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Match Report

22nd April 2018

Argyle Sports Cup

Broadhurst Park, 310 Lightbowne Road, Moston, Manchester, M40 0FJ


FC United of Manchester Women

6 - 0

CMB Ladies FC

 
Attendance: 212

FC United of Manchester Women 6

CMB Ladies FC 0

Attendance: 212



United’s Women reach Argyle Cup Final following 6-0 victory over CMB Ladies FC
Broadhurst Park, the main pitch bathed in sunshine for the Argyle Sports (league) Cup Semi Final, welcomed our visitors from the division above, CMB Ladies FC. United took the lead a minute before the break then took the game away from a spirited CMB with a salvo of second half strikes. Jess Battle scored an impressive 5 in total and Kirsty Chambers added 1 to book a bank holiday final date with Stockport County and keep treble aspirations very much in their sights.

United kicked off playing towards the Lightbowne Road end in front of a healthy 200+ crowd occupying the main stand. CMB were the quickest to settle pressing high up the pitch and threatened FC’s goal with a combination of Chloe Ainsworth and Chelsea Patient clearing the early danger.

United responded well with Fran Sullivan releasing Jess McCarrick down the right centring just behind the run of Battle as the danger was initial cleared. Back came United and Jess Battle drove her shot against the upright and Chambers produced a good save from Katie Donohue a minute later with the ball breaking for Battle to fire home only to be adjudged off side on 10 minutes.

CMB seized on some over casual FC intricacies that didn’t quite come off as Shannon Gill fired over the bar prompting a better response from the reds. Chambers and Sullivan exchanged passes on half way with the winger driving down the left and crossing for Battle who got across her defender to see another effort fly off the post leaving Donohue to gather gratefully.

Again casual surrender of possession in a dangerous part of the pitch almost let the visitors in and a last ditch challenge, adjudged a foul by referee Stephen Watson, right on the edge of the FC box could have been so much worse as Nicole Uren stepped up and lofted her free kick over the FC wall and cross bar.

On 25 minutes Chambers came close, latching onto a Sullivan pass and firing across Donohue and just past the far post. Despite majority possession and some half chances United were struggling to find a breakthrough whilst containing any break away threats posed by CMB as the half entered its final minutes.

On 41 minutes following a foul on Cara Fields on the edge of the area, Sullivan saw her free kick frustratingly blocked by the CMB wall but the mid-fielder’s next kick of the ball was indeed a game changer; a brilliant reverse ball inside the full back from the halfway line picked out the intelligent surge forward by McCarrick down the right. The midfielder drifted to the bye line and calmly committed the keeper, squaring to Battle inside the six yard box for the striker to tap home the game’s opener on 44 minutes. A pivotal time to score; giving United the narrowest advantage going into the break.

In stark contrast to an uncharacteristically cumbersome first half, the second period saw a resumption of the kind of form and quality that sees the women’s team on the brink of a potential treble at the business end of their sixth campaign. Defender Chelsea Patient kick started proceedings with a burst forward that was finally halted on the edge of the CMB box with impetus taken up by Chambers crossing from the left; Donohue claiming well.

The all important second goal for FC United was scored by Battle on 56 minutes. Fields played the ball wide to substitute Alice Forshaw who swept in a lovely cross picking out the unmarked Battle on the penalty spot, the striker made no mistake driving the ball into the bottom corner from 12 yards. A minute later the FC No9 registered her hatrick as McCarrick released Chambers down the left; the Captain playing in a low cross to the back post where Battle bundled home from close range.

Although Battle rightly takes the plaudits for a prolific strike rate, arguably the goal of the game came just past the hour following a fantastic spell of FC probing possession culminating in Fields clipping a ball into the area. Chambers controlled the pass on her chest and sublimely lofted a volley over the advancing Donohue form 15 yards. Goal number five of the afternoon came four minutes later and the Chambers / Battle combination that has flourished in recent weeks, paid dividends again with the striker tapping home from a measured cross from close range. Just after the goal, perhaps with Wednesday’s crucial league game in mind, Chambers was withdrawn to a warm and appreciative ovation to be replaced by Nicole Hatcliffe.

CMB earned a free kick lofted goalwards by Gill and comfortably fielded at her near post by Ainsworth and a minute later a further set piece was well cleared by Patient as United wrestled back control of possession and with 10 minutes to go scored the game’s final goal following concerted pressure.

Fliss Winters, Hatcliffe, Forshaw and McCarrick engineered some intricate passing around the edge of the CMB box before the ball was switched right to left from where Abbie Carrington delivered a precise cross for Battle to poke the ball home for her 5th of the game. United saw out the remainder of the semi final with Battle providing a final threat; denied by an excellent save from Donohue.

