Stirring comeback in second half gives Fylde share of spoils

As they were playing Clitheroe and Blackburn Northern’s development team in the Men's Division Four North, Fylde focussed on maximising the pitch time of the six Under-16s available, with the seven remaining 40-plus oldies playing a supporting role.

It proved to be a dramatic encounter with Fylde coming from 4-1 down to earn a draw.

It was a tight first quarter with chances at both ends, although Fylde looked more likely to score and they did score the first goal.

Charlie Oliver dribbled into the D at the top and got a shot away towards goal, which Sam Asquith was able to direct home.

Northern equalised just before half-time and then seemingly took control with three further goals after the interval.

The fightback began when Sam Asquith crossed the ball, with Will van Rijn waiting at the back post for a tap-in.

They pulled another goal back after a scramble within the D, involving several players, but it was Will van Rijn who was on hand again to make the decisive hit of the ball into the goal.

The comeback was complete when Oli van Rijn passing the ball to his father Tim, rushing into the D and striking the ball at pace, and screaming with delight at the sound of the backboard being hit.

Fylde celebrated the draw as if points were at stake – they weren’t as results against development teams don’t count towards the league table – but they were mightily proud of their three-goal comeback.

The ladies’ development team found themselves truly tested against a more experienced Garstang side, losing 8-0.

Isabella Hill bravely played her first debut match unfazed by the strength of the opposition.

The fifth team were beaten by Leyland Chorley seconds 3-0.