AFC Fylde 5-2 Radcliffe Borough

AFC Fylde moved back into the play-off positions after taking all three points from an absorbing encounter at Kellamergh Park.

After an enforced two week break, the home side took some time to get into their stride as neither team seemed able to string any meaningful passing moves together. Despite this, Fylde had the better chances as Jamie Milligan twice had long range efforts saved by Nick Culkin, whilst Kevin Townson cut in from the right to test the ex-Bristol Rovers stopper.

The deadlock was finally broken midway through the first half as Townson was felled just inside the box, leaving the referee no choice but to award a penalty, which was coolly dispatched by captain Milligan. However, the lead lasted less than two minutes as David Sherlock latched onto a good through ball to slot past Lewis Edge in the Fylde goal.

This did not deter the Coasters, as Tom Cahill restored their lead after turning in a low Michael Barnes cross. The lead was then doubled moments later as centre-back Phil Doughty won the ball in the centre circle before playing in Townson who made no mistake with the finish.

As half-time loomed young midfielder Mike Nolan stung the palms of Culkin, but there were to be no more goals before the break.

Whatever was said by Radcliffe manager Gerry Luczka in the dressing room had an immediate effect as Adam Roscoe beat Edge at his near post from a near impossible angle. This galvanised the visitors, and they began to control the game, despite not creating any clear-cut chances.

Borough were made to pay for not turning their possession into goals as Townson tapped in his second and Fylde's fourth after a Barnes shot ricocheted off two Radcliffe defenders. That was to be the former Macclesfield striker's final action as he was replaced by Matt Walwyn, whilst Andy Bell continued to make his comeback from injury, replacing Cahill.

It did not take long for Walwyn to make an impact, with the striker picking the ball up just inside the visitors half before unleashing an unstoppable drive from 30 yards which many of the world's best keepers would have struggled to keep out.

With a three goal lead established, Fylde began to relax and the remaining 25 minutes did not bring many chances, although Bell and fellow substitute Matty Kay both tested Culkin before the 90 minutes were up.