Marine lose to clinical promotion chasing Coasters at home

Luca Thomas scored his eighth of the season as Fylde flew to the top of the table after a narrow victory away to Marine. 

After a hectic start to the game it was the home side who began to create the better of the chances. 

Finlay Sinclair-Smith came closest for The Mariners in the 30th minute after he saw his effort from close range tap the left hand side post and eventually cleared by Fylde. 

The number seven came agonisingly close again just a few minutes later. 

After skipping away from Alex Healy-Byrne, his effort from the edge of the penalty area was expertly tipped over by Zac Jones to keep the score level.  

Despite lots of possession Fylde were unable to show their quality in the final third and were frustratingly kept quiet by a resolute Marine defence in the first half. 

The Coasters started the second period much better as they began to start to create chances after the interval. 

They opened the scoring when Thomas was able to nod home into an empty net after Tom Whelan escaped the onrushing Fraser Barnsley. 

Fylde thought they had netted for the second time after Danny Ormorod put the ball past Barnsley, a foul on Declan Drysdale prevented it from being given. 

A vital save from Jones at the death stopped a powerful strike from substitute Ash Hunter and ensured the away team left with all three points. 

This report was written for the Non League paper.