Match Report

FC United of Manchester Women 2

Woolton 2

Attendance: 94

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A dominant FC United women’s team came from one down to lead 2-1 allowing league leaders MSB Woolton to earn a draw with a late equaliser last Sunday in front of 94 spectators. With games running out the Reds remain two points behind the Merseysiders who also have games in hand.

Against the run of play, Vickky Fraser opened the scoring for the visitors just before the half hour but Leah Hartshorne headed the Reds level ten minutes later. Olivia Gannon gave United a deserved lead early in the second half and in the last ten minutes FC’s superb defence switched off for a split second from a set piece allowing a free header to loop over Chloe Williams from striker Steph Banks leaving the honours even and strengthening Woolton’s claim on the title.

Woolton kicked off and squandered possession, sparking a rampage down the left by Kirsty Chambers to loft in a cross that was well collected by Lisa Byrne in the visitor’s goal. The pattern was set for the first half an hour of the game with Woolton soaking up raid after raid without really seeing their goal threatened and all the while looking to hit back on the break. Against the run of play, earning their second corner following only their second meaningful attack, Becky Jacobs fired in a dangerous cross which was only partially cleared, falling kindly for Fraser to shape a superb half volley through the crowded area and beyond the despairing dive of Williams from 12 yards just before the half hour.

The game opened up and the visitors had a golden opportunity to double their lead minutes later as Danielle Gibson beat the offside trap to be denied by a flying Williams save. Hartshorne tried a speculative 40 yarder that Byrne saved nervously beneath her bar and as United pressed for the equaliser Shellby Wolstencroft was fouled wide on the left. Chambers delivered a superb cross and Hartshorne rose highest to head over the stranded Byrne who had left her line in an attempt to intercept the ball. Gannon almost gave United a deserved half time lead on 40 minutes after she half volleyed an excellent cross from Charlie Evans just wide.

The United striker wasn’t to be denied for long and after a strong start to the second half the Reds took the lead in the 54th minute. Wolstencroft was fouled again 35 yards from goal and Chambers put the ball right onto the keeper who fumbled under pressure and Gannon was on hand to nudge the ball home from less than a yard sparking jubilant scenes on and off the pitch.

Woolton came back strongly as the game evened out and it was United’s turn to defend resolutely as chances were denied for the strike pairing of Fraser and Banks. United too created chances with Wolstencroft and Gannon going close as the reds tried in vain to fashion a two goal cushion. An absorbing contest between the league’s best two sides approached the last ten minutes with Woolton being awarded a free kick following an innocuous challenge in the centre circle. From such distance the threat looked minimal but Banks was left completely unmarked and connected brilliantly with the set piece using the pace and trajectory of the ball to loop her header into the top corner from 15 yards beyond a surprised Williams.

United, sensed an injustice and made all the play as the time ebbed away and deep into stoppage time, throwing all caution to the wind Chelsea Patient, joining the attack, delivered a fantastic cross onto the chest of Wolstencroft on the penalty spot. The tricky striker did everything right, bringing the ball down swivelling and half volleying goalward all in one swift motion with the Woolton defence static. Somehow as the ball looked destined for the bottom corner to deliver a precious three points to the home side, Byrne stretched out a leg and the ball deflected off her toe cap just over her bar to the stunned disbelief of all in attendance.

No sooner were heads out of hands and jaws restored to their correct position, when referee Moore called time on an excellent match that was a credit to the women’s game and the players, coaches and supporters of both sides.

There was great support on Sunday and it was really appreciated by team. With just two games left of the season, Altrincham this Sunday and Mersey Girls a week later and both at home; why not get yourself down to our football ground and cheer on our other first team?

Report by Rob Fullen

FC Player of the game: Charlie Evans – arguably the former Heyside Angels winger’s strongest game in a red shirt providing an outlet down the right and delivering decent crosses all afternoon.

Teams 3 April 2016: Attendance: 94

FC United of Manchester Women: 2 (1)
1. Chloe Williams
12. Jess Tonge
2. Fran Davies
5. Chelsea Patient
17. Jess McCarrick
8. Adora Yau
18. Leah Hartshorne (Goal 37 mins)
16. Charlie Evans
11. Kirsty Chambers (Capt)
9. Shellby Wolstencroft
19. Olivia Gannon (Goal 54 mins)
Subs:
4. Aimee Cook (for No8 75mins)
6. Lucy Bonner (not used)
7. Beth Hayes (for No11 68mins)
10. Jade Parker (for No18 80mins)
20. Beth Scholey (not used)

MSB Woolton Ladies FC: 2 (1)
1. Lisa Byrne
2. Lisa Corkill
4. Dawn Keogh
7. Ruth Smith
12. Betty Old
14. Jade McNicholas
11. Danielle Gibson
16. Becky Jacobs
9. Steph Banks (Goal 80mins)
10. Jayne Tre
19. Vickky Fraser (Goal 28mins)
Subs:
3. Paula Kadiri (not used)
6. Mel Fewings (for No9 87mins)
12. Hollie Keating (for No16 64mins)

Referee: Kevin Moore
Venue: Broadhurst Park, Lightbowne Road, Moston, Manchester, M40