AFC Fylde 2-0 Marine; Enterprise NLN; Tuesday 31st March 2026
Max Ledson reports from Mill Farm…
Marine suffered a 2-0 defeat on the road at the hands of a Fylde side who increased their chances of automatic promotion from the National League North.
The first half started fast with early chances for both sides. The 17th minute saw the best chance for the home side when a corner found its way through to Corey Whelan at the back post who failed to hit the target from close range.
The Mariners had a great chance to take the lead in the 37th minute after George Newell did well to find space in the penalty area and squared it to Fin Sinclair-Smith who couldn’t keep his effort down.
The Coasters punished Marine for their missed chance four minutes later after a miscued cross from Adam Lewis found its way into the top corner of the goal and the home side were able to carry their lead into the break.
The second half started similarly to the first with both sides looking to attack and create chances. However, the home side were soon able to take charge of possession, playing the ball round in long spells with Marine taking shape and soaking up the attacks.
The visitors managed this for the majority of the second period until the 81st minute when Fylde doubled their lead. Substitute Conor McAleny, picked up the ball on the edge of the box and fired a low driven effort into the bottom corner past Jack McIntyre in the Marine goal.
After adding the second goal the hosts were able to see out the victory in a professional manner, keeping possession for the remainder and not allowing Marine the chance to get back into the game.
AFC Fylde: Zac Jones, Adam Lewis, Max Taylor, Ethan Mitchell, Corey Whelan (Kieran Coates 83), Danny Mayor (Conor McAleny 64), Tom Whelan (George Wilson 86), Will Lancaster, Chris Merrie, Danny Ormerod (Jack Morris 86), Luca Thomas (Felipe Rodriguez-Gentile 80).
Unused subs: Lincoln McFadyen, Patrick Boyes.
Marine: Jack McIntyre, Adam Thomas, Josh Wardle, Adam Anson, Joe Ashton, Declan Drysdale, Leigh Whelan (James Potter 80’), Marley Leuluai (Sam Fielding 72’), George Newell (Offrande Zanzala 57’), Fin Sinclair-Smith, Harry Huby
Unused subs: Lewis Bell, Jed Abbey, Matty McDonald
Attendance: 949