Fylde go top of National League as late goals sink Harrogate

Tom Whelan and Luca Thomas scored late goals as Fylde won 2-1 at fellow National League promotion hopefuls Harrogate to climb to the top of the table.

Harrogate midfielder Will McGowan’s early free-kick struck the crossbar, while Fylde goalkeeper Zac Jones denied both Morgan Williams and Shawn McCoulsky before half-time.

The home side went close to breaking the deadlock early in the second period when Josh Hmami’s back-post header was kept out by Jones, with the midfielder’s follow-up effort hitting the crossbar.

But Fylde finished strongly and were rewarded through Tom Whelan’s deflected shot from the edge of the area in the 79th minute and Luca Thomas’ near-post finish in the 84th before substitute Ellis Taylor pulled one back for Harrogate from close range to ensure a nervy finish.