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FC United up to 12th with victory over Chorley

FC United moved up to 12th place in the Vanarama National League North with a comprehensive 2-0 victory over Chorley at Broadhurst Park on Saturday afternoon in front of the biggest crowd of the season - 4,150 supporters.

Jerome Wright broke the deadlock with a penalty just moments after halftime and former Ashton United striker Dale Johnson sealed victory with his first goal for the club in the 87th minute.

It was a third consecutive victory for the resurgent Reds who have blown away any fears of relegation in the last two weeks. Karl Marginson’s side now have 45 points which, going off previous seasons in the division, seems to be the safety mark.

Perhaps tellingly, only three of the starting XI against Chorley - David Carnell, Luke Ashworth and Jerome Wright - were at FC United at the start of the season. At times over the last eight months, the Reds have struggled to adapt to the step up in quality that Conference football requires. However, recent results and performances have been much improved.

The first half didn’t shape up to be the classic encounter that might be expected when two stalwart rivals line up against each other, and neither side really edged it. Wright did well down the left early on and United were playing the ball well in and around the area; however, they lacked the decisive end product to really threaten the visitors.

The inclement weather set in as the second half began, however it did little to dampen FC spirits as the Reds went 1-0 up just a couple of minutes in. Wright was fouled in the area and stepped up to face former teammate Sam Ashton before slotting the ball convincingly into the SMRE.

George Thompson could have been next on the score sheet as he was released by Johnson and through on goal; unfortunately, he hit too soon and made it an easy claim for Ashton. Former FC-er Jake Cottrell then saw his effort sail over the bar shortly before being blocked on the follow-up from a Chorley corner.

A lengthy period of stoppage ensued as for the second time this season a request was made for a replacement official to run the line. As the game got back underway, the stormy conditions worsened and the ball began to be held up in the bog.

United’s Dale Tonge made a great block in the area to keep Chorley at bay before Johnson doubled the lead. Good play from substitute Matthew Wolfenden allowed Johnson to line up his shot before calmly beating Ashton.

The Reds continued to impress throughout the ten minutes of added time and even looked to add to their tally, ultimately proving that on the right day United now look capable of challenging any team in the league.

FC United have now risen to the dizzy heights of 12th place and face Curzon Ashton away on Monday to hopefully make it a double Easter weekend victory.

Report by Victoria Fullen.


First Posted ~ 17:13 Sat 26 Mar 2016
News ID ~ 6743
Last Updated ~ 00:47 Tue 16 Feb 2021