FC United fought back to maintain their 100% record in the Fenix Trophy with an entertaining 3-2 victory at Belgian side KSK Beveren on Tuesday night courtesy of goals from Josiah Dyer and Charlie Ennis.
The defending champions’ European adventure continued with an action-packed encounter which featured five second half goals, a red card for goalkeeper Dan Lavercombe, and kitman Jimmy Deadman delighting fans by coming off the bench to make his second appearance for the club.
After missing a hatful of gilt-edged chances in the first half, United found themselves 1-0 down not long after the restart when Thibeau de Vos headed home the opening goal. But the Reds fought back well to go 3-1 up.
Striker Matt Van Wyk and man of the match Alex Wollerton laid on the first two goals for Dyer to finish from close range before a fantastic solo effort from Ennis made it 3-1.
The Reds briefly looked comfortable, but they were left clinging on at the end on when goalkeeper Dan Lavercombe was sent off for a terrible challenge on the edge of his box after an uncharacteristic rush of blood to the head saw him race out of his goal and poleaxe the Beveren forward.
Academy product Sandro Da Costa, possibly the smallest player on the pitch, courageously pulled on Lavercombe’s shirt and gloves but he was soon picking the ball out of the net as the hosts sensed a late opportunity to salvage a draw. Geoffrey Schelfhout getting the decisive touch in a goalmouth scamble to make it 3-2.
But the men from Manchester held on for the victory to top Group A with six points from two games, much to the delight of the 100 or so supporters who travelled over from the UK to cheer on Neil Reynolds’ team.
It was another special evening for everyone involved as the Fenix Trophy, now in its second year, continued its mission of 'making friends not millionaires' between football fans across Europe. Our thanks go to KSK Beveren for being fantastic hosts and we wish them well for the rest of the tournament and their season.
FC United return to league action at home to Stalybridge Celtic on Saturday, and in the Fenix Trophy they will host Valencian side CD Cuenca-Mestallistes 1925 at Broadhurst Park on Tuesday 7th March.
