Despite having chances to level, AFC Fylde were narrowly defeated 1-0 away to Bromley at Hayes Lane in the Vanarama National League.
Josh Passley’s goal just after the hour mark proved decisive, with Fylde putting in a spirited performance against a side that currently sits third in the league.
Chris Beech made four changes from the side that was beaten against York City, with Emeka Obi, Danny Philliskirk, Josh Kay and Siya Ligendza replacing Max Conway, Danny Whitehead, Joe Rowley and Luke Charman.
The first chances of the game came for Andy Woodman’s Bromley inside the first eight minutes, with Theo Richardson keeping out Louis Dennis’ effort from the edge of the box, whilst Deji Elerewe struck straight at the Coasters stopper in the box.
Ravens’ top scorer Michael Cheek then weaved into space before shooting powerfully from distance and well over Richardson’s crossbar.
Up the other end, a poor pass from home skipper Byron Webster was pounced upon by Jon Ustabasi, who drove at the Bromley defence before aiming a shot at goal, though Webster made amends as he blocked the attempt.
30 minutes in the capital was proving difficult for the Coasters so far, who had Richardson to thank for keeping the scoreline level. After the ball was pulled back to Corey Whitely following neat play from Passley, his first-time effort was superbly blocked by Nelson Khumbini when he threw himself in the way of the strike.
Midfielder James Vennings then profited from Dennis’ pass to move into space and strike at goal, which Khumbeni charged down to deflect narrowly past Richardson’s left upright.
Lewis Leigh’s resulting corner into a crowded box was met by Callum Reynolds’ towering header at the back post, but Richardson was well-positioned to tip the ball over his bar.
Fylde then threatened themselves, with Ligendza’s snapshot landing off target and Nick Haughton’s free-kick caught comfortably by goalkeeper Grant Smith.
Half-Time: Bromley 0-0 AFC Fylde
The second half began with Fylde having some defending to do. Whitely’s volley was well thwarted by Sam Graham before Leigh’s diagonal free-kick towards the back post found an unmarked Reynolds, with Emeka Obi forced to clear over the crossbar and out more a corner.
Already looking better after the restart, the Coasters attacked through Connor Barrett’s surging run. His cross looped over substitute Charman and dropped to Ustabasi, but Smith saved his effort down low.
However, Fylde found themselves behind after 61 minutes. Whitely’s cross on the left fell to Passley, who took one touch under pressure and powered right-footed beyond Richardson and into the top left corner.
Danny Ormerod came on for Haughton to make his professional debut off the bench, in place of Haughton before Taelor O’Kane was introduced soon after, replacing Danny Philliskirk.
Late on, O’Kane’s teasing ball across goal was flicked on by Charman, which just evaded Ormerod.
In the six minutes of added time, Josh Kay’s attempt was blocked by Webster before Ustabasi headed over Ormerod’s cross at the back post as Fylde were defeated on their travels down south.
Bromley FC: Smith, Reynolds, Topalloj, Webster ©, Elerewe, Leigh, Passley, Dennis (Olomola 67), Whitely, Vennings (Krauhaus 81), Cheek
Subs not used: Woods, Taylor-Hart, Miller.
AFC Fylde: Richardson, Barrett, Graham, Davis (C), Obi, Kay, Philliskirk (O’Kane 74), Khumbeni (Charman 57), Haughton (Ormerod 67), Ustabasi, Ligendza.
Subs not used: Glynn, Rowley.
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