Unbeaten run ends for AFC Fylde

AFC Fylde manager Mick Fuller

AFC Fylde remain top of the Vodkat League Premier Division, despite their run of 10 successive wins ending controversially at New Mills.

An Adam Mather goal in the 38th minute clinched a 1-0 victory for the Millers, but Fylde were furious that an early strike by Mark Wane was ruled out.

New Mills centre-half Danny Jackson and goalkeeper Liam Higginbotham collided when both went to clear a long ball.

Wane pounced to roll the loose ball into the empty net.

The referee initially signalled a goal but then changed his mind after consulting his assistant, who indicated Wane had fouled the defender before gaining possession.

As the half wore on, the home side began to take control and Fylde had a lucky escape in the 34th minute when keeper Pete Summerfield made a fine double save from Will Ahern and Gary Kharas.

Seven minutes from the break, the Millers' pressure finally paid off when a Matty Taylor cross into the box was only half cleared by the Fylde defence and Mather pounced on the loose ball to shoot home from 10 yards.

I'm very disappointed with the goal that was disallowed, because the referee gave it

AFC Fylde manager Mick Fuller

Inside the first 20 minutes of the second half Fylde threw on all three substitutes to freshen up the attack, but the visitors continued to struggle to break down a stubborn home defence.

Midway through the second half Kharas had a great chance to double the Millers' advantage but he was denied by a fine challenge from Fylde skipper Dougie Shaw.

As the game wore on Fylde began to enjoy more possession and with five minutes remaining Mike Clark came close with a shot on the turn that crept just over the bar.

A minute from time Matt Walwyn had Fylde's best chance of the game when he was played in by fellow substitute Richie Allen, but New Mills keeper Higginbotham denied him with a fine blocking save.

"We knew it would be tough coming here, and there weren't many chances created in the game," said AFC Fylde manager Mick Fuller.

"I thought on the balance of play in the second half we did enough to get at least a point.

"I'm very disappointed with the goal that was disallowed because the referee gave it, then went over to consult the assistant on the far side and changed his mind.

"I asked the other assistant who was near to us what he thought, and he said the goal looked fine to him," he added.