Match report: AFC Fylde 4 Chorley 0

The star of the show was skilful wideman Ben Tollitt who completed a fine hat-trick from a late penalty.

The Magpies, though creating few clear chances, were well in the game for two-thirds of this match, despite the hosts’ crisper use of the ball, and only fell behind just before the interval.

But, once Fylde went two up midway through the second half, there was no way back for Chorley, beaten for the first time in 10 league outings.

The Coasters always had the edge in a fast-moving first half but the first serious test for Matt Urwin was delayed until the 34th minute.

The keeper pulled off a terrific save from Jordan Hulme at close range after the elusive Tollitt had created space to supply the pass.

But Fylde got their reward two minutes before the break when Tollitt coolly beat Urwin following an incisive move down the left.

Hulme teed up Danny Philliskirk for the second goal in the 67th minute with a perfectly-timed break down the right, his excellent cross leaving the Fylde midfielder with a simple far-post finish.

As the Magpies hit back, Andy Owens smashed a tremendous 25-yard drive against the bar but almost at once Tollitt raced away on the break, rounded Urwin and stroked the ball into the empty net to put Fylde three up.

With the Coasters now in complete control, Urwin produced a great save from Alex Whitmore following a corner.

And then with four minutes to play Scott Leather was penalised for a heavy challenge, despite appearing to have won the ball, and man-of-the-match Tollitt stepped up to complete his treble from the spot.

Jamie Vermiglio was matter-of-fact in his assessment. The Chorley manager said: “Obviously I’m very disappointed with our performance today. We were way off the pace against a very good Fylde team who moved the ball really well and were much the better side.”

While naturally unhappy with the margin of defeat here, Chorley can be well satisfied with a return of six points from three testing festive-season fixtures as they prepare to welcome Wayne Rooney’s Derby County to Victory Park next Saturday in the FA Cup third round.

CHORLEY: Urwin, Birch, Smith, Leather, Baines (Reilly 78), Calveley, Newby, Tomlinson, Henley, Owens (Jebbison 82), Hall (Cardwell 78). Subs (not used): Halls, Shenton.