Match Report
Problems with pitch access meant that the FC Youth team had an early start as they took on Chester in the Neil Thomason Memorial Cup for the second of three semi finals. An 11am kick off at the Cheshire County Sports Club proved no obstacle as the reds ran out 2-0 winners; a goal late in each half from Matthew Boland and Andy Lee ensured they reach a second cup final of the season.
The opening quarter of an hour was rather uneventful as the two sides sought to win the midfield battle, the reds largely controlling the game without threatening the home goal. The first real chance came as an interchange with Theo Kidd and Sam Howell saw the latter shoot narrowly wide. Then from a corner, Connor Naughton saw his goal bound effort deflected wide. After 35 minutes Kial Callacher had a header from a corner hit the post and two minutes later a Jonathan Poizer free kick was heading for the top corner until headed clear.
The breakthrough came in the 42nd minute when Theo laid the ball off for Josh Smethurst who passed inside to Matthew Boland. His fierce drive from around thirty yards gave Mike Dixon in the Chester goal no chance.
FC tried to start the second half quickly and had two good chances in as many minutes with Smethurst and Boland coming close. Chester then had their best spell of the game for around twenty minutes, pushing the lads on to the back foot. Wayward shooting meant that an equaliser was always unlikely. A Connor Naughton free kick from forty yards which was turned over for a corner by Dixon provided a little relief.
The hosts did eventually tire and the reds took control of the game and by the last ten minutes were the only likely scorers. The second goal eventually came with five minutes to go when the three substitutes put on a display of their own. Luke Walker passed to Matthew Hassall and his cross was headed home by Andy Lee, Dixon getting a hand to the ball but being unable to keep it out.
This was a big improvement on recent performances by all concerned, indeed full back Alex Stones was keen to ensure some of his Ronaldoesque step overs got a mention as he got forward to support the attack; the reds running out comfortable winners.
Next week sees the lads go out for revenge against Marine at St Bride’s on Wednesday and return to Chester in league action on Sunday.
FC United of Manchester: Jonathan Beisty, Alex Stones, Josh Smethurst, Connor Naughton, Kyle Cunningham, Kial Callacher, Sam Howell (Andy Lee 73 mins), Richard Smith, Theo Kidd (Luke Walker 85 mins), Matthew Boland, Jonathan Poizer (Matthew Hassall 78 mins).
Goals: Matthew Boland and Andy Lee.
Cautioned: Richard Smith.
Match Report
Problems with pitch access meant that the FC Youth team had an early start as they took on Chester in the Neil Thomason Memorial Cup for the second of three semi finals. An 11am kick off at the Cheshire County Sports Club proved no obstacle as the reds ran out 2-0 winners; a goal late in each half from Matthew Boland and Andy Lee ensured they reach a second cup final of the season.
The opening quarter of an hour was rather uneventful as the two sides sought to win the midfield battle, the reds largely controlling the game without threatening the home goal. The first real chance came as an interchange with Theo Kidd and Sam Howell saw the latter shoot narrowly wide. Then from a corner, Connor Naughton saw his goal bound effort deflected wide. After 35 minutes Kial Callacher had a header from a corner hit the post and two minutes later a Jonathan Poizer free kick was heading for the top corner until headed clear.
The breakthrough came in the 42nd minute when Theo laid the ball off for Josh Smethurst who passed inside to Matthew Boland. His fierce drive from around thirty yards gave Mike Dixon in the Chester goal no chance.
FC tried to start the second half quickly and had two good chances in as many minutes with Smethurst and Boland coming close. Chester then had their best spell of the game for around twenty minutes, pushing the lads on to the back foot. Wayward shooting meant that an equaliser was always unlikely. A Connor Naughton free kick from forty yards which was turned over for a corner by Dixon provided a little relief.
The hosts did eventually tire and the reds took control of the game and by the last ten minutes were the only likely scorers. The second goal eventually came with five minutes to go when the three substitutes put on a display of their own. Luke Walker passed to Matthew Hassall and his cross was headed home by Andy Lee, Dixon getting a hand to the ball but being unable to keep it out.
This was a big improvement on recent performances by all concerned, indeed full back Alex Stones was keen to ensure some of his Ronaldoesque step overs got a mention as he got forward to support the attack; the reds running out comfortable winners.
Next week sees the lads go out for revenge against Marine at St Bride’s on Wednesday and return to Chester in league action on Sunday.
FC United of Manchester: Jonathan Beisty, Alex Stones, Josh Smethurst, Connor Naughton, Kyle Cunningham, Kial Callacher, Sam Howell (Andy Lee 73 mins), Richard Smith, Theo Kidd (Luke Walker 85 mins), Matthew Boland, Jonathan Poizer (Matthew Hassall 78 mins).
Goals: Matthew Boland and Andy Lee.
Cautioned: Richard Smith.
