FC United remain seven points clear after drawing at Stamford (+ video highlights)
FC United remain seven points clear at the top of the Evo-Stik Premier Division after drawing 1-1 at Stamford on Saturday afternoon with Shelton Payne on the scoresheet.
The Reds took the lead midway through the first half but were pegged back by The Daniels before half-time and the score remained level until the final whistle. There were two moments of controversy though as Karl Marginson’s side had a goal disallowed for a mysterious handball and a strong penalty appeal turned down.
On a hard, dry bumpy pitch it was FC United who had the first chance when a good move involving Tom Brown and Matthew Wolfenden found Greg Daniels, who saw his shot fly just past the post.
On 23 minutes, the Reds did take the lead when a shot from Payne went straight through the grasp of the home keeper Andrew Stevens and into the net. However, the lead lasted just 13 minutes as the hosts equalised from a corner. Tom Batchelor rose above all in the six yard box to head into the top corner.
Stamford should have taken the lead straight after the restart when Dave Carnell scuffed a clearance. The ball fell to Jordan Smith who passed to his namesake Greg, who rolled the ball past the far post.
On 65 minutes, Payne beat his defender in the box and had his legs taken from under him. All eyes turned to the referee who waved away the appeals to the astonishment of players and supporters alike.
The officials further upset FC United on 70 minutes. A shot from Dean Stott was blocked but the ball dropped to Payne, who back heeled it into the net, only to see the assistant put his flag up for a handball unseen by the referee. After a short deliberation, the goal was ruled out.
It was The Daniels who ended the game the strongest, with Dan Clements seeing a shot just wide and Carnell saving a glancing header. However, the Reds remained resolute to gain a point which could prove vital for the run in.
Website man of the match - Jerome Wright. A day when no one really stood out, Jerome showed much energy on the left and was constantly involved in the game.
Report by Steven Wood
The Reds took the lead midway through the first half but were pegged back by The Daniels before half-time and the score remained level until the final whistle. There were two moments of controversy though as Karl Marginson’s side had a goal disallowed for a mysterious handball and a strong penalty appeal turned down.
On a hard, dry bumpy pitch it was FC United who had the first chance when a good move involving Tom Brown and Matthew Wolfenden found Greg Daniels, who saw his shot fly just past the post.
On 23 minutes, the Reds did take the lead when a shot from Payne went straight through the grasp of the home keeper Andrew Stevens and into the net. However, the lead lasted just 13 minutes as the hosts equalised from a corner. Tom Batchelor rose above all in the six yard box to head into the top corner.
Stamford should have taken the lead straight after the restart when Dave Carnell scuffed a clearance. The ball fell to Jordan Smith who passed to his namesake Greg, who rolled the ball past the far post.
On 65 minutes, Payne beat his defender in the box and had his legs taken from under him. All eyes turned to the referee who waved away the appeals to the astonishment of players and supporters alike.
The officials further upset FC United on 70 minutes. A shot from Dean Stott was blocked but the ball dropped to Payne, who back heeled it into the net, only to see the assistant put his flag up for a handball unseen by the referee. After a short deliberation, the goal was ruled out.
It was The Daniels who ended the game the strongest, with Dan Clements seeing a shot just wide and Carnell saving a glancing header. However, the Reds remained resolute to gain a point which could prove vital for the run in.
Website man of the match - Jerome Wright. A day when no one really stood out, Jerome showed much energy on the left and was constantly involved in the game.
Report by Steven Wood
First Posted ~ 17:56 Sat 21 Mar 2015
News ID ~ 6096
Last Updated ~ 01:52 Tue 16 Feb 2021