Match Report
FC United moved to the top of the Evo-Stik Premier Division on goal difference with six games in hand after beating Halesowen Town 1-0 at the Tameside Stadium on Tuesday night in front of 2,007 supporters.
Greg Daniels slammed home a close range winner with 20 minutes remaining as the Reds recorded a 10th consecutive league victory to move above Skelmersdale United with 15 games of the season left to play.
The Yeltz were one of the most organised teams we have faced in the league all season and with a defensive record second only to FC United, they were always going to be a tough nut to crack. However, Karl Marginson’s side stuck to their task with patient passing build up play and they were rewarded with three points.
It’s testament to the players and coaching staff that even though this was far from FC United at their very best, we still managed to come away with another vital three points.
The pattern of the game was quite simple and predictable. Halesowen were tight and well marshalled at the back, whilst the Reds were on the front foot for large periods but there was always a threat of a counter attack from the visiting team.
The first half was a very messy encounter that never really got going, with the final third of the pitch proving a stumbling block for United. The attacking intent was there from the Reds but all they could muster was a long range effort from Craig Lindfield and a Tom Greaves toe in the box just going wide.
The visitors proved more than dangerous on the counter and tested Dave Carnell in the United goal, proving that this was far from a sealed three points which would see the Reds go to the top of the league.
But, such is the confidence within the team at the moment, FC United always believe they can score, even against the most resolute of defences. With 20 minutes remaining the goal did come. A Lindfield corner was met by Lewis Lacy and he squared the ball across the six yard box for the unmarked Daniels to fire home from close range.
The goal sent FC United to the top of the league for the first time this season. Now we must stay there for two months. The task has changed, with teams chasing us - the hunters now become the hunted, bringing an interesting different aspect to what promises to be another exciting end to the season.
However, regardless of whether the Reds are setting the pace or chasing, they just need to stick to what they do best – winning games. The next one is at Grantham this Saturday.
Website man of the match: Greg Daniels - On an evening where the team failed to get fully flowing, Daniels continued his great recent form with the game’s only goal.
Report by Craig Phillips
Match Report
FC United moved to the top of the Evo-Stik Premier Division on goal difference with six games in hand after beating Halesowen Town 1-0 at the Tameside Stadium on Tuesday night in front of 2,007 supporters.
Greg Daniels slammed home a close range winner with 20 minutes remaining as the Reds recorded a 10th consecutive league victory to move above Skelmersdale United with 15 games of the season left to play.
The Yeltz were one of the most organised teams we have faced in the league all season and with a defensive record second only to FC United, they were always going to be a tough nut to crack. However, Karl Marginson’s side stuck to their task with patient passing build up play and they were rewarded with three points.
It’s testament to the players and coaching staff that even though this was far from FC United at their very best, we still managed to come away with another vital three points.
The pattern of the game was quite simple and predictable. Halesowen were tight and well marshalled at the back, whilst the Reds were on the front foot for large periods but there was always a threat of a counter attack from the visiting team.
The first half was a very messy encounter that never really got going, with the final third of the pitch proving a stumbling block for United. The attacking intent was there from the Reds but all they could muster was a long range effort from Craig Lindfield and a Tom Greaves toe in the box just going wide.
The visitors proved more than dangerous on the counter and tested Dave Carnell in the United goal, proving that this was far from a sealed three points which would see the Reds go to the top of the league.
But, such is the confidence within the team at the moment, FC United always believe they can score, even against the most resolute of defences. With 20 minutes remaining the goal did come. A Lindfield corner was met by Lewis Lacy and he squared the ball across the six yard box for the unmarked Daniels to fire home from close range.
The goal sent FC United to the top of the league for the first time this season. Now we must stay there for two months. The task has changed, with teams chasing us - the hunters now become the hunted, bringing an interesting different aspect to what promises to be another exciting end to the season.
However, regardless of whether the Reds are setting the pace or chasing, they just need to stick to what they do best – winning games. The next one is at Grantham this Saturday.
Website man of the match: Greg Daniels - On an evening where the team failed to get fully flowing, Daniels continued his great recent form with the game’s only goal.
Report by Craig Phillips
