FC United score four to win at Stalybridge Celtic

FC United came from behind to secure a much needed 4-2 win over local rivals Stalybridge Celtic at Bower Fold on Saturday afternoon.

The visiting Reds were 1-0 down after 13 minutes but captain Jerome Wright levelled matters two minutes later before United ran away with the game.

Jason Gilchrist netted a brace with goals coming in the 18th and 63rd minutes. Kieran Glynn put the Reds 3-1 up on 32 minutes and although Brian Summerskill pulled one back for the hosts early in the second half, FC United ran out comfortable winners in the end.

The deadlock was broken by Celtic on 13 minutes when a long throw was glanced in by Aiden Chippendale. It took two minutes for FC when a mix up in defence saw a blocked clearance drop to Wright who slotted the ball home. The lead was extended on 18 minutes when Wright crossed for Gilchrist to to fire the ball into the net.

The home side were still looking to pull a goal back by just after the half hour the lead was extended when a throw from the left found Glynn who shot past extra FC keeper Grant Shenton. Celtic almost pulled a goal back but Liam Dickinson saw his header blocked on the line.

The home side started the second half on the front door and pulled a goal back when a superb left wing cross was headed in by Brian Summerskill on 52 minutes. Three minutes later the FC was left as the ball broke to Josh Hine who rounded Dave Carnell but he touch took him too wide and the chance went. Carnell was involved again a few minutes later when Dickinson went through but he saved well.

Just after the hour, the lead was extended when a corner was met by Gilchrist who scored with a bullet header.

Wright was a thorn in the Celtic side, he was constantly getting behind the home defence and one such time saw a superb cross just evade the FC attackers. Stalybridge continued to attempt to pull a goal back, Adam Mather stinging the hands of Carnell with a shot.

This result was just what FC required, the three points were vital but more importantly the performance was a huge step up from the previous week against Bradford.

Report by Steven Wood

Website man of the match - Sam Baird. Close run award between Baird, Glynn and Wright but Sam takes the award due to his performance against an experience forward line where he showed composure and maturity that belied the fact this was his debut.