A late goal from Nick Haughton snatched a dramatic 2-1 victory for AFC Fylde against Southend United at Mill Farm, sparking wild celebrations amongst the home support. The closely-contested match saw the Coasters take the lead immediately after the restart. In the 46th minute, Jonathan Ustabasi found the net, assisted by Ethan Mitchell, injecting an immediate surge of energy into the home crowd.
The second half continued at a frantic pace. A yellow card to Southend’s Harry Taylor in the 52nd minute hinted at the rising tensions. Five minutes later, Southend United fought back to level the score in the 57th minute, Gus Scott-Morriss finding the net from a Macauley Bonne assist.
As the game wore on, both sides made a series of tactical substitutions. Southend looked to bolster their attack, bringing on Aribim Pepple in the 62nd minute, followed by Keenan Appiah-Forson (75th minute) and Charlie Jolley (86th minute). Fylde also made changes, refreshing their midfield and attack. A yellow card to Southend’s Nathan Ralph in the 87th minute further underlined the increasingly desperate nature of the closing stages.
Just when the match appeared destined for a draw, Haughton emerged as the hero for Fylde, scoring the winner in the 91st minute, assisted by Bryce Hosannah. Haughton’s involvement ended shortly after his decisive contribution, substituted in added time for Emeka Obi, as the deflated Southend fans watched on.
The victory sees AFC Fylde climb to 19th place in the National League table with 8 points. Southend United remain in 17th place with 10 points. Last season saw these two sides split their fixtures, each winning their home game. Today’s result gives Fylde a slight edge in their recent head-to-head record.