A biting wind swept through Mill Farm, a fitting backdrop to AFC Fylde’s crucial encounter with FC Halifax Town. The Coasters, battling to retain their National League status, faced a Halifax team with their sights set firmly on a playoff berth. Recent history between the two sides offered little in the way of encouragement for the home support, with past matches proving to be a mixed bag.
The first half unfolded cautiously, both teams initially hesitant to commit. However, Halifax gradually gained control, dominating possession and testing the Fylde defence. Their pressure eventually told in the 28th minute when Ryan Galvin, assisted by Adam Senior, opened the scoring. A tactical alteration saw Joe Riley replace Max Bardell for Fylde in the 33rd minute, a substitution reflecting Kevin Phillips’s dissatisfaction with his team’s early showing.
At the interval, Phillips made another change, bringing on Dan Sassi in place of Jonathan Ustabasi, in an attempt to shore up the defence and bolster the midfield. The second half saw a more spirited Fylde emerge, though their advances were consistently repelled by a steadfast Halifax defence. As frustration mounted, Harry Davis received a yellow card in the 53rd minute, followed by Ethan Mitchell in the 68th. Halifax’s Angelo Capello was also cautioned in the 55th minute.
Fylde made further substitutions, introducing Charlie Jolley, Ashley Boatswain, and Danny Ormerod in a bid to revitalise their attack. Halifax responded in kind, bringing on Lewis Leigh, Zak Emmerson, Harvey Sutcliffe, Sean Tarima, and Dubem Eze to manage the game and safeguard their narrow advantage. Despite Fylde’s late surge, Halifax remained resolute.
The final whistle confirmed a 1-0 victory for FC Halifax Town, a result that significantly boosts their playoff ambitions. For AFC Fylde, the defeat seals their relegation from the National League. Halifax now occupy 6th place with 67 points, solidifying their playoff position, while Fylde remain in 23rd with 39 points, their fate now decided.