FC United of Manchester FC United of Manchester FC United of Manchester Badge FC United of Manchester Pitch In

Match Report

22nd July 2007

Friendly

The Mechanics, Jepson Way, Common Edge Road, Blackpool, FY4 5DY


Blackpool Mechanics

1 - 2

FC United of Manchester

 
Attendance: N/K

Blackpool Mechanics 1

FC United of Manchester 2

Attendance: N/K



Match Report
A Rory Patterson strike five minutes before the end added to Jerome Wright’s first half goal to give FC United a 2-1 win over Blackpool Mechanics in the second friendly of the pre-season campaign during some rare British summer sunshine.

The home side had been expecting to play the Reds’ reserve team but with the first team’s match at Kidderminster Harriers being called off due to a waterlogged pitch, FC United fielded a largely recognisable side.

Most of the big names were there, although Stuart Rudd was noticeable by his absence. Last season’s top scorer could be missing for several weeks after breaking his wrist in a domestic accident. Josh Howard also had to pull out of the game after suffering from a recurance of a rare alergic reaction. Sand particles in the air caused the former Manchester United youth team captain’s eyes to swell during the warm up. He could see clearly enough to find his way to the clubhouse bar though.

Regardless of the stronger than expected team, the Mechanics were up for the challenge and it took United 22 minutes to break the deadlock when ex-Maine Road winger, Wright expertly rifled a left foot volley into the top left corner after a scramble in the penalty area.

Trialist striker Anthony Hargreaves, who played for Flixton last season, was looking good and enjoying his second game for the Reds after impressing at Studley last weekend. He could have doubled the lead after going on a good run down the left but was unfortunate to see his powerful drive blaze wide of the right hand post when he cut back inside.

Manager Karl Marginson rang out the changes at half time, giving plenty of players the opportunity to have a run out. John Ogden came on in place of Sam Ashton, but unfortunately one of the first things the young keeper had to do during an otherwise impressive performance, was pick the ball out of the back of the net. The host’s hardworking striker Marc Beattie charged down a clearance from Ogden and the ball ricocheted into the net.

The match was quite even for much of the second half as new personnel on both sides tried their best to forge understandings and work together to create opportunities. However, despite the new faces it fell to FC Uniteds 23-year-old veteran Rory Patterson to grab the winner at the end as keeper Jamie Cook saw a rather tame looking shot squirm past him at his near post.

The day was only slightly marred by United left back Alex Mortimer needing to go to hospital with a head injury. News on that will be given when it is known.

Photos of the day, courtesy of www.flydesport.com, can be found here.
Match Report
A Rory Patterson strike five minutes before the end added to Jerome Wright’s first half goal to give FC United a 2-1 win over Blackpool Mechanics in the second friendly of the pre-season campaign during some rare British summer sunshine.

The home side had been expecting to play the Reds’ reserve team but with the first team’s match at Kidderminster Harriers being called off due to a waterlogged pitch, FC United fielded a largely recognisable side.

Most of the big names were there, although Stuart Rudd was noticeable by his absence. Last season’s top scorer could be missing for several weeks after breaking his wrist in a domestic accident. Josh Howard also had to pull out of the game after suffering from a recurance of a rare alergic reaction. Sand particles in the air caused the former Manchester United youth team captain’s eyes to swell during the warm up. He could see clearly enough to find his way to the clubhouse bar though.

Regardless of the stronger than expected team, the Mechanics were up for the challenge and it took United 22 minutes to break the deadlock when ex-Maine Road winger, Wright expertly rifled a left foot volley into the top left corner after a scramble in the penalty area.

Trialist striker Anthony Hargreaves, who played for Flixton last season, was looking good and enjoying his second game for the Reds after impressing at Studley last weekend. He could have doubled the lead after going on a good run down the left but was unfortunate to see his powerful drive blaze wide of the right hand post when he cut back inside.

Manager Karl Marginson rang out the changes at half time, giving plenty of players the opportunity to have a run out. John Ogden came on in place of Sam Ashton, but unfortunately one of the first things the young keeper had to do during an otherwise impressive performance, was pick the ball out of the back of the net. The host’s hardworking striker Marc Beattie charged down a clearance from Ogden and the ball ricocheted into the net.

The match was quite even for much of the second half as new personnel on both sides tried their best to forge understandings and work together to create opportunities. However, despite the new faces it fell to FC Uniteds 23-year-old veteran Rory Patterson to grab the winner at the end as keeper Jamie Cook saw a rather tame looking shot squirm past him at his near post.

The day was only slightly marred by United left back Alex Mortimer needing to go to hospital with a head injury. News on that will be given when it is known.

Photos of the day, courtesy of www.flydesport.com, can be found here.

Previous Matches
23/12/2006 8-0W
23/09/2006 1-3W
18/02/2006 2-4W
10/09/2005 4-2 W