Christmas cracker as FC United beat Stafford Rangers

FC United beat Stafford Rangers 2-1 in an eventful game at Broadhurst Park on Saturday afternoon as Declan McLoughlin scored a screamer in the 15th minute and Jordan Buckley added a sublime second two minutes before halftime. 

The Reds were firmly in control, but Curtis Jones chested the ball into his own net in the 61st minute to create an unnecessarily tense finale. However, FC held firm after the goal and looked the more likely team to add to the scoreline.

Former Preston North End midfielder Aaron Bennett had an amazing debut and was unlucky to see his piledriver cannon off the post in the dying minutes. Buckley will be delighted to score on his second home debut after returning to the club. Both were instrumental in the victory. 

As it is the season of giving, FC gifted the fans three points and the fans celebrated by chanting the 12 Days of Cantona.

A few bookings occurred in the game, the first of which was Nathan Blissett who tumbled over FC’s Charlie Oliver, leading to his early booking in the 10th minute. Others included Joe Willis (62nd minute), Charlie Ennis (82nd minute) and Andrew Burns (90+ minute). 

FC United goalkeeper Pat Boyes did not need to make a save until around the 50th minute, when Stafford finally had their first shot on target, a fantastic save that prevented Stafford pulling one back towards the start of the second half.

Down at the other end, former FC United goalkeeper Cameron Belford was also on fine form. Often the pantomime villain, he is undeniably a quality keeper. 

Belford was the standout player from Stafford. If not for the man between the posts, the scoreline would very much have been further in FC’s favour. He was quick to deny many United’s attacks and attempts on goal.

The fans were also essential to the Red’s victory as they roared the team on, as always, for the whole 90 minutes. The 12 days of Cantona made its appearance, which is always a festive favourite at Broadhurst Park, although it was interrupted halfway through as Mcloughlin scored his 15th minute goal.

There was a further special sight above Broadhurst Park as a double rainbow appeared as the sun was going down and the rain started to fall at the start of halftime and the flood lights illuminate the pitch for the second half, until the end of a great game for the Reds that had everyone on the edge of their seats.

Thank you to our fans for all the support through 2023 – a Merry Christmas to you all. See you all on Boxing Day at Ashton United and back at Broadhurst Park next Saturday 30 December when we host league leaders Radcliffe.

Report by Joe Slack