National League: AFC Fylde 2 Guiseley 1

GUISELEY remain second-bottom in the National League, still nine points from safety, after a late winner for Fylde condemned the Lions to defeat at their promotion-chasing hosts.

Paul Cox's men were looking to improve their placing on a day when there were only three games played in the division as most of their rivals were in FA Trophy action.

However, their match ended with them still looking for a first win since Boxing Day.

The Lions were forced into a change as regular keeper Jonny Maxted was ill but Joe Green came back into the side and was in fine form.

He made some top-drawer saves to keep the Coasters out, with the game poised at 1-1, for most of a second half that the home side dominated.

Fylde had taken an 18th-minute lead when Jonny Smith latched on to a through-ball over the Guiseley defence and slotted past Green.

The Lions were level on the half-hour mark, however, when James Roberts headed home Liam Hughes' cross.

Just as Guiseley were looking at the clock, the Coasters snatched the winner, Danny Rowe unleashing an 88th-minute free-kick that somehow got through Green.

Dayle Southwell, signed from Wycombe for an undisclosed fee, was making his Guiseley debut and almost marked it with his first goal.

With the ball heading for the top corner, Fylde keeper Jay Lynch just tipped it over to prevent the Lions earning a point.

Cox said: "Summing the game up, their lad Rowe smashes one in from 30 to 35 yards and it crept in but we go up the other end and Dayle curls one to the top corner that the keeper tips over the bar.

"I feel for the players because the work ethic was there and there were a lot of positives to take from the game – but again, its fine lines. It's putting them in at one end and keeping them out at the other.

"If you look at that second goal, there's not much you can do about that. Greeny is disappointed not to get his full body behind it but we've had chances to score goals and haven't punished Fylde when we had the opportunities.

"Dayle had that chance late on and I think it was his first clear-cut effort on target. He needs a couple of good 90 minutes to get up to speed but he will score goals.

"The games are ticking down but no-one's panicking. We need points on the board, it's as simple as that."