FC United remain three points clear after draw at Rushall Olympic

FC United remain three points clear at the top of the Evo-Stik Premier Division after drawing 1-1 at Rushall Olympic on Tuesday night.

Matthew Wolfenden put the Reds ahead on 12 minutes but an equaliser early in the second half for the hosts meant the points were shared. Ilkeston won 1-0 at Blyth Spartans meaning that they move up into second place, three points behind FC United.

The Reds started well, Tom Greaves latching onto a weak defensive header but his shot was straight at Ryan Price. When the lead came it was well deserved. Rory Fallon, on his first start for FC United, crossed from the left, Greaves headed the ball back into the six yard box where Wolfenden bundled the ball into the net.

Greaves had another chance on 19 minutes when he was played clear by Craig Lindfield. As he shot, he was challenged just enough by a Pics defender and the ball went wide. As the half went on the home side grew in confidence and had good chances from Steven Leslie and Kris Taylor, both chances failing to hit the target.

Five minutes into the second half, the score was level thanks to a moment Dave Carnell will want to forget. The usually reliable goalkeeper fumbled an innocuous looking cross which was tapped in by Aris Christophoru.

It was the home side that enjoyed most of the second half possession with chances few and far between at either end. With the official playing time added on, the game sprung to life. A period of FC pressure saw Matty Kay have a shot blocked and there were loud appeals for handball, appeals waved away from the referee.

There was also a heart stopping moment in the FC box as Carnell fumbled a through ball, recovering superbly to block the follow up shot by Aaron Williams. It was a hard fought point for FC, which could prove vital at the climax of the season.

Website Man of the Match - Rory Fallon. A first start and a busy creative performance. Seemed to cover every blade of grass and put on some crosses of real quality.

Report by Steven Wood