Two first half tries by Oliver Brennand plus one by Tom Albinson, all converted by Steve Nutt, sealed the points for Fylde against Hull Ionians at foggy Brantingham Park.

This was an impressive first half performance by Fylde – and it looked as if they would easily notch a try scoring bonus point with half the match to go and 21-7 ahead.

However, Fylde lost concentration and control in a disappointing second half which took the gloss off four very important league points which saw the locals move up to third place in National Three (North) at the end of what was a difficult week for director of rugby Mark Nelson.

Uncertainties over the fitness of centres Neil Hunter and Tom Albinson, full back Mike Waywell and utility player Martin Wallwork in recent weeks has compounded the loss of injury victims Nick Royle, Nick King and Adam Lewis.

This was made worse on the eve of this game with the withdrawal of on loan international lock Oliver Atkinson, centre Jordan Davies and prop Matt Filipo.

But Fylde made a promising start by pressing inside the Ionians half and the score was opened as Tom Albinson raced in for a try easily converted by Steve Nutt - though on 15 minutes James Green hit back for Hull.

Fylde were consistently looking the most dangerous and on 21 minutes Nutt chipped cleverly for winger Oliver Brennand to pick up the ball and plunge over. Nutt converted and gave his side a 14-7 lead.

And on 27 minutes Brennand repeated the dose, this time picking up 30m from the Hull line and running past seven defenders to touch down.

In the second period, the match turned into a midfield stalemate with neither side being able to put together sustained and continuous rugby.

Fylde struggled for possession and when they got it they made far too many errors – but despite Hull's greater territory the Fylde defence was exemplary and repelled all assaults on their try line.