Whilst United were in Cup action, Liverpool Marshal Feds Reserves gave FC title hopes a real boost by defeating nearest challengers, West Didsbury & Chorlton 1-0 in the league meaning one more victory in any of their last three games will see the Red’s crowned as champions. The first chance is this coming Wednesday against Curzon Ashton; to be played at St Matthew’s High School, Nuthurst Road, Moston (a stone’s throw from BP) with a 6.30pm KO. Get yourself to that football ground; thank you.

Report by Rob Fullen
FC Player of the game: Jess Battle – clinical finishing with 5 goals, another disallowed and denied another three by the post (twice) and an excellent 90th minute save from Katie Donohue. Taking aside her lethal finishing, the striker closed down tirelessly all afternoon. Special mentions to Kirsty Chambers, scorer of one provider of several assists for Jess Battle and making her 100th appearance for the club as Captain. Also congratulations to Fran Davies marshalling another clean sheet at the heart of FC’s defence on her 100th appearance for the club.

Teams 22nd April 2018: Attendance: 212

FC United of Manchester: 6 (1)
1. Chloe Ainsworth
2. Fran Davies (100th Appearance)
3. Abbie Carrington
4. Olivia Greenhalgh
5. Chelsea Patient
7. Fran Sullivan
8. Rebecca Foster
17. Jess McCarrick
18. Cara Fields
11. Kirsty Chambers (Captain for the 100th time) (Goal 61 mins)
9. Jess Battle (Goals 44, 56, 57, 65 & 80 mins)
Subs:
1. Gemma Jackson (GK)
12. Fliss Winters (for No8 73 mins)
14. Jennifer Lomax
15. Nicole Hatcliffe (for No 11 65 mins)
16. Alice Forshaw (for No 7 46 mins)

CMB Ladies FC: 0 (0)
1. Katie Donohue
17. Rebekah Horrocks
20. Katie Lea
4. Jennifer Winnard (Capt)
5. Leanne Walmsley
6. Rachel Hindle
18. Shannon Gill
12. Jessica Tyrrell
9. Anna Broadie
15. Nicole Uren
11. Sophie Williams
Subs:
22. Sonya Parmar
23. Nicola Wynne

Referee: Stephen Watson
Asst Referee: Carla Parker
Asst Referee: Lee Robinson
Venue: Broadhurst Park, (Main Stadium), Lightbowne Road, Moston, M40
Official FC photography by Mark Lee & Samantha Coates
Social Media Updates from Mikey Partington
Film Footage & Historical Stats from Neil Boo
Match Stats by Paul Hinson from: www.liveteamstats.com
FC United stats first column:
Goals: 6.............0
Shots on target: 17...........7
Shots off target: 6.............7
Corners: 0.............0
Completed Passes: 437......114
Possession: 79%......21%
United’s Women reach Argyle Cup Final following 6-0 victory over CMB Ladies FC
Broadhurst Park, the main pitch bathed in sunshine for the Argyle Sports (league) Cup Semi Final, welcomed our visitors from the division above, CMB Ladies FC. United took the lead a minute before the break then took the game away from a spirited CMB with a salvo of second half strikes. Jess Battle scored an impressive 5 in total and Kirsty Chambers added 1 to book a bank holiday final date with Stockport County and keep treble aspirations very much in their sights.

United kicked off playing towards the Lightbowne Road end in front of a healthy 200+ crowd occupying the main stand. CMB were the quickest to settle pressing high up the pitch and threatened FC’s goal with a combination of Chloe Ainsworth and Chelsea Patient clearing the early danger.

United responded well with Fran Sullivan releasing Jess McCarrick down the right centring just behind the run of Battle as the danger was initial cleared. Back came United and Jess Battle drove her shot against the upright and Chambers produced a good save from Katie Donohue a minute later with the ball breaking for Battle to fire home only to be adjudged off side on 10 minutes.

CMB seized on some over casual FC intricacies that didn’t quite come off as Shannon Gill fired over the bar prompting a better response from the reds. Chambers and Sullivan exchanged passes on half way with the winger driving down the left and crossing for Battle who got across her defender to see another effort fly off the post leaving Donohue to gather gratefully.

Again casual surrender of possession in a dangerous part of the pitch almost let the visitors in and a last ditch challenge, adjudged a foul by referee Stephen Watson, right on the edge of the FC box could have been so much worse as Nicole Uren stepped up and lofted her free kick over the FC wall and cross bar.

On 25 minutes Chambers came close, latching onto a Sullivan pass and firing across Donohue and just past the far post. Despite majority possession and some half chances United were struggling to find a breakthrough whilst containing any break away threats posed by CMB as the half entered its final minutes.

On 41 minutes following a foul on Cara Fields on the edge of the area, Sullivan saw her free kick frustratingly blocked by the CMB wall but the mid-fielder’s next kick of the ball was indeed a game changer; a brilliant reverse ball inside the full back from the halfway line picked out the intelligent surge forward by McCarrick down the right. The midfielder drifted to the bye line and calmly committed the keeper, squaring to Battle inside the six yard box for the striker to tap home the game’s opener on 44 minutes. A pivotal time to score; giving United the narrowest advantage going into the break.

