Hard-fought derby day victory gets Fylde off the mark for their season

Fylde followed up their opening day home draw with a first win of the season as they defeated near neighbours Preston Grasshoppers, writes SIMON TAYLOR.

- by Sports Reporter

A couple of early penalties to either side led to the first opening, when Fylde missed touch with their kick and Hoppers returned with interest in winning another penalty.

A lineout catch and drive was initially defended well but multiple phases followed with Hoppers' Hugo Castle crashing over for a 5-0 lead.

That advantage didn’t last long as Hoppers immediately knocked on from the restart, gifting Fylde a scrum on the 22 from which Gabe Maguire's long pass was collected by Leo Gilliland.

He cut back inside and scored near the posts, Will Hunt converting to put Fylde 7-5 in front before they were caught offside on their own 22 and Greg Smith's penalty saw Hoppers in front at 8-7.