AFC Fylde pulled off a shock 3-0 victory against promotion-chasing Forest Green Rovers at Mill Farm, a result that dramatically reversed their earlier 3-0 defeat this season and defied all pre-match predictions. The Coasters, battling relegation near the foot of the table, produced a display of high intensity and clinical finishing that completely overwhelmed their high-flying opponents.
The home side’s opener arrived in the 25th minute after a well-constructed move culminated in Will Hugill finding the back of the net, sparking jubilant celebrations amongst the home support. Clearly rattled, Forest Green struggled to establish any rhythm and their frustration was evident when Cian Harries received a yellow card for a foul shortly before half-time. Rovers manager Steve Cotterill attempted to inject some energy into his midfield before the break, substituting Harvey Bunker for Liam Sercombe.
Despite further changes after the hour mark – a double substitution introducing Christian Doidge and Harry Cardwell – it was Fylde who struck again. In the 63rd minute, Harry Davis capitalised on some hesitant defending to double the Coasters’ lead. Forest Green’s disciplinary problems worsened as Jamie Robson and Kyle McAllister both picked up yellow cards. Fylde then put the game beyond reach in the 71st minute when Nick Haughton, who later made way for a substitute, added a superb third goal to cap off a memorable performance. Forest Green’s miserable afternoon continued with a yellow card for Emmanuel Osadebe. Although both sides made further substitutions in the closing stages, the result was never in doubt.
Fylde’s victory, building on their improved recent form, provides a glimmer of hope in their fight against relegation, lifting them two places to 21st. While the defeat is a setback to Forest Green’s automatic promotion ambitions, they remain in a strong position in 3rd. The emphatic nature of Fylde’s win, given Forest Green’s superior head-to-head record before the match, serves as a stark reminder of the National League’s unpredictable nature.