WHO CAN STOP AFC FYLDE?

AFC FYLDE moved nine points clear at the top of the National League North with a 3-1 win over in-form FC United.

Brendon Daniels, Dan Bradley and Matty Hughes scored to increased Fylde’s lead at the summit.

Harry Winter made it a nervy final ten minutes when he pulled a goal back for United before Hughes struck the decisive blow.

There were chances aplenty in an action packed first half, the earliest coming inside four minutes when former Fylde trialist Jason Gilchrist headed over the bar from close range.

Fylde’s first opportunity came after 23 minutes as Bradley cut inside and signalled his intent with a stunning effort than crashed off the crossbar.

Shortly after, the hosts had the lead. Danny Rowe, so often Fylde’s goalscorer-inchief, was the provider this time as he put the ball on a plate for Daniels to tap in at the near post.

The visitors had opportunities to level before the break but had three chances in five minutes come and go with no reward.

First, George Thomson’s guided volley was tipped over the bar by Rhys Taylor before Jerome Wright was denied at close range by Taylor once again.

There was nothing the Fylde keeper could do about Wright’s next effort but, fortunately for the league leaders, the United captain’s effort hit the base of the post.

Fylde had their two-goal cushion less than 30 seconds later. Rowe provided another assist, this time for Bradley, who beat three United defenders and cut onto his right foot to curl a delicious effort past Adriano Basso into the bottom corner.

The second half was a closer affair, although United came within inches of halving the deficit just after the hour mark.

Thomson’s whipped freekick cannoned back off the