Whitmore grabs late equaliser for Fylde at Maidenhead

Alex Whitmore headed a late equaliser as AFC Fylde salvaged a 2-2 draw at Maidenhead on their return to the National League.

Last season’s National League North champions went behind in the 12th minute when Reece Smith nicked the ball off a defender and slotted home.

Maidenhead doubled their advantage seven minutes later as Emeka Obi diverted a cross into his own net.

Obi was denied at the other end with Craig Ross saving his close-range header before Fylde started their comeback in the 33rd minute courtesy of Nick Haughton.

Ashley Nathaniel-George hit the crossbar for Maidenhead, while Ross produced a brilliant close-range save to deny Jonathan Ustabasi.

After Connor Barrett was sent off for Fylde late on for a reckless tackle on Smith, the visitors levelled thanks to Whitmore’s header from a corner in added time and almost stole the points as Haughton’s effort came back off the crossbar.