FC United recorded their second victory of the week – and season – with a well-deserved 2-0 win at Whitby Town, with Michael Donohue and Regan Linney both continuing where they left off at Belper scoring the goals at the Turnbull Ground.
FC United recorded their second victory of the week – and season – with a well-deserved 2-0 win at Whitby Town, with Michael Donohue and Regan Linney both continuing where they left off at Belper scoring the goals at the Turnbull Ground.
Linney was sent clear inside 30 seconds thanks to a kick from Dan Lavercombe making use of the wind, but he volleyed the ball over the bar. On 11 minutes skipper Charlie Ennis almost gave the Reds the lead when he poked the ball goalwards but goalkeeper Shane Bland was alert on his near post and pushed the ball wide. Two minutes later, The Seasiders had their first sight of goal, but Coleby Shepherd fired well wide.
Just before half time, FC did take the lead when a cross from Chris Taylor was met on the volley by Linney, the ball looping into the back of the net. A minute later, Linney was in the action again, but after a mazy run, his shot was saved by Bland.
After the break, FC United came out all guns blazing, and Ennis almost doubled the lead with a long shot that Bland did well to tip onto his crossbar and over for a corner.
On 51 minutes, the home defence hesitated and allowed Linney in, his shot hitting the far post, Donohue seeing the rebound tipped wide. Just before the hour mark, Whitby had a dangerous moment of their own when Nicky Walker found himself in the box, Jan Palinkas blocking the shot.
It was mainly FC doing the attacking and it was no surprise when the lead was doubled. Fantastic link-up play on the edge of the box saw the ball find its way to Donohue at the far post who finished well into the far corner.
Ten minutes later, FC were reduced to ten men when Luke Griffiths was adjudged to have followed through with his studs showing. FC though, to their credit, held firm and the only real scare was in the last minute when a long ball found Harry Green on the right, he crossed to substitute Roy Fogarty who took too long with his shot and the ball was cleared.
There was still time for Linney to go on a mazy run, beating a number of players before seeing his shot save by Bland.
A well-earned three points were taken back to Broadhurst Park, where FC United will be hoping to continue the winning run on Tuesday when they entertain Nantwich Town
Man of the match – Regan Linney. A superb performance of tenacity, pressing and skill – with another goal to boot.
Report by Steven Wood