Thomas continues scoring run as four wins out of five lift Coasters to summit

A 2-1 win at Harrogate Town on Tuesday night sent AFC Fylde top of the National League.

Late strikes by Tom Whelan and the prolific Luca Thomas sealed a fourth win in a five-game unbeaten run for Craig Mahon's side.

All the goals came in the final 11 minutes of normal time in North Yorkshire as the Coasters followed Saturday's 4-1 triumph at Yeovil with a third successive victory on the road.

Fylde gave a full debut to forward Millar Matthews-Lewis, signed on loan from Burton Albion last week.

Harrogate were on a three-match winning run and had the better of the first-half chances as Will McGowan struck the crossbar with a free-kick, then Zac Jones kept Fylde on level terms with saves from Morgan Williams and Shawn McCoulsky.

The visitors had another let-off after the break as Jones saved a header by Josh Hmami, who headed the rebound against the bar.

Fylde substitute Danny Mayor had a curling shot saved by Luke Hutchinson before two goals in five minutes sealed the game for Fylde.

Whelan struck his first of the season on 79 minutes – a deflected shot from the edge of the area – then Thomas fired his sixth in four games at the near post.

A goal by substitute Ellis Taylor three minutes later set up a tense finish but the Coasters held out to leapfrog their hosts in the table.

Leaders Fylde were one of three teams on 17 points, ahead of Boreham Wood (who play on Wednesday) on goals scored and Southend United on goal difference. Altrincham are the visitors to Mill Farm on Saturday.

Mahon admitted afterwards: "We didn't play well and were fortunate to come away with the three points.

"I thought Harrogate were outstanding in the first half but the character, attitude and chemistry between this group of players is unbelievable."

FYLDE: Jones, Drewe, Lancaster, C Whelan, Broad (Lewis 69), Merrie, Thomas, Upton (T Whelan 58), Mitchell (Butterfield 78), Olley (Mayor 69), Matthews-Lewis; Not used: Boyes, Taylor, Morris