FYLDE JUST COASTING WITH DANNY
DANNY Rowe’s stunning late strike sealed a deserved 2-1 victory for play-off chasing AFC Fylde whilst pouring more misery on struggling Guiseley.
Guiseley’s James Roberts thought he had earned a point after cancelling out Jonny Smith’s neat opener, however Rowe’s 30-yard free-kick two minutes from time lifted Fylde to within three points of the promotion places.
The hosts almost made the breakthrough inside three minutes when Zaine FrancisAngol raced through on goal, however his strike was well smothered by Joseph Green in the Guiseley goal.
Andy Bond created a glorious chance to put the Coasters ahead when Smith latched on to his looped ball over the top and although the winger beat a hesitant Green to the ball, his shot flashed wide of the far post.
The on-loan star wasn’t to be denied for much longer. A ball over the top from Jordan Tunnicliffe was flicked on and Smith nipped in between the two centrehalves before slotting the ball into the bottom corner.
After a lull in play, Guiseley hit back with an equaliser out of the blue when Roberts headed home from close range. The goal gave Guiseley a renewed lease of life as Roberts tested Jay Lynch with a stinging drive from 25 yards. Lynch pulled off the save of the afternoon on the hour when Rowan Liburd’s powerful strike was remarkably kept out by the forearm of the in-form keeper. But just two minutes from time, Rowe struck. After being brought down 30 yards from goal, he crashed home the free-kick. Guiseley’s Dayle Southwell almost nicked a share of the spoils at the death, however Lynch pulled off another fabulous save. Fylde boss Dave Challinor said: “We had enough chances to win three games. The longer it went on we just thought it was going to be one of those days, but we thoroughly deserved the points.” Guiseley’s Paul Cox remained upbeat despite falling nine points from safety: “The difference was in the two boxes. Their lad Rowe has smashed one in at one end and then we have one clawed out of the top corner a minute later at the other.”