Match Report

Quick-Fire Double Sees Reds Maintain 100% Home Record

Two goals in 3 minutes from Jay Fitzmartin and Ajay Weston on either side of the hour mark saw FC make it four wins from four at Broadhurst Park.

After last Saturday’s FA Cup win at Rossington Main, Mark Beesley’s came into the game back to winning ways, following a first defeat of the season at Ashton United on Bank Holiday Monday.

This was FC’s first meeting with Cleethorpes Town, following their promotion as champions of Division One East last season.

It was the visitors who had the first real chance of the match on 15 minutes, after Dec Evans left a backpass to Dan Atherton short. It was pounced on by Abbott, with the goalkeeper doing well to block with his legs before batting it out for a corner. Atherton again saved well with his feet on the half hour mark to keep the scores level.

After a relatively uneventful first half, the game exploded into life after the break.

A decent move from Cleethorpes saw a scramble in the box but the ball eventually trickled through harmlessly to Atherton.

The turning point in the game came shortly afterwards. On 53 minutes, Matty Grivosti and Vann both slid in for a ball in midfield, with Grivosti caught high by Vann. 

Abbott reacted angrily, grabbing Grivosti while he lay on the turf before shoving him back down, for which he escaped with a caution.

Barely two minutes later, Dec Evans intercepted a ball in midfield and burst forward. Abbott left a foot in late, bringing Evans down. The referee showed no hesitation in reaching for a second yellow card in nearly as many minutes for the Owls’ captain. 

FC took full advantage. On 59 minutes, Jordan Buckley raced through towards goal, but unselfishly played it across to the onrushing Jay Fitzmartin who slid the ball low underneath the keeper to give the Reds the lead.

Two minutes later the lead was doubled. Matty Thomson’s cross from the right was chested down by Grivosti into the path of Ajay Weston. Weston’s first touched nicked it past the defender, before he finished high into the top of the net to open his account for the club.

The Reds were well in control of the game by this point. Munro had a chance to make it three on 82 minutes, his shot curling just wide.

There was little further action after that, with Mark Beesley’s side seeing out matters comfortably for another three points.