Hull Ionians 25 Fylde 24: Fylde snatched defeat from the jaws of victory at Hull Ionians on Saturday.

After a dismal first half performance at the end of which they found themselves deservedly 8-22 down, Fylde battled back and took the lead 24-22 with 15 minutes remaining.

With their forwards well in control, they lost concentration, missed a crucial tackle and then gave a penalty away in injury time.

Hull's impressive kicker Nick Cooper gleefully kicked the straightforward goal and Ionians had snatched victory by the narrowest margin. It was a gut wrenching ending for Fylde and somehow sums up their season to date.

Fylde first conceded a penalty, converted by Cooper, and then watched impressive fullback Steve Prescott slip through for an easy, converted try on 11 minutes.

Fylde got themselves together and staged a comeback. Fylde skipper Mike Scott converted a penalty for his side's first points and three minutes later a slick back move saw centre Paul Reeves slice through the Hull defence and plough over for the try. Mike Scott's conversion attempt hit the upright and fell back the wrong way. But although they clawed their way back into the contest, Ionians took a handsome 22-8 lead into the break.

Hard talking from Fylde's coaches had a dramatic effect in the first 20 minutes of the second half. The pack took control of the game and pressurised the Hull eight. This led to errors and indiscipline by the home side and Mike Scott punished them with two penalties.

By now Paul Green had replaced Stuart Blackburn on the left wing and he made a difference. The turnaround was almost complete on 64 minutes Mike Scott kicked his fourth penalty and edged his side in front 24-22. Fylde tried to keep out the frenzied Hull attacks but gave away a penalty in front of the posts. Cooper converted and his side held out for the rest of injury time.