Match Report

FC United and Atherton Collieries must replay on Tuesday night after an entertaining 2-2 draw at Broadhurst Park on Saturday afternoon in the first qualifying round of the Emirates FA Cup.

A goal in each half from centre-back Tom Dean put the Reds ahead twice but they were denied victory by some poor defending.

In a classic game of two halves, United dominated the first 45 minutes before fading in the second. Despite controlling the opening exchanges, FC only had a 1-0 lead to show for their endeavour at halftime - a far post Dean header on 33 minutes after a good cross by left-back Adam Dodd.

Atherton drew level on 57 minutes when substitute Brad Lynch played a one-two with Tom Bentham to break clear of the defence to slot a well taken goal underneath Paddy Wharton.

However, two minutes later, FC United were back in front when goalkeeper Oliver Byrne had a moment to forget. The Collieries ‘keeper fluffed what should have been a routine catch at the back post from a Paul Ennis free-kick and Dean was the first to react, poking the ball over the line.

That should have been enough to see United through to the next round. But it wasn’t. On 67 minutes, Mike Donohue and Ennis were substituted for Nialle Rodney and Craig Carney.

Unfortunately, the change in personnel didn’t have the desired effect as an already lacklustre second half performance became even more disjointed.

Ten minutes later, Collieries captain Daniel Lafferty headed on a corner and Clive Smith took advantage of some unconvincing defending to flick the ball home at the back post for 2-2.

Moments later, the visitors thought they had won it when they had the ball in the back of the net again but the strike was ruled out for offside.

United responded well to the let-off and could have won the match in the final minute. Tunde Owolabi had looked lively all afternoon and good link up play with Regan Linney saw him race clear on goal.

FC’s new striker shot hard and low towards the bottom corner but Byrne produced a fantastic save to redeem himself for his earlier howler.

The visitors hacked away the loose ball to prevent Rodney from pouncing for the winner and, with that, they guaranteed themselves a replay on Tuesday night.

FC United will be hoping that the extra quality they clearly displayed on Saturday will reap dividends and be enough to see them through on Tuesday.

However, Atherton will not care one bit about being outplayed because ultimately they were worth their hard fought draw and will now be aiming to go one better at the second attempt.

Website man of the match: Tom Dean. Two goals from the centre-back means he has to claim the award but United will need him to focus on his primary task in the replay - shoring up the back.

Report by Matthew Haley