Chorley 2, AFC Fylde 0: Magpies earn derby day bragging rights

Goals from Sam Bird and Mark Ellis ensured Andy Preece’s side claimed all three points against a Fylde team reduced to nine men following two first-half red cards.

The visitors were dealt an early blow in the 11th minute when Max Taylor was sent off. Max Wilson capitalised on a loose touch and looked set to race through on goal, only to be brought down by the Fylde defender, leaving the referee with no option but to show a red card.

Things got even worse for the Coasters just ten minutes later as Tom Whelan was dismissed for a high and reckless challenge on Owen German, reducing Fylde to nine men.

The Magpies made their advantage count in the 25th minute. A Jack Moore effort was cleared to the edge of the box, where Bird reacted quickest to fire a low strike into the bottom corner. The hosts remained in control and doubled their lead in the 64th minute. A long throw from Bird eventually came back to him, and he delivered a deep cross to the back post, where Ellis arrived to head home and seal the win.

Chorley nearly added a third late on, but a crucial block from Corey Whelan denied Wilson from close range. Chorley: Urwin, Moore, Bird, Ellis (S. Wilson 73'), Smith, Blakeman, W. Clarke, German, Calveley (Lalkovic 79'), M. Wilson, Sampson. Subs not used: Henley, Nolan, Griffiths, Walker, Ibbitson.