AFC Fylde Res 6 v Barrow Res 3

After the now usual unintentional forced mid-winter break for the Reserves which stretches back to early October, the team finally got a game under their belts last night away at Afc Fylde.

Team: A.Nicholson, A.Browne, S.Thompson (capt), J.Gay,J. Pearson,O.Clarke,B. McSorley,C.Lowe,J.Brough,A.Danboyi,D.Dorran.
Subs: (all used) L.Holmes,J.Harrison,R.Doughty.

Light snow began to fall as the team made its way down the M6. Arrival at the ground saw the groundstaff & fan vigorously sweeping the lines as heavier snow had fallen on the Fylde coast. By kick off time the snow had stopped and beautiful crisp evening awaited both sides as they took to the field.

A very white ball, on a very white pitch, made early play difficult to follow and for the first 15 mins Barrow were on top with winger Dave Dorran looking particularly dangerous. A succession of Barrow corners lead to nothing with chances being created but the finishing touch sadly lacking. With missed opportunities Fylde sensed that all was not lost and began to take control of the midfield attacking down the left side where their winger showed lots of pace and was able to get in a number of telling crosses. The Barrow defence started to put in a succession of hurried clearances by - passing the midfield which meant the ball was coming straight back at them.

On the half hour Fylde took the lead when a fiercely driven shot was parried into the net by Nicholson in goals. Within minutes a ball was lofted over the central defence and was met sweetly on the half volley by the Fylde centre forward who planted the ball at pace into the top corner. This was a quality goal, Barrow fought hard but by now had lost control of the mid-field and the forwards had become very isolated on a wide pitch. Things went from bad to worse when a third goal in seven minutes was conceded.

Barrow did respond and Olly Clarke powerfully headed a corner into the net to give a little respite and make the score 3-1.

Right on half time however Fylde got a 4th which meant 5 goals had been scored in 15 minutes. Hardly time to KO before the ball went in the net and another restart was needed.

A half time dressing down by the management saw a brighter beginning to half but a unfortunate goalkeeping error when under no pressure saw Fylde further extend their lead to 5. Richie Doughty came on and made an immediate impact to score a well taken goal 5-2 ! Chris Lowe forced the Fylde keeper into a fine double save and a rebound was hacked of the line. Fylde broke down the right and further confusion in the Barrow box lead to yet another goal making it the 17th conceded in 3 away games this season and a sixth on the night.

The game then took a strange twist in the last quarter with Barrow taking control of midfield and creating a succession of chances scoring a 3rd and being denied on a couple of occasions by quality saves by the keeper.

This fixture is turned round very quickly with return at Holker St this coming Monday 21st. A result would be difficult to predict as we conceded 3 very poor goals, controlled the game for long periods,and missed a host of chances. So if you are at loose end on Monday night come along and watch what could be a very exciting rematch