WOOD SEAL SMASH AND GRAB RAID ON TRAVELS
AFC FYLDE were beaten by an in-form Boreham Wood, with Jamal Fyfield’s second-half goal the difference at Mill Farm.
“It’s probably as frustrated as I’ve been as a manager,” said home manager Jim Bentley. “I don’t think we can do much more, the only thing lacking is that killer touch.
“We deservedly got ourselves back in the game and we spoke about keeping that up, but I’m here again saying the same thing.
“We seem to shoot ourselves in the foot – it’s frustrating.”
The Coasters came close on two occasions to open the scoring, as long-range efforts from Tom Walker and then Nick Haughton threatened the Wood – the latter forcing Nathan Ashmore into a great save.
Shortly after the Coasters had a golden opportunity fall to that man Haughton again, as Ryan Croasdale’s low cross fell to him unmarked at the back post, but he fired wildly over.
This was to be a chance that he’d rue – as quickly after Boreham Wood were ahead, with the lively Kabongo Tshimanga opening the scoring. It came as a direct ball down the middle caused trouble at the back for Fylde, and Tshimanga wriggled through to fire his 16th goal of the season beyond Sam Hornby.
AFC Fylde responded well, and shortly after, thought they were level. Croasdale pounced on a loose ball in the box and converted, but the referee judged there to be a foul in the build-up on Ashmore.
The Coasters soon drew level though and in scrappy circumstances, as a corner in the box wasn’t cleared. Fylde’s Jordan Williams reacted fastest to drag it over the line, with an improvised back heel fooling everyone.
Jamie Proctor came close to opening his account with a powerful effort from distance, but it whistled inches wide.
The second half was a scrappy affair, with a physical game playing out on a tiring pitch – with plenty of firm challenges from both sides.
Boreham Wood soon found themselves back in front though, as a corner wasn’t cleared, and Fyfield was placed through on goal – with his effort squirming in under Hornby.
A long ball released Fylde sub Matty Kosylo, who had the chance to fire a snapshot goal wards, but Ashmore was able to save comfortably.
Boreham Wood defended well, and despite four minutes of added time, the Coasters couldn’t find an equaliser. “It was like going into a sweet shop, nicking a load of sweets and running out,” said Boreham Wood manager Luke Garrard.
“Fylde should have been out of sight in the first half, and we were fortunate. But winning is a habit, and we’re 14 unbeaten and in championship form.”