FC United beaten at home by Leamington - match report

FC United lost 2-1 to Leamington at Broadhurst Park on Saturday afternoon in front of 2,380 spectators.

Callum Gittings and Colby Bishop put the Brakes two nil up before Scott Kay pulled one back for the home side with six minutes left on the clock.

The match played in very sunny conditions kicked off with both sides feeling each other out with a couple of corners and free-kicks apiece, none resulting in any solid chances on goal.

Nathan Lowe was on the receiving end of a particularly nasty challenge from Rob Brown. The Leamington man being shown a yellow card when it could have been much worse. The resulting free-kick was played across the area and needed only the faintest of touches for a goal.

The game became a bit stop start for the rest of the half with lots of niggly tackles. The only chance of note was a well drilled shot from outside the area from FC’s Connor McCarthy but goalkeeper Tony Breeden was equal to the task.

The second half began pretty much as the first, a couple of corners and half chances, with Lowe shooting over the bar from distance.

United’s best chance thus far came after some good hold up play from McCarthy who played in Jason Gilchrist. But the FC United number 9 hit the post.

The home side pressed on looking for the opening goal, however, it was the visitors that took the lead against the run of play. Callum Gittings getting a touch to a shot which passed Lloyd Allinson into the far left hand corner of the goal.

Searching for the equaliser, Tom Greaves had a couple of chances. First he fired into the side netting and later his shot from the edge of the box was gathered in by Breeden.

Leamington scored a second after a headed chance was well saved by Allinson but he could only parry the ball into the path of Bishop who didn’t waste the opportunity.

The Reds then produced a some patient build up play containing numerous passes. The move culminated in Danny Brady crossing the ball from the right to the far post where Danny Wisdom headed the back across goal and Kay volleyed it into the back of the net. Game on.

FC United had the majority of possession as they tried in vain for a second goal. McCarthy had a shot saved and several more corners followed but the game finished 2-1 to the visitors.

Website man of the match: On a difficult afternoon, Connor McCarthy held up the ball well, always bringing his team mates into play, he also ran tirelessly for the cause.

Report by Neil Lees