Hoppers started confidently and went ahead as early as the 2nd minute when first Russell Flynn went on a trademark barging run and when the ball was recycled, Andy Barnett took a leaf out of his book and brushed off would-be tacklers to score in the corner. Paul Bailey’s conversion rebounded off a post. Hoppers kept up the pressure and Fylde suffered a blow after 10 minutes when flying winger Nick Royle who completed a hat-trick of tries the previous week had to retire injured. The home pack made ground through a series of forward drives and when the ball was released fullback Owen McKenna sliced through the centre but lacked support. The Fylde pack was under severe pressure and in the 18th minute, after a strong surge from Juan Crous, Bailey had oceans of time and space to drop a goal to extend the lead to 8 points. Despite plenty of ball, the odd careless pass denied Hoppers further points and, very much against the run of play, Fylde were the next to score. Gaining possession on halfway, there appeared to be nothing on but a crucial missed tackle allowed centre Dave Cunliffe through to touch down and John Armstrong converted to bring his side within a point. As half time approached, the visitors were getting more into the game and a charged down kick saw Darren Wilson scurrying back to save the day and the score remained 8-7 at the break. Fylde continued their revival at the beginning of the second period and, after being wide with an attempted drop goal, Armstrong made no mistake with a penalty in the 43rd minute to take the lead. Alarm bells rang in the Hoppers’ camp, and the pack started to turn the screw on their opponents. Hooker Richie Sands went on a charge but stout Fylde defence kept their line intact and it was not until the 62nd minute that they eventually cracked and Crous claimed the touchdown as the pack drove over from close range and Bailey’s kick was good. From the restart, Mark Robey, on for Anton Cramant, took advantage of a tiring defence with a barnstorming 40-metre break down the centre and after 29 minutes Wilson, who again had a busy afternoon, made the break supported by replacement prop Mark Hanson and the visitors were forced to kill the ball. Bailey’s kick put Hoppers two scores ahead. Hoppers’ pack continued to put pressure on in the tight and Barnett and Cameron Berry started to make some inroads in the centre but, as the clock ran down, Fylde made a desperate effort to salvage at least a bonus point and Armstrong was just off target with a snap drop goal. Hoppers move up to 3rd in the table and, unlike last season, are finding bonus points hard to come by. Next week they travel to Darlington. The views expressed on this page are those of the contributor and the opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the BBC. | 
