Linney hat-trick fires FC United to victory at Ashton United

FC United defeated the 16-time Manchester Premier Cup winners Ashton United 3-0 thanks to a hat-trick from Regan Linney on a sunny Bank Holiday Monday at Hurst Cross.

In all truth, it was very much end-of-season fayre on show especially in the first half with the only action of note being Josh Galloway thumping the crossbar from close range.

The second half was a livelier affair, especially after manager Neil Reynolds made three changes in quick succession. The deadlock was broken on 63 minutes when Linney met the ball with his head, looping it in via the far post. The lead was doubled on 81 minutes when Josh Askew played Linney into the box, who calmly finished past Greg Hartley.

Three minutes later, The Robins were reduced to 10 men when Pabadou Jenkins slid in dangerously on Michael Donohue, a challenge that provoked both set of players to come together. Once calm was restored, the referee produced the inevitable red card for the challenge.

There was still time for one last piece of action, as deep into injury time Askew was played in but was taken out by Hartley, the referee pointing to the spot after a small period of thought. Linney dispatched calmly to secure his hat-trick and the 3-0 victory.

It was a well-deserved win for the Reds who now finish their campaign with a home game against Hyde United.

Website man of the match – Aaron Morris. Even eclipsed the hat-trick hero with a superb performance of calm, skill and determination. A well-deserved award.

Report by Steven Wood