Evo-Stik Premier League: Nantwich Town 0 AFC Fylde 3

By Ashley Houghton
Nantwich Town failed to build on victory over FC United when they lost 3-0 against AFC Fylde at the Weaver Stadium.

Second-half goals by Jack Dorney, Michael Barnes and Richie Allen sunk the Dabbers.

And Jimmy Quinn’s men were left to rue the early possession and chances early on.

Quinn had made one change to the side that won at Gigg Lane with Mat Bailey replacing Chris Flynn.

The visitors were on the back foot during the early stages but had the best chance of the opening 15 minutes when Allen got in behind but was thwarted by Jon Brain.

Nantwich failed to create many clear cut chances with Mark Beesley going closest when he volleyed Will Jones’ flick on well over.

The Dabbers started the second-half brightly and were inches from taking the lead as Sean Cooke’s sweetly struck free-kick was pushed over by Ben Hinchliffe.

Hinchliffe saved The Coasters again moments later as Niall Maguire found space from Cooke’s cross but failed to beat the former Northwich stopper.

The deadlock was broken on 53 minutes in controversial fashion as Rod McDonald allowed the ball to go behind believing he would be getting a goal-kick.

However referee Nicholas Barnard ruled it came off a Nantwich head. Joe Booth whipped the corner in and Allen flicked past Brain at the front post.

Bailey then went close for Nantwich from McDonald’s long free-kick but his effort was again saved by the impressive Hinchliffe.

The lead was doubled ten minutes from time when Nantwich failed to clear as Dorney was allowed time and space on the edge of the area to pick his spot and beat Brain with a low drive.

Five minutes later, Fylde killed the game when Barnes broke down the right and saw his shot deflect off Flynn past a helpless Brain.

Nantwich, who remain in mid table, travel to Rushall Olympic on Saturday hoping to continue their impressive away form in the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League.

Nantwich: Brain, Moss, Foster (Hughes, 72), Smith (Flynn, 72), Bailey (C), McDonald, Cooke, Maguire, Beesley, Jones (Lane, 72), Short. Subs: McLachlan, Lowe.