In stark contrast to an uncharacteristically cumbersome first half, the second period saw a resumption of the kind of form and quality that sees the women’s team on the brink of a potential treble at the business end of their sixth campaign. Defender Chelsea Patient kick started proceedings with a burst forward that was finally halted on the edge of the CMB box with impetus taken up by Chambers crossing from the left; Donohue claiming well.

The all important second goal for FC United was scored by Battle on 56 minutes. Fields played the ball wide to substitute Alice Forshaw who swept in a lovely cross picking out the unmarked Battle on the penalty spot, the striker made no mistake driving the ball into the bottom corner from 12 yards. A minute later the FC No9 registered her hatrick as McCarrick released Chambers down the left; the Captain playing in a low cross to the back post where Battle bundled home from close range.

Although Battle rightly takes the plaudits for a prolific strike rate, arguably the goal of the game came just past the hour following a fantastic spell of FC probing possession culminating in Fields clipping a ball into the area. Chambers controlled the pass on her chest and sublimely lofted a volley over the advancing Donohue form 15 yards. Goal number five of the afternoon came four minutes later and the Chambers / Battle combination that has flourished in recent weeks, paid dividends again with the striker tapping home from a measured cross from close range. Just after the goal, perhaps with Wednesday’s crucial league game in mind, Chambers was withdrawn to a warm and appreciative ovation to be replaced by Nicole Hatcliffe.

CMB earned a free kick lofted goalwards by Gill and comfortably fielded at her near post by Ainsworth and a minute later a further set piece was well cleared by Patient as United wrestled back control of possession and with 10 minutes to go scored the game’s final goal following concerted pressure.

Fliss Winters, Hatcliffe, Forshaw and McCarrick engineered some intricate passing around the edge of the CMB box before the ball was switched right to left from where Abbie Carrington delivered a precise cross for Battle to poke the ball home for her 5th of the game. United saw out the remainder of the semi final with Battle providing a final threat; denied by an excellent save from Donohue.

Whilst United were in Cup action, Liverpool Marshal Feds Reserves gave FC title hopes a real boost by defeating nearest challengers, West Didsbury & Chorlton 1-0 in the league meaning one more victory in any of their last three games will see the Red’s crowned as champions. The first chance is this coming Wednesday against Curzon Ashton; to be played at St Matthew’s High School, Nuthurst Road, Moston (a stone’s throw from BP) with a 6.30pm KO. Get yourself to that football ground; thank you.

Report by Rob Fullen
FC Player of the game: Jess Battle – clinical finishing with 5 goals, another disallowed and denied another three by the post (twice) and an excellent 90th minute save from Katie Donohue. Taking aside her lethal finishing, the striker closed down tirelessly all afternoon. Special mentions to Kirsty Chambers, scorer of one provider of several assists for Jess Battle and making her 100th appearance for the club as Captain. Also congratulations to Fran Davies marshalling another clean sheet at the heart of FC’s defence on her 100th appearance for the club.

Teams 22nd April 2018: Attendance: 212

FC United of Manchester: 6 (1)
1. Chloe Ainsworth
2. Fran Davies (100th Appearance)
3. Abbie Carrington
4. Olivia Greenhalgh
5. Chelsea Patient
7. Fran Sullivan
8. Rebecca Foster
17. Jess McCarrick
18. Cara Fields
11. Kirsty Chambers (Captain for the 100th time) (Goal 61 mins)
9. Jess Battle (Goals 44, 56, 57, 65 & 80 mins)
Subs:
1. Gemma Jackson (GK)
12. Fliss Winters (for No8 73 mins)
14. Jennifer Lomax
15. Nicole Hatcliffe (for No 11 65 mins)
16. Alice Forshaw (for No 7 46 mins)

CMB Ladies FC: 0 (0)
1. Katie Donohue
17. Rebekah Horrocks
20. Katie Lea
4. Jennifer Winnard (Capt)
5. Leanne Walmsley
6. Rachel Hindle
18. Shannon Gill
12. Jessica Tyrrell
9. Anna Broadie
15. Nicole Uren
11. Sophie Williams
Subs:
22. Sonya Parmar
23. Nicola Wynne

Referee: Stephen Watson
Asst Referee: Carla Parker
Asst Referee: Lee Robinson
Venue: Broadhurst Park, (Main Stadium), Lightbowne Road, Moston, M40
Official FC photography by Mark Lee & Samantha Coates
Social Media Updates from Mikey Partington
Film Footage & Historical Stats from Neil Boo
Match Stats by Paul Hinson from: www.liveteamstats.com
FC United stats first column:
Goals: 6.............0
Shots on target: 17...........7
Shots off target: 6.............7
Corners: 0.............0
Completed Passes: 437......114
Possession: 79%......21%