FC United enjoy comfortable victory over Mickleover FC

A good second half performance saw FC United put Mickleover FC to the sword 2-0 on a bitterly cold day at Broadhurst Park, courtesy of goals from Aaron Morris and Cian Hayes.

FC went into this game needing a win coming off the back of a torrid three-week spell, but it was Mickleover who would have the better of the chances in the first half, with Dan Lavercombe showing his class as he was called into making a string of brilliant saves. The most notable of these saves was when he got off his line quickly to smother the ball in a one-on-one situation.

The game looked to be settling into something of a stalemate as the first half wore on, despite a large amount of Reds pressure. It wasn’t until the very stroke of half time that FC would get their first goal.

Mickleover conceded a cynical free-kick right on the edge of the 18 yard box. On loan Fleetwood youngster Hayes got a good effort on target which was spilt by Mickleover goalkeeper Arlo Doherty in the six yard box. Morris was the first to react and got the vital touch to poke the ball home for 1-0.

It would be this goal that would prove fatal for the away side, and they really struggled to get any sort of momentum going as the second half wore on. A hail of chances would follow for FC, and the Reds finally showed that killer instinct in the 79th minute.

Ali Waddecar danced and tricked his way around the box, drawing the visitors' ‘keeper out of his net, and squaring the ball to Hayes, who had an open goal left at his mercy. The young striker made no mistake with a firm, side-footed volley, and FC found themselves in a comfortable, commanding position at 2-0.

If you thought the drama was over after this goal, you would be sorely mistaken as Mickleover found themselves a man down in stoppage time, with Mason Warren being sent off for an unnecessary high foot on Ennis.

Moments later, the visitors were fortunate not to be reduced to nine men. Andy Dales appeared to petulantly kick the prostrate Hayes in the head right in front of the St Mary’s Road End. However, neither the referee or his assistant appear to have seen the incident.    

FC find themselves climbing up to ninth in the table with this win, and with Whitby Town up next at home for the Reds, there is a chance to build on the momentum gained from this game.

Website man of the match – Cian Hayes – who else could it be? Hayes really showed his talent in his tenacity and his desire to get on the ball. When he was on the ball, a calm head and a lethal set of shooting boots meant that he was the standout player for the men in red.

Report by Callum Scott