Match Report

FC United progress in the FA Cup after a dominant 4-0 victory over Rossington Main

Mark Beesley’s Reds scored four without reply on Saturday, putting the reds into the hat for Second Round Qualifying of the Emirates FA Cup. 

A penalty from Adam Le Fondre was dispatched mid-way through the first half, before Jordan Buckley scored three to grab the match ball and send the Reds into the next round.

There was much excitement amongst the travelling FC faithful as the team news was released, with new signing Vernon Masara starting from the off for Beesley’s side. Masara was announced on Friday, joining on an initial one-month loan from Burnley.

And it was that man, Masara, who helped FC take the lead. A ball behind the Rossington defence left Masara free to run onto the pass, before being brought down in the box for a penalty. Le Fondre made no mistake from the spot, sending the keeper the wrong way, and putting FC 1-0 up. 

But FC weren’t done there, as with half time approaching, Jordan Buckley found some space on the edge of the Rossington area and curling it low into the far corner of the net, doubling the lead for FC. 

The second half started fairly evenly, with chances for both sides, knowing the next goal would be crucial. It was FC who took the opportunity on 66 minutes, with Ajay Weston playing a perfect cross into Buckley. His powerful header left the Rossington goalie with no chance, his second goal of the game putting FC three to the good.

Just three minutes later, Buckley secured his hat-trick. Space opened up on the edge of the area for the number 10, and he smashed a right-footed strike into the top left corner, putting FC 4-0 up. 

This gave the Reds the opportunity to make a number of substitutions to rest some legs, including a debut for Ruben Grewal. The game rather petered out after that, with the scoreline remaining at four-nil.

Afterwards, manager Mark Beesley said that he felt his side “controlled” the game, saying the “attitude and application” from his players was “spot on”. 

Next up for FC, the Reds return to Broadhurst Park on Saturday for the visit of Cleethorpes Town, looking to strengthen their position at the top of the table. 

The Second Round Qualifying draw was made on Monday afternoon, with the FC the first team out of the hat - getting a home tie against Chadderton of the NWCFL Premier.

Match report by Daniel Atkinson