HOPPERS upset the form book with a deserved win in the local derby at Ansdell.
All Fylde's points came when Hoppers were reduced to 14 men and Preston scored two excellent tries to put behind them the disappointment of the previous week's performance.
A twelfth minute penalty from Chris Glynn gave Hoppers the lead before Fylde laid siege to the visitor's line.
Karl Fenton's disruptive tactics were then adjudged worthy of ten minutes in the sin bin.
Fylde took full advantage as a rolling maul drove hooker McIntyre in under the posts.
Gough had a simple task to add the extra points. A penalty from the same player increased the lead but once restored to a full compliment, Hoppers took control. Paul Bailey and Gary Monaghan demonstrated the danger Hoppers backs could pose, but on each occasion the move was halted close to the home line.
When Gough failed to find touch the scene was set for Hoppers first try. A fine catch from Chris Glynn gave the full back time for a precise kick into the home 22.
A loop move then created space for a Tim Lough run down the right wing. Although the Australian's progress twice appeared to be halted, his strength broke the tackles for a fine try. Glynn converted to bring the scores level.
Hoppers immediately took the lead. Running the ball from deep in their own half, fine support play saw several players involved before Gary Monaghan finished off the move with a sprint for the corner. Early Fylde second half pressure came to naught with Hoppers increasing their lead through a Glynn penalty. His next attempt came back off a post but a Fylde chance to reduce the arrears was wasted with Gough off target. Both sides brought their replacements into play as Fylde struggled to make any impression.
A Glynn penalty gave Hoppers more breathing space before Fylde pressed the self destruct button. Replacement hooker Scott's frustration surfaced after only seven minutes on the field with a punch ensuring that he played no further part in the game.
A late Fylde rally was thwarted by Adey Jebb's line out work and Hoppers took the spoils. Wins for the Development XV and Junior Vets gave Hoppers a clean sweep over their local rivals.
On Saturday Hoppers have a week off but return to National League action on November 10 when Wharfedale visit Lightfoot Green. Kick off is at 2.15pm.
RESULT: Fylde 10 Preston Grasshoppers 21
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