Tuesday night’s clash with Gainsborough Trinity ended 1-1, but the Reds will be disappointed not to have taken all three points.
FC were looking to bounce back after defeat at league leaders Macclesfield on Saturday, whilst Trinity came into the game on the back of a draw at Basford United.
A goal from Will Lancaster for Trinity, before Adam Le Fondre’s equaliser, saw the game end in a stalemate under the lights at Broadhurst Park.
16 minutes into the game, FC came close after a delicate cross from Gez Sithole found Jordan Buckley free in the box. However, his shot went inches wide of the post, keeping the scores level.
The visitors won a free kick just on the edge of the FC area. A deep ball into the box from Lewis Butroid found defender Will Lancaster who had lost his marker and he headed home to give the visitors the lead in the 21st minute.
FC tried to respond immediately and won a free kick on the far right-hand side. A clever routine which had clearly been practiced on the training ground was produced by Sithole, playing a low pass to the edge of the box towards Adam Le Fondre, but his shot was fired over the bar.
Moments later the home side had another opportunity as the ball fell for Jay Fitzmartin, however his attempted volley curled wide of the post in the 29th minute.
Five minutes before half time, the Reds had another chance as Jay Fitzmartin cut in front the left and found himself with a sight of goal, but Wharton was down quickly to scramble it away.
As the second half kicked off, FC came out with some intent, and the momentum completely switched in favour of the home side.
In the 48th minute, Adam Le Fondre’s lobbed effort from an awkward angle went just wide of the post.
A few minutes later, a quick break from United saw Gerard Sithole find himself with some space to get a shot on target, however a strong block from Ashley Jackson prevented an equaliser.
The Reds finally managed to find the back of the net in the 64th minute as the ball fell to Adam Le Fondre in the box. His powerful effort across goal flew past the diving Wharton for the equaliser.
FC increased the pressure on the visitors which led to Jordan Buckley being pulled down in the box in the 69th minute.
The referee immediately pointed to the spot and produced a yellow card for Gainsborough captain Dylan Cogill.
With 20 minutes to go, Le Fondre stepped up looking to put the Reds 2-1 up. He hit it firmly down the middle, but it was saved by the legs of the diving Wharton.
Manager Mark Beesley shook things up with a triple substitutionin the 79th minute as the Reds continued in search of a winner. Mcloughlin, Ennis and Preston all came on in place of Donohue, Buckley and Fitzmartin.
The visitors defended strongly in the final ten minutes. FC looked for a winner but they struggled to break down the Trinity defence late on, and after five minutes of added time, the match finished 1-1.
The result leaves FC United in 12th position in the table, whilst Gainsborough climb one place to 15th.
Match report by Callum Griffies
