FC United defeated at home by Gloucester City
FC United’s three game unbeaten run in the Vanarama National League North came to an abrupt end on Saturday afternoon with a 2-1 defeat to Gloucester City at Broadhurst Park.
The Reds looked to have kickstarted their season in recent weeks with impressive victories of league leaders Nuneaton Town and highly rated Stockport County. However, lowly Gloucester stole the points as FC United once again failed to deal with a side below them in the table.
A fairly even opening to the encounter saw some signs of promise from United but also hints of trouble from the visitors who had the first real chance after Femi Orenuga had beaten Adam Thurston and managed to cross to Obi Anoruo at the near post who poked it wide from close range.
Gloucester didn’t have to wait long, however, as poor decision-making at the back allowed a gift of an opener. Lewis Hall latched onto a through-ball and as Dave Carnell rushed off his line, Hall squared to Joe Parker who had only an open goal to contend with.
The half livened up with a fantastic 35-yard drive from George Thompson via a free kick. The midfielder struck from range through the hands of Jas Singh to equalise for the Reds in style.
It looked as though Gloucester were about to take the lead once more just before half-time as the ball pin-balled dangerously around the FC area; however, United managed to clear to keep the scores level as the teams went in for the break.
The swirling rain glistened in the Broadhurst Park floodlights as the players had to contend with a slippy surface throughout the second half. United were making positive forward runs but naïve defending saw the Tigers go ahead against the run of play with 20 minutes to go. Parker played the ball onto Harry Williams who rounded an advancing Carnell and slotted home.
In the latter stages, United thought they had levelled through Tom Greaves, however the talisman was dubiously flagged offside and despite a short delay the goal did not stand and the Reds could do nothing in the remaining minutes to salvage any points from the game.
Although the second half performance was a marked improvement on the first, United will be rueing defensive errors and lack of end product as they now look to a Boxing Day fixture with familiar rivals Bradford Park Avenue to get back on track.
Report by Victoria Fullen.
The Reds looked to have kickstarted their season in recent weeks with impressive victories of league leaders Nuneaton Town and highly rated Stockport County. However, lowly Gloucester stole the points as FC United once again failed to deal with a side below them in the table.
A fairly even opening to the encounter saw some signs of promise from United but also hints of trouble from the visitors who had the first real chance after Femi Orenuga had beaten Adam Thurston and managed to cross to Obi Anoruo at the near post who poked it wide from close range.
Gloucester didn’t have to wait long, however, as poor decision-making at the back allowed a gift of an opener. Lewis Hall latched onto a through-ball and as Dave Carnell rushed off his line, Hall squared to Joe Parker who had only an open goal to contend with.
The half livened up with a fantastic 35-yard drive from George Thompson via a free kick. The midfielder struck from range through the hands of Jas Singh to equalise for the Reds in style.
It looked as though Gloucester were about to take the lead once more just before half-time as the ball pin-balled dangerously around the FC area; however, United managed to clear to keep the scores level as the teams went in for the break.
The swirling rain glistened in the Broadhurst Park floodlights as the players had to contend with a slippy surface throughout the second half. United were making positive forward runs but naïve defending saw the Tigers go ahead against the run of play with 20 minutes to go. Parker played the ball onto Harry Williams who rounded an advancing Carnell and slotted home.
In the latter stages, United thought they had levelled through Tom Greaves, however the talisman was dubiously flagged offside and despite a short delay the goal did not stand and the Reds could do nothing in the remaining minutes to salvage any points from the game.
Although the second half performance was a marked improvement on the first, United will be rueing defensive errors and lack of end product as they now look to a Boxing Day fixture with familiar rivals Bradford Park Avenue to get back on track.
Report by Victoria Fullen.
First Posted ~ 18:50 Sat 19 Dec 2015
News ID ~ 6582
Last Updated ~ 00:47 Tue 16 Feb 2021