The newly promoted Mikes Women ran out convincing winners in Sutton Coldfield with a dominant display against the Coasters, whose recent unbeaten run came to an end. 

 

It proved to be a frustrating afternoon for Fylde, who failed to score for the first time in eight matches.

 

Last time out, the Coasters tasted cup success in the FAWNL Plate when they came from behind to beat Doncaster Rovers Belles at Kellamergh Park. A 2-1 win secured their passage into the second round of the Plate.

 

And Danielle Young’s side looked to carry their positive momentum forward into their league campaign on Sunday when they faced Simon Noakes’ Boldmere St Michaels in the West Midlands.

 

In a high-octane opening, Fylde came close to finding an early breakthrough when they hit the post from close range before the ball was cleared to safety.

 

In the 25th minute, Boldmere captain Pip Wilson controlled Lois Jefferies’ flick-on and lashed a long-range effort into the back of the net for the opening goal.

 

On the half-hour mark, the Coasters almost levelled from a free-kick but were denied by a smart fingertip save by Boldmere goalkeeper Chloe Quinn, who did well to turn the shot over the crossbar.

 

Moments later, Fylde goalkeeper Grace Pomfret made an excellent acrobatic save of her own to keep out Jade Formaston’s direct free-kick.

 

Struggling to find their usual rhythm, the Coasters went in behind at the interval with plenty of work to do.

 

 

At the start of the second half, Amy Hughes was introduced to the fold to provide added pace in the Fylde attack.

 

Unfortunately, the visitors fell further behind only a few minutes after the restart when Evie Billingsley doubled the hosts’ lead with an angled finish through Pomfret’s legs.

 

Shortly past the hour mark, Boldmere striker Jefferies rounded off the scoring with a third goal after a quick exchange of passes with Billingsley in the box.

 

In the closing stages, the Coasters were unable to reverse the tide and struggled to test the opposition goal.

 

The result leaves Fylde firmly ensconced in mid-table ahead of a prolonged break in the league schedule.

 

 

Next up, the Coasters turn their attention to the First Round Proper of the Vitality Women’s FA Cup with a visit to Alnwick Town Ladies FC. This FA Cup tie is scheduled for Sunday 13th November, with kick-off at the earlier time of 1.00 pm.

 

AFC Fylde Women: Pomfret, Rowe, Taylor, Carroll, Merrin, Forster, Young, Fields, Binks (46′ Hughes), Smith, Hollinshead

 

Unused substitutes: Hunter, Fryer, McCoy