Reds' Women finish pre-season with 4-2 win at York

FC ‘s Women end pre-season with impressive victory in York
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On a beautiful, sunny and breezy Sunday afternoon at Your University’s St John’s Campus, FC United’s Women wrapped up their pre-season with an impressive 4-2 victory over York City Ladies.

The game’s opener was scored from close range by the impressive Cara Fields, ghosting into the 6 yard box between defenders to convert a Jordan Bailey cross on 4 minutes. The lead was quickly cancelled out by York from a set piece 2 minutes later. United regained the lead with an impressive trademark strike from the Captain Kirsty Chambers following a short corner routine with Fields, just past the half hour only for York’s No9 to cancel out the lead with virtually the last kick of a very competitive first half.


FC United responded well to a half time change of tactics taking the game to their hosts and had a Corie Mather goal ruled out for a dubious offside early in the half. However, FC were not to be denied for much longer and took the lead for the third time in the game with another Chambers wonder strike from 25 yards on 54 minutes. Despite going down to 10 players on the hour, United not only hung on but continued to take the game to City and extended their lead courtesy of substitute Natalie Richardson latching onto a floated cross from Laura Hart, with quarter of an hour remaining.


Chloe Ainsworth made some important saves late on and Caitlin Clancy anticipated the danger well as she cleared off the line under significant pressure in the final stages to keep the hosts at bay and preserve the two goal cushion. With Chelsea Patient using all her experience to anticipate threats and marshal the back line, FC United saw the game out in an organised and controlled manner, with everyone working hard for each other in the late summer heat and strengthening breeze.


Without doubt, both York City and FC United will make strong bids for promotion to the National League from their respective divisions this season. Sunday’s game and victory was therefore an ideal benchmark ahead of the league season kick off in early October (fixtures due later this month). Manager, Kamran Hussain, has been delighted with a varied and difficult pre-season with games selected to test his squad, physically and tactically, by varying degrees in each encounter.


Ahead of the league campaign, this coming Sunday, the Women play their second game in this season’s FA Women’s Cup having despatched West Kirby Ladies 13-0 in the extra preliminary round on our 3G back on 6th September. We welcome our preliminary round opponents Ashton Town Ladies to Broadhurst park with for the 2pm KO. It is intended that the game take place in the stadium and keep an eye on the website for full details and any associated safety guidelines.

Report by Rob Fullen


FC Player of the game: Caitlin Clancy – in a tougher game than the score line might suggest at first glance, Caitlin produced an excellent, quietly efficient, defensive display and also linked through midfield and into attack when able on several occasions. Special mentions also to Midfield Maestro and scorer of the opener Cara Fields and Captain Kirsty Chambers for two superb strikes.

Final Pre-season game. Venue: York University, St John’s Campus, Haxby Road, York, YO31 8FY

Teams Sunday 13th September 2020: Attendance: 23

FC United of Manchester Women: 4 (2)
1. Chloe Ainsworth
3. Emily Marsh
4. Caitlin Clancy
5. Chelsea Patient
6. Cara Fields (Goal 4 minutes)
8. Maxine Smith
18. Rebecca Cork
20 . Kate O’Gara
26. Corie Mather
10. Jordan Bailey
11. Kirsty Chambers (C) (Goals 32 & 54 minutes)
Subs:
15. Laura Hart (for No26 57 mins)
17. Jade Parker (for No11 57 mins, r/c 60 mins)
23. Beth Hayes (for No6 54 mins)
24. Alisha Marsh (for No8 46 mins)
25. Natalie Richardson (for No10 57 mins & Goal 75 mins)
Roll on Roll Off: No6 on for No3 (57 mins)

York City Ladies 2 (2)
Line up not available
Goal No6 Abby Parkin 6 mins (y/c 60 mins)
Goal No9 Sophie Tinson 44 mins

Referee: Hannah Cottam
Asst: N/A
Asst: N/A