Match Report

Reds Suffer Surprise FA Cup Exit

FC exited the Emirates FA Cup at the Second Round Qualifying stage after a 1-0 defeat at the hands of neighbours Chadderton.

The North West Counties side had already defeated higher division opposition in Bishop Auckland in the previous round, and they stepped it up even further to hand the Reds a disappointing exit.

The first chance of the game came for the home side five minutes into the game. A cross from the right found Jay Fitzmartin in space in the box but he was closed down well with his shot deflected out for a corner.

On 20 minutes, some good work from Fitzmartin made some space for a shot about 25 yards out, but his curling strike was right at goalkeeper Oldham.

The rest of the half passed without much incident, the teams going in level at the interval.

FC started with a big more gusto after the break. A flowing move on 48 minutes found Adam Sudworth in acres of space on the edge of the box, but his shot was always curling wide.

Five minutes later, a low ball in from Ajay Weston was dummied by Jordan Buckley and went through to Vernon Masara, but his right-footed shot didn’t have much power behind it and was saved by the feet of Oldham. FC recycled the ball from that, with a good cross from Sudworth to Buckley, but his header flashed wide.

Shortly afterwards, the Reds came within a whisker of taking the lead. Charlie Munro’s cross was met by the head of Rudy Misambo, with only a fantastic fingertip save from Oldham keeping the ball out and allowing Chadderton to clear.

FC’s momentum was halted by an injury for the visitors, and the next chance came for Chadderton on 69 minutes, as they broke forward but a shot from outside the area led to an easy save for Dan Atherton.

Five minutes later, the visitors took the lead, and in spectacular fashion. After dispossessing FC around 10 yards inside their own half, Matty Crothers looked up to see Dan Atherton off his line and hit one towards goal. It was a fantastic piece of technique as it flew over a diving Atherton and into the goal, sparking wild celebrations on and off the pitch.

As the Reds looked to get back into the game, the visitors almost picked off a second on the break. Only good defending from Misambo and then Ajay Weston managed to get the ball clear.

Chadderton hears would’ve been in their mouths five minutes from time as Oldham rose to catch a header from Misambo, but spilled the ball. A scramble ensued with an FC player going down, but the visitors were able to clear.

FC continued to press to level things up in injury time. Atherton came up for a late corner and rose well to get a clean touch on the ball, but the header flashed wide of the post. 

A minute later, a dangerous cross from Matty Grivosti found Ron Sithole having lost his marker, but he his header flew well over.

In the final minute, a through ball to Jordan Buckley provided one last chance for the Reds, but Oldham was out well to close him down and clear the ball, with the referee then blowing the final whistle.

Chadderton go into the hat for the Third Round Qualifying draw, whilst FC are left to rue a missed opportunity to progress in the Cup.