FC United coast to curtain raising victory at Shelley
FC United ran out 6-0 winners at Shelley on Saturday afternoon, the first pre-season friendly of the 2013/14 campaign.
The venue was probably the most intriguing place FC United have played so far. Storthes Hall is the site of the Huddersfield University student halls of residence but was once a mental institution. Entry to the venue was through a barrier, the walk to the pitch was through a forest and the players had to change then be driven to the pitch on a minibus. The welcome from the home club was as warm as the weather and good luck to them in the future.
The Reds started the game with a mixture of the old guard, new signings and players looking to impress manager Karl Marginson and his team. Chris Worsley set up in midfield with Dean Stott and Ollie Banks, the centre half pairing was Charlie Raglan and Tom Davies and Cavell Coo lined up at right back.
On 13 minutes it was Banks who came close to breaking the deadlock with a free-kick that was well saved by the Shelley keeper. On 23 minutes, Shelley had a good chance of their own but Jon Worsnop did well to tip over.
Two minutes later, FC took the lead when Greg Daniels played himself clean through, he was supported by Worsley who he unselfishly rolled the ball to for a simple tap in.
Daniels combined well again soon after but this time the favour wasn’t returned with Worsely shooting into the side netting with Daniels looking for the pull back to tap in.
Just before half time it was 2-0 thanks to a rasping drive from Banks from the edge of the box.
Half-time brought wholesale FC changes as only Worsnop remained on the pitch. There was also a surprise centre back partnership as Mike Norton and Rhodri Giggs took their places in the back four.
On 57 minutes, the ball was played through to Tom Greaves who finished well. FC had plenty of chances, Greaves finding a good save from the keeper and Matt Walwyn seeing a low shot saved.
The home side had only made a couple of changes and so were tiring quickly, a fact FC capitalised on in the final 10 minutes.
Greaves grabbed his second after a delightful ball from Walwyn. The former Bradford Park Avenue striker chipped past the keeper and rolled the ball into an empty net.
A minute later it was 5-0 as Astley Mulholland was played into the box. He checked back and chipped the ball home. With four minutes to go, Greaves grabbed his hat-trick when good work by Adam Thurston saw Greaves in the box and he rolled the ball in.
All-in-all it was a good work out for FC, a good chance for new faces to impress with stand out performances from Charlie Raglan in the first half and Adam Thurston in the second.
Report by Steven Wood
The venue was probably the most intriguing place FC United have played so far. Storthes Hall is the site of the Huddersfield University student halls of residence but was once a mental institution. Entry to the venue was through a barrier, the walk to the pitch was through a forest and the players had to change then be driven to the pitch on a minibus. The welcome from the home club was as warm as the weather and good luck to them in the future.
The Reds started the game with a mixture of the old guard, new signings and players looking to impress manager Karl Marginson and his team. Chris Worsley set up in midfield with Dean Stott and Ollie Banks, the centre half pairing was Charlie Raglan and Tom Davies and Cavell Coo lined up at right back.
On 13 minutes it was Banks who came close to breaking the deadlock with a free-kick that was well saved by the Shelley keeper. On 23 minutes, Shelley had a good chance of their own but Jon Worsnop did well to tip over.
Two minutes later, FC took the lead when Greg Daniels played himself clean through, he was supported by Worsley who he unselfishly rolled the ball to for a simple tap in.
Daniels combined well again soon after but this time the favour wasn’t returned with Worsely shooting into the side netting with Daniels looking for the pull back to tap in.
Just before half time it was 2-0 thanks to a rasping drive from Banks from the edge of the box.
Half-time brought wholesale FC changes as only Worsnop remained on the pitch. There was also a surprise centre back partnership as Mike Norton and Rhodri Giggs took their places in the back four.
On 57 minutes, the ball was played through to Tom Greaves who finished well. FC had plenty of chances, Greaves finding a good save from the keeper and Matt Walwyn seeing a low shot saved.
The home side had only made a couple of changes and so were tiring quickly, a fact FC capitalised on in the final 10 minutes.
Greaves grabbed his second after a delightful ball from Walwyn. The former Bradford Park Avenue striker chipped past the keeper and rolled the ball into an empty net.
A minute later it was 5-0 as Astley Mulholland was played into the box. He checked back and chipped the ball home. With four minutes to go, Greaves grabbed his hat-trick when good work by Adam Thurston saw Greaves in the box and he rolled the ball in.
All-in-all it was a good work out for FC, a good chance for new faces to impress with stand out performances from Charlie Raglan in the first half and Adam Thurston in the second.
Report by Steven Wood
First Posted ~ 15:47 Sat 6 Jul 2013
News ID ~ 4967
Last Updated ~ 01:52 Tue 16 Feb 2021