Match Report

Guiseley 3

Leo Farrell 38
Gabriel Johnson 44
Leo Farrell 72

FC United of Manchester 2

Attendance: 694

FC United suffered their second defeat of the season with a 3-2 loss at Guiseley as the Reds’ dire record at Nethermoor Park continued.

The day was made even worse when goalkeeper Ollie Byrne sustained a suspected dislocated shoulder, which could potentially keep him out of action for several weeks. Byrne has been a superb addition to the team and will be missed.

On loan Barnsley striker Leo Farrell bagged a brace for the Lions, either side of a goal from Gabriel Johnson. Guiseley were the better side throughout, but United showed good character to get back on level terms twice.

Farrell broke the deadlock in the 37^th minute when he intercepted a sloppy ball out from the back by Byrne and punished the goalkeeper’s mistake to make it 1-0.

Thankfully, Jay Fitzmartin equalised within a minute for the Reds with a probing run and finish into the bottom corner. Johnson put the West Yorkshire side back into the lead on the stroke of halftime before Adam Le Fondre equalised from the penalty spot 10 minutes into the second half.

However, Guiseley got the win they deserved when Farrell fired a superb strike past substitute goalkeeper Flynn Proctor into the top right corner of the goal with 18 minutes to go.

The Reds had gone into the match off the back of a reasonable start to the season with one win, two draws, and one defeat.

However, Nethermoor Park has never been a happy hunting ground for FC United, having lost on their previous five visits. The only time United have avoided defeat at Nethermoor Park was on their first visit back in November 2008 when they drew 2-2.

In was no surprise then that the Lions gave United the toughest match that they’ve faced so far this season. The hosts were the better side throughout and carved open the United defence on several occasions.

The West Yorkshire side could have scored more than three, had it not been for Byrnes’ heroics, some poor finishing, and the crossbar coming to the rescue.

Despite being outplayed and riding their luck, United nearly stole an equaliser at the death. Jordan Preston forced goalkeeper Joe Cracknell into a great stoppage time save – tipping a ferocious drive over the crossbar.

A draw would have been unfair on the hosts but would have been a great reward for United’s never say day spirit. All in all though, there can be no complaints from FC United – they were beaten by the better team – and they must now pick themselves up for Ashton United’s visit to Broadhurst Park on Bank Holiday Monday.