Boston United 0-3 AFC Fylde

AFC Fylde broke the deadlock in a tight encounter through Danny Lloyd on 59 minutes and killed off the contest courtesy of Richie Baker's penalty on 61 minutes and Matt Hughes' strike on 63 minutes.

It left United reeling, having more than held their own against the title favourites until Lloyd's opener.

Showing four changes to the side which had won at Corby Town on Wednesday evening, Dennis Greene had attempted to inject fresh legs into his side, with Mark Jones ruled out with a hamstring injury.

Kick-off had been delayed until 3.30pm following the late arrival of referee Ricky Wootton and his senior assistant Alan Bannister.

First half chances were at a premium, with Baker's free-kick being bravely blocked by the head of Scott Garner, while Ben Hinchliffe tipped away an Aaron Greene free-kick.

Jason Alexander made a terrific near post save to deny Dion Charles as the match ticked towards half-time and the deadlock remained unbroken until 14 minutes into the second period.

Zak Mills was not able to get enough purchase on a defensive header and LLOYD lashed the ball home from 20 yards, low to Alexander's left.

Greene subsequently missed his header attempting to clear a Fylde corner and chopped Lloyd down in the box, with BAKER slotting home from the spot despite Alexander's best efforts.

Greene then surrendered possession inside his own half, allowing Charles to run clear and square for HUGHES to slam home at the back post and complete Fylde's rapid treble.

Danny Rowe sent a deflected drive a fraction wide as Fylde chased a fourth and although Hinchliffe had to make two late saves to deny United sub Jay Rollins, the second of which was a real pearler, United had no reply.

Boston (4-2-3-1): Jason Alexander; Jordan Richards, Zak Mills, Carl Piergianni, Liam Marrs; Scott Garner, Jay Dowie (Grant Roberts 86); Lartey Sarpong, Nicky Walker (Jay Rollins 54), Aaron Greene (Kyle Dixon 67); Dayle Southwell. Subs (not used): Jamie McGhee, Henrich Ravas (gk).

AFC Fylde (4-2-3-1): Ben Hinchliffe; Richie Baker, Bradley Barnes, Tom Hannigan, Alex Whittle (Liam Gibson 75); Sam Finley, Akil Wright; Dion Charles (Josh Wilson 70), Matt Blinkhorn (Danny Rowe 70), Danny Lloyd; Matt Hughes. Subs (not used): Ben Holmes, Matt Urwin (gk).

Referee: Ricky Wootton.

Attendance: 1,094 (20 visitors).