FCUM sit pretty at the top of the NPL after beating visitors Morpeth 4-2 under the lights at Broadhurst Park.
In the last of our 4 home games on the bounce, FC United saw off the challenge of visitors Morpeth, winning 4-2 to send the Reds top of the league for the first time since 2015. A hat-trick from Will Russ and an early penalty converted by Charlie Ennis proved to be more than enough to send our visitors back up to the North East empty handed.
FC struggled in the first half to get a grip of their opponents, as Morpeth forces FC ‘Keeper Wyll Stanway into an array of impressive saves. The Highwaymen would get themselves on the scoresheet almost immediately after FC went one up, with the FC defence failing to pick up the short passing game, and the game was level again.
The sides would go in level at the break, but it was FC with the bit between their teeth, pressing well to regain possession, and spraying balls all over the park when they were in possession. They would re-emerge for the second half with that same tenacity, and it would be Ennis that would light the touch-paper for the FC resurgence.
There was a small amount of ‘head tennis’ in the middle of the park as both sides failed to capitalise on the second ball, but that didn’t stop Will Russ from putting FC ahead in the 60th minute. It was Reagan Linney that broke away down the right hand side, and the lay-off left the goal at the mercy of Russ, who made no mistake.
For United’s third, it was that now familiar duo of Will Russ and Reagan Linney linking up again as Russ added a second goal to his tally this season, driving the ball past a sorry Morpeth ‘Keeper.
The script would have yet another twist in it for FC and the fans inside Broadhurst Park, as Morpeth were awarded a penalty in the 73rd minute, and Noble made no mistake form the spot to make the game 3-2, despite Stanway diving the right way.
A nervy end would ensue for FC, as Morpeth threw all they had at the FC back line in order to get level, but yet again FC were able to capitalise with that man Russ again getting on the end of a good ball in from the left hand side, to seal his hat-trick and seal all three points for FC.
After the game, FC Manager Neil Reynolds said;
“Football is funny. We underperformed massively on Saturday, and I gave the lads the opportunity to bounce back tonight, and they did.
“I just thought all over the park tonight we were really strong. Some of the football we played in the first half was some of the best I’ve seen. We’ve just got to keep going, keep picking up points where we can and keep our heads down.
“You can’t buy the experience we have here. There are a lot of young lads that need coaching out there, but its a really good blend and were enjoying having everyone here.”
Next up for FC is a trip away to Marske United on Saturday 15th October, in a 15.00 Kick Off.