Squires Gate hit for eight

Four first half goals from Rory Patterson and a hat trick for Stuart Rudd saw FC United hammer Blackpool’s Squires Gate 8-0 at Gigg Lane to record their second biggest ever victory in front of 2,381 supporters.

The in-form partnership of Patterson and Rudd delivered an unstoppable master class in finishing to leave the seasiders wondering where it had all gone wrong.

It took Patterson just five minutes to break the deadlock and the Reds added another four to but them 5-0 up and cruising before half time. Rudd added two more after the break with debutant Danny Shannon coming off the bench to complete the rout.

Winger Jamie Pheonix was introduced in the second half and former Liverpool and Burnley apprentice Nick Platt also came on as a substitute for the second time this week.

As well as the goal scorers, Maty Taylor and Alex Mortimer both shone again and were heavily involved in the game, enjoying being allowed space down the wings to come forward.

The highlight of the day was the bizarre nature of United’s seventh goal. The visitor’s ‘keeper Peter Summerfield rolled the ball out seemingly thinking play had been stopped for a free kick, but the quick thinking Rudd was first on the scene and he literally walked the ball in to the net without being challenged.

Possibly the best goal was saved till last though. With just four minutes left on the clock, Rhodri Giggs brought a cross-field pass under control and whipped a stunning ball in to pick out Shannon who headed in powerfully to cap the day off.

It’s the third time that United have scored eight or more in a match with their greatest victory coming last December with a 10-2 victory over Castleton Gabriels.