Maidenhead United's survival hopes take a knock with heavy defeat to AFC Fylde

Maidenhead United in action at Fylde. Photo: Maidenhead United

--

AFC Fylde 4, Maidenhead United 1

Maidenhead United’s hopes of avoiding relegation this season suffered another setback on Saturday as they were beaten 4-1 away at AFC Fylde, one of their rivals for survival in the National League.

Just as they did in last week’s impressive 3-1 win at Altrincham, the Magpies managed to fight back and get themselves back on an even footing through Reece Smith’s goal early in the second half.

But on this occasion, the visitors couldn’t kick on and collect three points. Instead, they conceded again very quickly and collapsed to a 4-1 defeat in the closing stages.

The result leaves them just three points above the relegation zone, having played more games than all of the sides beneath them barring bottom club Oxford City, who have been cut adrift of the rest.

They’re also now just a couple of places above the bottom four, however, only four points separates the Magpies in 19th and Eastleigh in 11th, so – while the situation is less than ideal – there are plenty of points and places still to be played for.

United began the match brightly at Mill Farm Stadium but couldn’t capitalise on the early chances which fell their way.

A throw-in from Remy Clerima in the sixth minute caused problems for the hosts, and Kevin Lokko saw a shot from close range blocked as he looked to score his third goal in as many games.

The hosts continued to throw bodies in front of the ball, with Smith denied from the edge of the area moments later, while the reinvigorated Magpies’ midfielder was then denied by a smart save from Richardson in the 14th minute.

New signing Tristan Abrahams then nearly tapped home his first goal for the club in the 15th minute, but his effort just went the wrong side of the post.

Confidence, however, is a fickle friend and in the 39th minute the Magpies lost some of theirs when Danny Ormerod ran in on goal and beat Craig Ross with a firm finish.

⭐ Starboy's at it again!#BornToBeFylde pic.twitter.com/4OGNcQSSyx

— AFC Fylde (@AFCFylde) March 3, 2024

The Magpies then lost the influential Clerima to a suspected hamstring injury, with Zico Asare replacing him. The Frenchman had been Maidenhead’s man of the match in their win at Altrincham and Alan Devonshire will be sweating on his fitness and hoping it won’t rule him out of the run in.

Despite this, the Magpies continued to create opportunities. Casey Pettit rattled the crossbar from range in the 42nd minute, and they then managed to get themselves on level terms when Smith levelled matters in the 57th minute.

Unfortunately, parity was shared for just a couple of minutes with John Ustabasi finishing well with his left-foot to restore Fylde’s lead two minutes later.

The Magpies have responded to falling behind well of late, but they couldn’t manage it a second time, with Jayden Mitchell-Lawson’s blocked shot the closest they came to an equaliser.

The home side then killed off their challenge in a poor final 15 minutes with Ormerod heading home his second at the back post in the 76th minute and Nick Haughton confidently firing home their fourth with a couple of minutes to play.

At the back stick.#BornToBeFylde

— AFC Fylde (@AFCFylde) March 3, 2024

Smith managed to force a reaction save from Richardson in the closing seconds, but the Magpies left Mill Farm well beaten and keeping their fingers crossed that rivals won’t put them in an even worse position after Tuesday night’s matches.

They return to York Road on Saturday for what looks like being a hugely important match against 20th placed Dorking Wanderers.