FC United unbeaten in six after Stafford stalemate

FC United are unbeaten in six matches after drawing 0-0 at Stafford Rangers on Saturday afternoon.

The Reds picked up a valuable point on the road during a fairly uneventful encounter at Marston Road in front of 936 supporters.

Both sides had chances to win the match but the Reds rarely troubled goalkeeper Lewis King. His counterpart Paddy Wharton made a superb save 15 minutes into the game when Jack Sherratt should have scored from six yards out in what proved to be the best chance of the match.

Wharton was outstanding throughout, as was centre-back Curtis Jones. Captain Mike Potts worked tirelessly but United were unable to unlock the home defence and lone-striker Tunde Owolabi didn’t get the service he would have liked.

Owolabi had a penalty appeal turned down midway through the first half when he was felled from behind as he tried to latch on to a near post cross. Referee Reece Davies was unmoved but then curiously awarded a goalkick to Rangers.

FC United’s best chance fell to Michael Donohue early in the second half when the Reds worked the ball into the box but his effort was blocked.

Stafford did beat Wharton once but Alex Harvey curled his dangerous effort wide of the far post with just over 20 minutes to go.

The game gradually petered out in the September heat and FC United will be hoping that they have rediscover their shooting boots for the visit of Warrington Town in next Saturday’s Emirates FA Cup.

Report by Matthew Haley

Website man of the match: Curtis Jones. Was a rock at the back all afternoon, constantly snuffing out Stafford’s attempts to go forward.