Match Report

FC United suffered their third defeat from three games with a 3-0 home defeat to Boston United as the Reds’ dismal start to the new Vanarama National League North season continued unabated.

A brace from Brad Abbott on 23 and 85 minutes and another goal from Andre Johnson with 13 minutes to go gave the visitors a comprehensive victory, leaving FC United rooted to the bottom of the table with Southport the only other team yet to get any points on the board.

The Reds would have obviously been deflated having surrendered a 3-1 lead over Ashton on Tuesday evening and in truth the performance was that of a team lacking in confidence.

From the off things looked a bit nervy, with the men in red struggling to string together periods of possession and getting into the final third of the pitch. The visitors began stronger and had it not been for the experience in the FC United back line restricting them to long range efforts they could have had the lead early on.

It was no surprise then when a quickly taken corner was converted by Abbott to give the Pilgrims the lead after 22 minutes. The only real positive to take from the opening 45 minutes was that it was only a goal difference at the break thanks largely to a fine save from Billy Crellin and a goal line clearance from Jamal Crawford.

The opportunity of getting back into it with just one goal was one that FC didn’t take, the best chances in the second half coming to player-manager Tom Greaves who blazed a couple of half-opportunities at best well into the St Mary’s Road End terrace.

Boston added to the misery with two late goals in the last twelve minutes, first when Andre Johnson put a well taken effort away and then Brad Abbott grabbed his second after a run down the right cut through the FC defence with ease before the ball was squared to Abbott to simply tap home.

The confidence that was around the club pre-season has quickly deteriorated in the space of just a week. But the one thing to take from this is that the pre-season performances had been so good and its just a matter of getting that first win on the board and the confidence coming back.

The Reds get that opportunity to do that on Tuesday evening at undefeated Altrincham, who have started the season with one win and two draws.

Man of the Match: Tom Greaves. Our player-manager looked like the only one close to getting a breakthrough for the Reds.

Report by Craig Phillips