FC United of Manchester
1 Cameron Belford
2 Aaron Morris
3 Adam Dodd
4 Luke Griffiths
5 Chris Doyle
6 Matthew Elsdon
7 Charlie Ennis
8 Mike Potts (capt)
9 Tunde Owolabi
10 Michael Donohue
11 Regan Linney
Subs.
12 Jack Lenehan (for 10, 67 mins)
17 Finlay Sinclair-Smith (for 7, 72 mins)
FC United pick up valuable point at Basford United
FC United remain in fourth place in the BetVictor Northern Premier Division with games in hand after drawing 1-1 at second placed Basford United but the Reds could easily have snatched all three points.
Charlie Ennis put the visitors into the lead on 17 minutes in a half where FC United looked comfortable throughout. Goalkeeper Cameron Belford was barely troubled all day but Kane Richards curled home a fantastic equaliser on the hour mark for a share of the spoils.
The match was a fairly even contest with Basford improving as the game went on. However, FC United had the best two chances to win it.
On 32 minutes, Luke Griffiths was unfortunate to hit the crossbar with an audacious 35 yard free-kick but the golden opportunity arrived with 10 minutes to go. Regan Linney forced a save from Basford ’keeper Kieran Preston with a long range effort and the ball bounced up invitingly for Tunde Owolabi.
The league’s top scorer looked certain to score but inexplicably smashed the ball high and wide when a more delicate attempt would definitely have resulted in the winner as he had the goal at his mercy.
Disappointingly, Linney was sent off with one minute remaining. United’s tricky forward was adjudged to have dived on the edge of the box and received a second yellow card for simulation. The decision was debatable to say the least and could have resulted in a priceless penalty or dangerous free-kick for the Reds.
Both sides will probably be pleased with a point and the result takes FC United’s unbeaten run in the league to 13 games. The last time the Reds lost in the league was on 15th October to Basford.
If United win their games in hand, it will take them up to second just three points behind leaders South Shields. Next up, we host Atherton Collieries and Stafford Rangers at Broadhurst Park. Both clubs are currently struggling at the wrong end of the table.
Website man of the match: Michael Potts. A good team performance away from home but Potts takes this week’s award for another fine captain’s performance - pressing and hassling the hosts all day long to help keep Basford at bay.
Report by Matthew Haley
FC United pick up valuable point at Basford United
FC United remain in fourth place in the BetVictor Northern Premier Division with games in hand after drawing 1-1 at second placed Basford United but the Reds could easily have snatched all three points.
Charlie Ennis put the visitors into the lead on 17 minutes in a half where FC United looked comfortable throughout. Goalkeeper Cameron Belford was barely troubled all day but Kane Richards curled home a fantastic equaliser on the hour mark for a share of the spoils.
The match was a fairly even contest with Basford improving as the game went on. However, FC United had the best two chances to win it.
On 32 minutes, Luke Griffiths was unfortunate to hit the crossbar with an audacious 35 yard free-kick but the golden opportunity arrived with 10 minutes to go. Regan Linney forced a save from Basford ’keeper Kieran Preston with a long range effort and the ball bounced up invitingly for Tunde Owolabi.
The league’s top scorer looked certain to score but inexplicably smashed the ball high and wide when a more delicate attempt would definitely have resulted in the winner as he had the goal at his mercy.
Disappointingly, Linney was sent off with one minute remaining. United’s tricky forward was adjudged to have dived on the edge of the box and received a second yellow card for simulation. The decision was debatable to say the least and could have resulted in a priceless penalty or dangerous free-kick for the Reds.
Both sides will probably be pleased with a point and the result takes FC United’s unbeaten run in the league to 13 games. The last time the Reds lost in the league was on 15th October to Basford.
If United win their games in hand, it will take them up to second just three points behind leaders South Shields. Next up, we host Atherton Collieries and Stafford Rangers at Broadhurst Park. Both clubs are currently struggling at the wrong end of the table.
Website man of the match: Michael Potts. A good team performance away from home but Potts takes this week’s award for another fine captain’s performance - pressing and hassling the hosts all day long to help keep Basford at bay.
Report by Matthew Haley
