Match Report

FC United progressed to the second qualifying round of the FA Trophy after a well-deserved 2-0 win over Padiham at Bower Fold on Sunday afternoon.

Two second half goals from Jerome Wright and Matthew Walwyn made the difference as the Reds won a largely one-sided game comfortably.

The Reds only managed a draw against Blyth in midweek and the management rang in five changes for the break from league action. Attacking midfielder, Matthew Kay was given his first start against a the team FC United faced in our first ever home game back in August 2005 at Gigg Lane.

Within the first minute Wright had won a free-kick on the left and Craig Lindfield sent a dangerous ball into a crowded area which was almost bundled over the line, before Kay missed a golden opportunity from a perfect position unmarked in front of goal.

There was certainly a good pace to the game and FC United were constantly pushing forward. The next chance came through Tom Greaves who clipped the crossbar from a tight angle.

Lewis Lacy did have the ball in the net five minutes later but his free header at Marcus Burgess’ left post was ruled offside and there was no argument from the defender.

Despite the majority of the attack being in FC United’s favour, the Padiham defence and goalkeeper kept the Reds at bay with several goal line clearances and resolute defending, resulting in a stalemate at halftime.

Just minutes after the restart, Greaves looped the ball over the bar from a corner before Wright headed against the bar. United being denied by the woodwork yet again.

Wright didn’t have long to wait however, as his superb solo effort broke the deadlock an hour in. The winger went on an excellent run down the left, evading attempted tackles. A fitting finish followed as Wright came inside and fired into the far corner.

Unfortunately, injury to the goal scorer meant that a substitution quickly followed as Matthew Wolfenden replaced Wright just two minutes later.

Padiham were offering little to trouble FC United goalkeeper Dave Carnell and the set pieces they were awarded were well defended by the Reds, who continued to build, boosted by Wright’s goal.

Another change followed; this time Chris Lynch was replaced by Greg Daniels meaning that a reshuffle was required at the back whilst another attacking dimension was introduced to the game. The substitute tested Burgess with a good shot which the keeper was equal to.

United’s final change came with just over 10 minutes to play. After a decent performance, Kay was replaced by Matthew Walwyn which proved a good decision as the latter was able to wrap up the victory.

Padiham conceded a free-kick level with the area on the left and Lindfield delivered to Walwyn at the far post who headed in from very close range to double the lead.

FC United now await Monday’s draw to find out their opponents in the next round, but in the meantime turn their attentions back to league starting with a midweek away trip to Buxton.

Report by Victoria Fullen

Website man of the match: Jerome Wright – despite being substituted in the second half, Wright worked hard throughout and set United on the way to victory with a fantastic opener.