Wednesday 25th September 2024
FA Women’s National League Division One North
Photo: Heather Watson - AFC Fylde Women
AFC Fylde Women were unable to avoid defeat on Wednesday evening with a 3-1 loss to Chorley Women at Kellamergh Park.
Fylde fell behind inside the opening quarter of an hour as the Magpies made a flying start with three goals in the space of five minutes.
That blistering start left the Coasters with a mountain to climb, but they did reduce the deficit when Imogen Borrowdale scored her first goal for the club midway through the first half.
Despite the hosts' best efforts to draw level, the damage had already been done in the early exchanges of this Lancashire derby. Chorley ultimately claimed all the spoils with a 3-1 win to cement their position in third, while Fylde slipped to tenth in the table, albeit after only six games played.
Jake Williams and Steve Mainwaring were eager for their Fylde team to bounce back from a narrow home defeat to Norton & Stockton Ancients last time out. Likewise, Carmelo Ruggieri’s Magpies were also looking to return to winning ways after an impressive start to the season.
When the two sides met in the FAWNL Plate less than a fortnight ago, Fylde opened up a two-goal lead through Iszy Binks and Abi Duffell, before Nicola Worthington netted a late consolation for the visitors.
The Coasters were prepared for another tough test when Chorley returned for a league encounter ten days later.
Among the changes to Fylde’s line-up, Sasha Rowe returned in central midfield, while Katie Bowers Folan started up front.
Playing in their yellow-and-black away kit, the Coasters signalled their attacking intent right from the outset. Karri Chan slid the ball through to Bowers Folan, who darted past several defenders before firing on target, but Chorley goalkeeper Mollie Finch was equal to it.
After forcing an early corner, Millie Tindall whipped in an inviting cross that was headed narrowly off target.
The Magpies went ahead in the eighth minute when Safron Newhouse broke clear and chipped the ball over Skye Kirkham into the far right corner.
Only a minute later, the visitors doubled their advantage when Molly Wood found space inside the box and coolly slotted the ball into the back of the net.
It quickly went from bad to worse for Fylde as the Magpies bagged a third with only 13 minutes on the clock. Nicola Worthington continued her fine goalscoring form when she raced through and tucked the ball past the onrushing Kirkham.
In response to the early setback, the Coasters looked to apply the pressure with a series of corner kicks, but they failed to trouble the goalkeeper.
The hosts were then forced into an early change as Tindall was replaced by Teal Dunion in defence.
It took until the 23rd minute for the Coasters to get on the scoresheet when Borrowdale made a perfectly timed run into the box and swept home from close range.
The Magpies were indebted to their goalkeeper Finch for making a string of excellent saves to prevent the Coasters from adding to their tally.
After denying Alex Sanchez's headed effort from a corner, Finch was called into action again to palm away Holly Kelsh-Ridge's goalbound attempt on the half-hour mark.
Minutes later, Rowe's rasping shot drew another smart save from Finch, who tipped the ball over the crossbar. Moments later, Rowe took aim from distance, but Finch did well to gather it.
As a result, the Coasters still trailed by two goals at the halfway stage.
Half-Time: AFC Fylde Women 1-3 Chorley Women FC
Soon after the restart, Rowe looked to release Bowers Folan for a one-on-one chance, but the pass was just too heavy and went out for a goal kick.
At the other end, the Magpies attempted to launch a counterattack, but Dunion made a crucial challenge to break up the play.
Approaching the hour-mark, the Coasters threatened again as Rowe saw her initial shot blocked by a defender, before Borrowdale's follow-up strike was repelled by Finch.
In the 65th minute, Ylenia Carabott replaced Mia Hyland as Fylde strengthened their attacking options. Though Fylde worked hard to press higher up the pitch, the Chorley backline remained firm as they continued to keep their opponents at bay.
With less than 20 minutes remaining, Fylde defender Ella Holt spotted Finch off her line and saw her audacious lob drift narrowly wide of the post.
It ultimately proved to be a step too far for the Coasters as the full-time whistle ended their hopes of an unlikely comeback.
Full-Time: AFC Fylde Women 1-3 Chorley Women FC
Next up, the Coasters turn their attention to the FAWNL Plate with a First Round tie against Wolves Women. This away tie will be played at Wolves’ Compton Park training ground on Sunday 29th September, with kick-off at 2.00 pm.
AFC Fylde Women: Kirkham, Binks, Holt, Sanchez, Tindall (20’ Dunion), Hyland (65’ Carabott), Kelsh-Ridge, Rowe, Borrowdale, Bowers Folan, Chan
Unused substitutes: Pendlebury, Duffell, Rogers
Chorley Women FC: Finch, Searson, Wade, Wood, Parker, Ritchie (80’ Gunn), Newhouse (89’ Dale), Worthington, Wright (60’ Parish), Stanhope (88’ Price), Wong (46’ Derbyshire)
Report by Scott Jones
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