Last gasp FC United win at Fulwood Amateurs

FC United completed the away pre-season games with a hard fought 2-1 victory at Fulwood Amateurs, courtesy of a late winner from triallist Elliot Johnston seeing the team home.

Manager Neil Reynolds gave a debut to ex-Chesterfield and Luton Town midfielder Johnathan Smith and he caught the eye on the night, but it was a welcome return to form for Regan Linney that was the most pleasing part of the evening.

The home side started strongly and Curtis Jones had to head from his own line within the first minute, which was a portent of things to come.

On five minutes, Fulwood took the lead when a cross found Lucas Weaver who chested the ball down, turned and fired an unstoppable shot past Dan Lavercombe for 1-0.

From this point it was FC United very much in the ascendancy but they saw a resolute back line from Fulwood and the main chances were long shots that flew wide or over.

On 48 minutes, Ali Waddicar worked himself space on the left and fired in a shot that was tipped over by Fulwood goalkeeper Aaron Lancaster. It was same a few minutes later, Waddicar bringing a fine save from Lancaster, the ball dropped to Linney who tapped wide when he should have scored.

On 54 minutes, FC drew level when Linney cut in and curled the equaliser into the far corner. Adam Dodd was the next to try his luck but again saw Lancaster produce a great save, tipping the ball over the bar. 

Dodd came close again on 77 minutes but his free-kick hit the bar and flew over. Dodd and Lancaster continued their personal battle with another shot tipped wide. 

It was looking for all the world that the Reds would have to settle for a draw but with three minutes to go, Cedric Main found trialist Elliot Johnston who chipped the ball over Lancaster and into the back of the net to win the game, 2-1. 

Full marks to Fulwood who defended superbly on the night and in other games would have earned a draw

Website man of the match: Regan Linney. Back to showing what we all know he can do.

Report by Steven Wood