AFC Fylde Academy progressed into the First Round proper of the FA Youth Cup following a 2-0 win over Chester FC in the Third Qualifying Round thanks to goals from Danny Ormerod & Charlie Markland.

Following a frantic opening 10 minutes and battling against the Fylde Coast elements, the Young Coasters got off to a brilliant start and took the lead after 12 minutes.

A foul on Markland from the Chester ‘keeper left Ormerod with the simple task of converting from 12 yards, which he duly obliged to tuck into the bottom corner.

The windy conditions were having an effect, but following the restart, the Young Coasters managed to add a second when a free-kick from the left found Markland at the back post, who bulleted a header into the bottom corner before Jesse Hailwood saw red for a second yellow card. 

It could have been three for the Coasters when Ormerod headed in from a corner, but he then turned to see the linesman’s flag up for offside, which denied him a second of the evening. 

With the Coasters being down to ten men and battling hard, Chester stepped onto the Young Coasters and were creating chances, which led to Oskar Rossenblatt hitting the post from a cross after heading just over from six yards out moments earlier.

Following his side’s win, Head of Academy Coaching Conrad Prendergast said: “Proud is the overall feeling following our performance against Chester.

“The players embraced several challenges, including two players forced off through injury and going down to ten men in the second.

“It demonstrates a strong character, which is something that is fundamental in their progression as players. The lads are looking forward to preparing for our next opposition and representing the Club in the First Round proper of the competition.”

Striker and goalscorer Danny Ormerod also added: “I thought all the boys were excellent and grafted until the end. We comfortably deserved the win and didn’t let our heads drop after going down to ten men, continuing to work hard as a team. I’m excited and looking forward to being in the First Round proper.”

AFC Fylde: Clark, Hailwood, Westhead (45′ Frost), Meadowcroft, Hope, Muscart, McGovern (44′ Kay), Bailey, Ormerod (75′ Lappin), Morris, Markland. 

Unused subs: Dodgson, Ferriera, Agho, Zaffar.