AFC Fylde secured their fourth win of pre-season and their second against EFL opposition as the Coasters ran out 1-0 winners at Barrow.
Owen Evans’ late volleyed finish proved the difference at Holker Street as Chris Beech’s men showed a very resolute display, withstanding some persistent pressure from the Sky Bet League Two side.
Whilst the fitness is the key factor to take from the pre-season schedule, the result leaves Chris Beech’s side unbeaten in five of the side’s six friendlies, showing encouraging signs all over the field.
The first half started with the home side very much on the front foot, leaving plenty for Theo Richardson and the Coasters defence to do. Saves from Telford and Vassell kept Richardson busy in the opening moments before Beech’s men began to grow into the contest.
Charlie Jolley was ruffling up the Barrow defence before having a half chance midway through the half.
Nick Haughton then started to grow more and more into the match up, going close to setting up Jesse Hailwood with a threaded through ball, before unleashing an inch-perfect pass over the top of the Barrow defence which Jon Ustabasi ran onto before dragging his effort wide of the far post.
The hosts’ came out strongly again in the second 45, with Richardson being forced into action after just five minutes when Andy Dallas unleashed a fierce strike from 20 yards which was palmed away well by the Coaster’s ‘keeper.
Barrow continued to press and win repeated corners as the Coasters defence remained resolute.
With little under 15 minutes left on the clock, the deadlock was broken by the Coasters as Owen Evans calmly slotted home on the volley past Stanway after brilliant work from Ustabasi down the right to pick him out.
The home side had a chance late on to equalise as Ged Garner stretched to convert home from a cross but his effort rose well over Richardson’s bar.
But the Coasters withstood the pressure impressively throughout the 90 minutes and left Holker Street with plenty to smile about on a positive night in Cumbria.
AFC Fylde: Richardson, Hailwood (Hosannah 71′), Davis, Obi, McFayden (Evans 71′), Whelan, O’Kane, Mitchell, Jolley (Ormerod 65′), Haughton (Morris 76′), Ustabasi (Trialist A 88′).
Subs not used: Long, Dodgson, McCullion, Holder.
Attendance: 749
The post Match Report: Barrow 0-1 AFC Fylde appeared first on AFC Fylde.
