AFC Fylde Match Report
match report by Jamie Cutteridge, photos by Simon Roe
Kingstonian’s proud, joyous FA Cup run came to and end at the hands of National League side AFC Fylde. Hayden Bird’s team impressed and battled well throughout but the organisation and superior physicality of the visiting side ultimately prevailed.
The timing of Fylde’s goals were of particular frustration. A stroke of luck gave them the lead and the upper hand after just 11 minutes and just when Ks were ready to go into half time with just a goal one deficit, the Coasters struck on the stroke of the break to double their lead.
It was Jordan Williams, who just last season was playing regular League 1 football who struck the two decisive goals. His first, while a fine strike on the half volley from 18 yards, required a huge deflection from Simon Cooper to wrongfoot Rob Tolfrey. It was to be that kind of afternoon.
The between the two goals, the first half was one of half chances, with the difference between the sides perhaps reflected in the result of those chances. Kingstonian failed to test the goalkeeper: Louie Theophanous’ shot from an angle flashed wide before Dan Bennett’s exquisite curling effort from the edge of the box could only clip the outside of the post. At the other end, Rob Tolfrey was on hand to keep Fylde’s lead at 1, smartly clinging on to a free kick before tipping a low drive around the post.
Sadly, deep into first half stoppage time Ks molehill became a mountain. Fylde broke. Cook dived and blocked well, on the follow up Tolfrey spread himself, Cooper heroically blocked another effort, but by the time the ball fell to Williams Ks had run out of bodies and the striker was left with a simple tap in.
Perhaps it was because the visitors were happy to sit on their lead, but it seems fair to say that, without scoring, Kingstonian more than matched their opponents in the second half. A lovely move between Bennett and Sean Clohessy slopped Theophanous in. The striker turned his defender but his powerful effort was kept out by Hornby at his near post. The ball found its way to Hector from the resulting corner, but the winger’s curling effort was again kept out by unflappable Hornby.
Should Kingstonian have had a penalty? Well perhaps as Theophanous’ header certainly hit a defender’s arm, but does anyone know the handball law anymore? Anyone? Ks continued to huff and puff and each side had a late chance to add to the score. Jordan Williams blazed over when it looked easier to complete his hat trick, before Bennett got on the end of a fine Gus Sow fun and pull back, but the wideman’s effort was too close to Hornby.
Both sides were greeted as heroes at the full time whistle. AFC Fylde reached the third round for the first time and were rewarded with a trip to Premier League Sheffield United. For Ks, it was the end of a memorable adventure. Let’s not wait 20 years for the next one.
Kingstonian: 1 - Rob Tolfrey, 2 - Sean Clohessy, 28 - Fabio Saraiva, 26 - Simon Cooper, 5 - Ollie Cook, 6 - Tom Kavanagh, 7 - Dan Bennett, 8 - Kenny Beaney, 9 - Louie Theophanous, 10 - Reece Hall, 11 - Dan Hector.
Subs: 16 - Gus Sow (for Tom Kavanagh, 74m), 14 - Dan Thompson, 31 - Calum Davies (for Reece Hall, 74m), 17 - Youssef Bamba (for Dan Hector, 65m), 4 - Jerry Puemo, 23 - Tutu Henriques, 12 - Reuben Bull
AFC Fylde: 31 - Sam Hornby, 2 - Scott Duxbury, 4 - Neill Byrne, 6 - Alex Whitmore, 8 - Ryan Croasdale, 9 - Danny Rowe, 10 - Danny Philliskirk, 11 - Jordan Williams, 12 - Luke Burke, 15 - Dan Bradley, 17 - Mark Yeates.
Subs: 21 - Dan Lavercombe, 2 - Lewis Montrose (for Danny Rowe, 65m), 5 - Kyle Jameson, 7 - Matty Kosylo (for Dan Bradley, 74m), 16 - Andy Taylor, 27 - Nick Haughton, 28 - James Craigen (for Mark Yeates, 85m)..
Goal scorers: Jordan Williams (9m, 0-1), Jordan Williams (45m, 0-2)
Attendance: 1,460
