Charles scored the only goal of the game before the interval
Fleetwood Town’s first pre-season fixture of the 2015/16 campaign ended in defeat as they fell narrowly to neighbours AFC Fylde at Kellamergh Park this evening.Dion Charles opened the scoring for the Coasters just before the break as he rifled a low finish past Brendan Moore from the edge of the area.
Manager Graham Alexander gave debuts to new signings Jimmy Ryan and Declan McManus, while Jamille Matt made his first appearance in almost a year after injury.
Nick Haughton begun the game in a lively manner, and very nearly jinxed his way into the box but his effort was thwarted by the Coasters’ backline.
Chances were few and far between for both sides in the opening exchanges, however Antoni Sarcevic whistled a sweet half volley wide of the post on 20 minutes.
Matt then used his strength well down the byline and burst into the box on the half hour mark, but failed to find a teammate in yellow in the box.
The home side’s first chance of the game fell to Mullen when his speculative strike from outside of the box looped just over the bar.
Nathan Pond later drew a good stop out of Coasters keeper Hinchcliffe, as he met Player A’s free kick and forced the shot stopper to parry his effort.
Dave Challinor’s men took the lead a minute before the interval, when Charles picked the ball up from midfield and drove forward before beating Moore with a low finish.
Fylde were on the front foot at the start of the second period and pressed Town with a couple of decent opportunities, however the backline remained firm.
Town responded well though, and Player B looked to create an impression as he shot at goal but saw his strike saved low down.
Home substitute Joe Whittingham later attempted an audacious lob from distance which keeper Chris Maxwell gathered comfortably.
Some good play in midfield from Keano Deacon found Jack Sowerby, who fired from distance and drew a fine stop out of the Coasters keeper.
Vamara Sanogo missed a great chance to equalise for the Cod Army late on, as he headed wide of the post after a fine ball into the box.
First half team: Moore, Williams, Pond, Cartwright, Andrew, Ryan, Player A, Haughton, Sarcevic, Matt, McManus
Second half team: Maxwell, Forbes, McLaughlin, Jonsson, Bell, Deacon, Wright, Player B, Sowerby, Sanogo, Proctor