Match Report
FC United missed out on the chance to pick up the first silverware of the season, conceding two goals without reply to lose to AFC Telford United in the Supporters Direct Cup.
In contrast to the line-up against Glossop in midweek, many of the senior first team players were in the side to face the Blue Square North outfit, albeit with a few previously unseen names on the team sheet.
The travelling Red army were buoyed by the news before kick-off that another one of FC United’s prodigal sons, Steve Torpey had returned to the club and was on the substitutes’ bench.
United started the game brightly with an early chance when a cross from the left by the impressive Matthew Tierney fell to Richard Battersby who volleyed his effort over the bar.
However, Telford soon began to apply the pressure. As the Reds were forced back to defend, Alex Meechan came forward, looking to go through one-on-one situation with Sam Ashton but centre-half Martin Parker did well to stay with the Telford striker and Ashton was able to collect.
United continued to withstand the advances of Telford as Ashton was forced into action, making a double stop. The FC keeper did well to parry the initial shot on goal from Meechan and as the ball fell into the path of Liam Murray, Ashton was able to make the save to once more deny the Conference North side.
More Telford opportunities ensued and as Parker’s defensive header dropped to Sean Evans who went for goal, striking the FC cross bar, it could be sensed that a goal was coming.
A good move between Meechan and Andy Brown saw Brown receive the ball inside the six yard box and coolly convert past Ashton into the bottom corner on the half hour mark.
Telford’s half-time lead was reflective of the split of chances and pressure throughout the first period of the game, although credit should be given to the stoic United back-line who prevented the gap between the teams from being wider.
Soon after play resumed, Telford doubled their lead through Meechan, the centre-forward having been a continuous threat throughout the game. The ball was sent in from the right and Ashton appeared to have prevented the goal bound effort; however the United keeper inadvertently tipped the ball into his own net.
As the half progressed Kyle Jacobs was replaced by Torpey who received a mixed reception from the crowd, having previously played for both clubs. Torpey scored 17 goals in 32 appearances during our inaugural season before being offered a full-time contract by Halifax Town.
Despite slight glimpses of counter attacks from the Reds in the closing stages, Telford continued to be the better side and their victory was undoubtedly the correct result.
Whilst missing out on the chance to win the trophy for the second time, the game will surely have been a good test against higher opposition in the Reds’ continued preparation for the forthcoming season.
Report by Victoria Fullen.
Match Report
FC United missed out on the chance to pick up the first silverware of the season, conceding two goals without reply to lose to AFC Telford United in the Supporters Direct Cup.
In contrast to the line-up against Glossop in midweek, many of the senior first team players were in the side to face the Blue Square North outfit, albeit with a few previously unseen names on the team sheet.
The travelling Red army were buoyed by the news before kick-off that another one of FC United’s prodigal sons, Steve Torpey had returned to the club and was on the substitutes’ bench.
United started the game brightly with an early chance when a cross from the left by the impressive Matthew Tierney fell to Richard Battersby who volleyed his effort over the bar.
However, Telford soon began to apply the pressure. As the Reds were forced back to defend, Alex Meechan came forward, looking to go through one-on-one situation with Sam Ashton but centre-half Martin Parker did well to stay with the Telford striker and Ashton was able to collect.
United continued to withstand the advances of Telford as Ashton was forced into action, making a double stop. The FC keeper did well to parry the initial shot on goal from Meechan and as the ball fell into the path of Liam Murray, Ashton was able to make the save to once more deny the Conference North side.
More Telford opportunities ensued and as Parker’s defensive header dropped to Sean Evans who went for goal, striking the FC cross bar, it could be sensed that a goal was coming.
A good move between Meechan and Andy Brown saw Brown receive the ball inside the six yard box and coolly convert past Ashton into the bottom corner on the half hour mark.
Telford’s half-time lead was reflective of the split of chances and pressure throughout the first period of the game, although credit should be given to the stoic United back-line who prevented the gap between the teams from being wider.
Soon after play resumed, Telford doubled their lead through Meechan, the centre-forward having been a continuous threat throughout the game. The ball was sent in from the right and Ashton appeared to have prevented the goal bound effort; however the United keeper inadvertently tipped the ball into his own net.
As the half progressed Kyle Jacobs was replaced by Torpey who received a mixed reception from the crowd, having previously played for both clubs. Torpey scored 17 goals in 32 appearances during our inaugural season before being offered a full-time contract by Halifax Town.
Despite slight glimpses of counter attacks from the Reds in the closing stages, Telford continued to be the better side and their victory was undoubtedly the correct result.
Whilst missing out on the chance to win the trophy for the second time, the game will surely have been a good test against higher opposition in the Reds’ continued preparation for the forthcoming season.
Report by Victoria Fullen.
