The postponement of the first team fixture at Rochdale did provide an opportunity to view at first hand the second team in their fixture against Fylde. Two of those who had been in the squad for Rochdale opted to bolster the seconds, so Tom Cvijanovic and Kyel Dempsey left the coach at Hampson Green to enable them to get up close and personal with the lads from Fylde.
Once again team manager Tony Gilmour had unfurled a flag of all nations squad, unfortunately they were unable to produce a second victory following their dramatic and deserved win at Sale the previous week but there was nothing to feel too down about the this defeat.
It was a most combative performance and apart from a couple of first half lapses which let in Fylde for twelve fortunate points they battled up to the final whistle. Skipper Scott Manning inspired those around him with some most forthright tackling. As always Sam Hoare was in the thick of the action, relentlessly hunting down the opposition. Tom Smith and Isaac Turton were also in their element in a game that was tailor made for the forwards, it was such a pity that the scrums were uncontested, a situation not all to the liking of props, Matt Field and Aiden Yates. These thoroughbreds were led to the water but they were not allowed to take copious gulps.
It was not a day for the backs but scrum half Pepe de La Sierra worked hard, Khaizir Aziz and Jamie Antcliffe formed a useful partnership in the centre, wingers Kyel Dempsey and Diego Macedo found themselves on something of a restricted diet but they successfully kept their opposite numbers in check.
Vale were punished early in the game when lack of concentration allowed the visitors to grab an early five pointer. A stretched Vale defence concede a second try which was converted when they failed to police and deal with none too dangerous kick but by the time the alarms bells started clanging a Fylde player was touching down between the posts.
Heads were metaphorically banged and for the next quarter the Vale played with passion, driving Fylde deep into their own half. Vale’s forwards pounded away at the line. Eventually the pressure told Matt Field claiming the try, which was converted by Neil Walker. This was n excellent return for the Vale’s efforts. A penalty from Neil Walker completed the scoring to send the Vale to the half time huddle in fine fettle.
Fylde’s half time isotonic drinks were the first to kick in as the Vale became trapped deep in their half. Following a period of indecision in Vale’s ranks Fylde crossed for a try that had an element of luck about it.
Again the Vale lifted their game but were unable to carve out any clear cut chances but it was not for the want of trying. At the end it was clear that Fylde, who were fourth in the table before kick off, had been tested by the Vale who have to be congratulated on turning round their season which had begun horrendously, by winning three of their last six games.

Report filed by Stuart Vernon.