Match Report

FC United couldn’t make it two wins from the Bank Holiday weekend as they lost a close and competitive clash 1-0 to Boston Untied at Gigg Lane on Monday.

A crowd of 2,825 saw Margy’s men take to the field against what could quite possibly be the most recognisable name we’ve faced since out formation.

The Reds had obviously gained confidence from not only Saturday’s victory over Buxton but the performance too and in the opening exchanges it was the home team who looked far more comfortable.

United controlled the early part of the first half holding the ball in the midfield and the defence looked sturdy. The jinking runs of Carlos Roca from the right were the clearest way that Untied were going to make the breakthrough and one such run saw Roca take on several defenders before Jamie Baguely had his shot easily saved.

The best chance of the opening half though fell to Kyle Wilson who saw his thumping drive tipped onto the bar after 12 minutes.

With United failing to capitalise on their early dominance you got the feeling that it wouldn’t be long before the Pilgrims would find their way into the game and in the last 15 minutes of the half the visitors pushed forward more.

The Pilgrims saw the ball hit the back of the net but Ollie Ryan saw his effort ruled out for offside. However, the breakthrough came not long after when a long throw-in from the right was flicked onto the far post and Ryan powerfully volleyed past Sam Ashton to put the Pilgrims a goal to the good.

The visitors then pushed on looking to double the lead and Ashton showed his worth to the team with two fantastic saves, the second of which was then cleared off the line by Liam Foster.

Also leading by example was captain David Chadwick who never missed a tackle or a pass and was everywhere on the park making the Boston players aware of his presence.

But the Reds went into the interval a goal down and needed something to add that little bit extra to the attack. Last season’s supporters player of the season; Jerome Wright, was brought on at half time to applause from the faithful, with Margy obviously looking to the winger to add the extra dimension to the attack.

Every time Wright got the ball in the second half the crowd urged him to come forward and he seemed to be outfoxing the opposition at every move.

United went close early on when Kyle Wilson drove hard from 25 yards out but it was right down the goalkeeper’s throat.

The closest United got to an equaliser was when the ball was worked into the box well and Jamie Baguely saw his effort deflected over by some last gasp defending.

Although they didn’t really create much in the way of clear cut chances in the second half Untied always looked confident on the ball but may have just been lacking in the final third.

Despite losing on the day, Margy’s men will be pleased with their performances over the last two games and will look to take this into next weekend’s fixtures at home to Whitby Town and then away to Bradford Park Avenue on Monday.

Craig Phillips