Advantage Lions in Play-Off Semi-Final

Jake Lawlor’s 32nd-minute header not only put an end to AFC Fylde’s ten-game unbeaten run but also gives the Lions a precious 1-0 advantage going into Saturday’s second leg on the west coast.

After a series of opening exchanges Danny Hall’s header across the six-yard box provided the first real opening, but there were no takers to prod the ball home.

The Lions went close again shortly afterwards when Brad Barnes felled Gavin Rothery and, when the free kick found Oli Johnson, he fired just over the angle.

Michael Barnes brought a smart save from Steven Drench, but the Coasters were rocked back on their heels just after the half-hour mark as Ryan Toulson’s long throw eventually found Oli Johnson at the far post.

When the striker lobbed a delicious ball back across goal, Lawlor outjumped two defenders to head home.

Drench came to Guiseley’s rescue on two more occasions before the break and also tipped over Danny Lloyd-McGoldrick’s fierce drive shortly after the restart.

Wayne Brooksby then cut in from the left but saw his shot blocked, and as the ball ran loose Adam Boyes tried to hook it over the line only for Ben Hinchliffe to parry before Toulson’s shot was diverted behind for a corner.

Oli Johnson went close again with a looping header narrowly over the bar as the home side sought to double their advantage.

Fylde continued to press for an equaliser as the clock wound down, during which time Barnes had a shot cleared off the line and Drench once again denied McGoldrick, this time pushing his shot round the post.

The win gives the Lions a slender lead going into Saturday’s second leg – travel bookings now being taken for a reduced price of just £12.

Post-match reaction from Mark Bower, Andy Holdsworth and Danny Lowe

Team:

Drench, Toulson, Lowe, Holdsworth (Capt), Hall, Lawlor, Brooksby, D Boshell, Boyes (N Boshell, 90), O Johnson (L Dickinson, 76), Rothery.

Unused Subs: A Johnson, Stockdill, S Dickinson.

Next Up:

3:00 pm
Pitching In Northern Premier League Premier Division

Guiseley vs Hebburn Town