters lose ground in title chase

Late goals by James Hurst and Richard Batchelor condemned Fylde to defeat.

It means another chance to return to the top of Vanarama Conference North went begging for Dave Challinor’s side, who have won only one of their last seven league games.

Fylde started brightly with a chance from Josh Wilson, but his shot was just wide and Adam Thomas shot narrowly over for the home side.

On 11 minutes, a good ball from Joe Booth released Matt Blinkhorn through on goal but his shot was well saved by Danny Crane, who fumbled Adam Sumner’s free-kick minutes later.

Fylde’s Tom Hannigan was forced off ill, but still good chances were elusive, Richie Allen having Fylde’s best of the half but no-one could get on the end of his cross-cum-shot.

Marvin Morgan went close for the home side after the break, heading over after beating Coasters keeper Ben Hinchliffe in the air.

The Pitmen started to take control and had two penalty shouts turned down before Hurst broke the deadlock on 71 minutes. He reacted first to a loose ball from a corner and fired home from three yards.

Allen volleyed narrowly over from 12 yards as Fylde sought a rapid response.

Hednesford sealed victory on 77 minutes, when striker Richard Batchelor was first to a throw into the penalty area and headed past Hinchliffe. Hednesford regain third spot, four points behind Fylde.