Liam Nolan’s first goal in an AFC Fylde shirt cancelled out a Jordan Burrow opener before Nathan Shaw tapped home the winner to give The Coasters that winning feeling once again.
The Coasters looked to put Tuesday’s last-minute equaliser to the back of their minds as they welcomed fellow promotion-chasers Boston United to Mill Farm.
Nick Chadwick made one change to the team that lined up in the 1-1 draw at Leamington, bringing Jack Sanders in for the injured Nathan Pond.
The home side started positively with a number of forays into the Boston area, without being able to fork out any clear cut chances.
The visitors then moved onto the front foot and soon took the lead. Terry Hawkridge cut in from the left-wing and saw a driven shot saved by Chris Neal. Unfortunately, the rebound fell invitingly for Jordan Burrow at the back post, who clinically turned the ball home to give Boston the lead.
Jordan Hulme almost provided an immediate response for The Coasters moments later. The number 9 raced onto Nick Haughton’s clever flick over the Boston defence and tried to fire under the keeper, who did well to keep it out.
Tempers flared around the 40-minute mark due to a strong Mitch Rose tackle in midfield. The new Boston man was booked with the Coasters appealing that the punishment could’ve been stronger.
Half-Time AFC Fylde 0-1 Boston United
Nick Haughton came closest to levelling the scoreline early in the second period with a thunderous strike from distance. He moved inside onto his right foot from distance and unleashed a dipping shot that didn’t quite dip enough as it struck the crossbar.
The hosts then managed to half the deficit when Liam Nolan netted his first goal for the club. The ball fell to the midfielder 25 yards out and he struck hard and low to the keeper’s left with the assistance of a slight deflection.
As The Coasters began to gather some momentum, there was a big blow on the hour mark as Nick Haughton pulled up with what appeared to be a hamstring injury. He was replaced by loanee Luke Brennan.
Boston’s first real chance of the second half came shortly after the change, as a goalmouth scramble led to an opportunity that required a fantastic Danny Philliskirk block to deflect it over for a corner.
Fylde then moved into the lead for the first time in the game, as Nathan Shaw converted from close range. Jordan Hulme did well to beat the defender down the left, and eventually play the ball across the face of goal to Shaw who only had to make solid contact to make it 2-1.
The visitors didn’t hold anything back as they looked to get back level, making all 3 of their allocated changes at once with around 15 minutes to play.
Just as the hosts were pushing for parity, the Coasters were driving forward to double their lead. The best chance fell to substitute Luke Brennan who was only able to turn a Nathan Shaw cross wide of the near post.
The threat of the home side on the counter was clear, but Boston struggled to cope. Jordan Hulme smartly flicked through to Brennan who in turn flicked the ball around the last defender. He collided with the defender and, despite strong appeals from the Coasters, the referee waved play on.
Despite the best efforts of the visitors, AFC Fylde managed to reduce them to very few chances in the closing stages as the 5 minutes of added time passed without significant incident. The Coasters secured a valuable 3 points against a solid Boston outfit, who were yet to lose before they arrived on the Fylde Coast.
BY SEAN WILLIAMS
