York City comfortably dispatched a depleted AFC Fylde 3-0 at the LNER Community Stadium, with a first-half red card proving decisive in the National League encounter. A flurry of yellow cards punctuated the opening period for both sides, but it was Fylde’s Harry Davis who received his marching orders in the 42nd minute, picking up a second yellow for violent conduct and consequently a red. This dismissal drastically shifted the momentum in York’s favour.
The second half saw York capitalise on their numerical advantage. Marvin Armstrong broke the deadlock in the 50th minute, putting the home side 1-0 up. Fylde, struggling to contain York’s attacks with ten men, made a series of substitutions in an attempt to stem the tide. York also made changes, introducing Lenell John-Lewis and Callum Harriott, who would both play crucial roles in extending the lead.
John-Lewis doubled York’s advantage in the 70th minute, connecting with a pass from fellow substitute Dipo Akinyemi. The goal highlighted the impact of York’s fresh legs against a tiring and increasingly frustrated Fylde side. The final blow came in the 90th minute when Harriott, also introduced in the second half, sealed the 3-0 victory, with John-Lewis providing the assist.
York’s win, their third in a row, propels them to the top of the National League table with 20 points. In contrast, AFC Fylde remain 23rd, their winless streak now extending to six matches. While the two sides have each claimed a victory in their two meetings in recent seasons, this latest encounter provides a significant boost to York’s campaign, while Fylde face a tough task to regroup and address their disciplinary issues.