FC United up to 15th with priceless win over Gainsborough

FC United have relied on their home form all season, and so it proved again on Tuesday night as they beat Gainsborough Trinity one nil in a hard fought victory. A much needed three points were won via a first half Craig Lindfield goal.

In what could have been a nervy encounter the Reds started brightly with Jamal Crawford and Joel Senior linking up well down the right on several occasions. The first of these ended with Bolton loanee Jeff King blasting his shot over the bar. Shortly after Senior and Crawford’s link up play sent Tommy Greaves scampering towards the bye-line, his cross was met by a clever flick from Lindfield to give the home side a well deserved lead on 16 minutes.

From the restart Trinity went up the pitch and won successive corners to remind FC that they had work to do in defence as well.

United continued to press on in search of a nerve calming second goal, a Crawford run resulting in a corner and then Senior fashioned himself a chance on goal that was saved by keeper Henrich Ravas. The Reds were on the front foot again when Lindfield had a shot parried by Ravas back onto himself and out for a dead ball.

In between these attacking forays Lloyd Allinson was called upon to make a finger tip save from a shot cum cross not dissimilar to Bostons 4th goal on Saturday.

The youngsters down the right again linked up well, which left Greaves on the edge of the area, his shot skimming the top of the crossbar. No further chances were created as the referee blew for halftime.

Gainsborough started the second half with renewed purpose and had a halfhearted penalty shout waved away. The game entered a scrappy stage with plenty of stoppages as both sides fought for dominance and that crucial next goal.
United themselves had a couple of penalty claims both for handball but the referee was having none of it. During this period FC looked to be gaining the upper hand but Allinson had to make a fantastic save to keep United in front. From the resulting corner Trinity scored but it was disallowed due to the ball going out and back in again.

As time wore on the game opened more and more, substitute Danny Raachi shooting straight at the keeper from the edge of the area and Nicky Walker blazing wide for the away side.

When the board went up showing 5 minutes added time the tension was palpable however United saw the game out with no real threat to the scoreline.

On a night where the result was more important than the performance, FC can feel pleased with the three points before welcoming Bradford Park Avenue to Broadhurst Park this Saturday.

Man of the Match: Joel Senior constantly drove toward and into the box creating numerous chances for himself and his team whilst not forgetting his defensive duties.