The Red Round-Up - 10th March

Here’s the round-up of the weekend action for each of FC’s teams. 

Men’s First Team

The first team advanced to the Fenix Trophy semi-final after overturning a 1-0 loss against Fans United in the first leg to run out 4-2 winners on aggregate.

On a sunny afternoon at Broadhurst Park, FC got off to a perfect start 16 minutes in, as Matty Grivosti scored an absolute screamer hitting a first-time volley from about 35 yards into the top right corner, making it 1-0 on the day and 1-1 on aggregate.

Mark Beesley’s men would eventually find themselves ahead in the tie as in the 53rd minute, as Gez Sithole latched onto Charlie Munro’s pass to finish beyond the keeper. Then only a minute later, FC found themselves three goals to the good as Charlie Ennis’ left-footed strike rocketed into the top corner leaving the keeper with no chance.

Just after the hour mark, Sithole got his second of the afternoon as he headed home a corner at the near post, increasing the Reds’ lead to 4-0. Fans United did get a late consolation, with Avedisovic latching on to a loose pass from FC – finishing from range into an open net.

However, the damage was already done, with FC advancing to the semi-finals, running out 4-1 winners on the day and 4-2 winners on aggregate. FC now wait to find out their opponents in the semi-final, as the competition reaches Finals Weekend.

Women’s First Team

The ladies were in cup action this week against Ellesmere Port Town but the game was abandoned during the second period of extra time.

FC had taken the lead with ten minutes to go, before the visitors equalised a few minutes later, with the scores level at 1-1 at the end of normal time.

We await news regarding a rearrangement of the fixture.

Under 17s

The Under 17s faced leaders Woodhouses on Saturday in a top of the table clash, knowing that a win would see the young Reds go top.

Despite FC dominating early, Woodhouses took the lead after 20 minutes but were instantly pegged back after a great ball from Mason Jones played in Dan Morris who lobbed the keeper to level the scores. But, just prior to half-time, the league leaders restored their lead through a free kick to make it 2-1.

Half time came and went, and on 55 minutes Andrew Ndhlovu grabbed an equaliser for the young Reds, battling through the Woodhouses defence and slotting it into the corner. 

Jude Miller brought down a Woodhouses forward in the box to concede a penalty, which the hosts converted to put themselves back in the lead. Once again though, FC pegged them back, with Joe Weston’s half-volley fifteen minutes from time meaning the scores were level heading into injury time.

Deep into added time, a ball over the top left Ndhlovu one-on-one with the keeper and his delicate chip won the game for FC, sparking wild celebrations for the young Reds.

Martin Morris said that he and Mark Crilly reflected on a ‘special’ day after the side give it ‘absolutely everything’, and expressed how ‘exceptionally proud’ they are of their side for what they’ve achieved already this season.

The win takes the U17s to the top of the league, meaning that the league title is now in their hands with four games to play.

Academy

The Academy took on Stockport County on Wednesday, defeating them 1-0 thanks to a 77th minute strike from Bob Jammeh.

The win sees FC’s academy remain in 4th place in the table, now six points behind leaders Chorley but still with two games in hand.

Men's Development Team

A number of the Development Team had travelled to Montenegro with the first team squad for last Monday’s Fenix Trophy tie against Fans United, but it was back to business in the league as they faced Chadderton at Broadhurst Park on Sunday.

It was a tough game against a hard-working Chadderton side but FC prevailed, digging in to eventually win 3-2. A first half goal from Ryan Spencer, followed by a second half brace from Bob Jammeh was enough to see the Reds maintain their unbeaten record.

Manager Callum Greenwood praised his side’s resilience in seeing out the win, and his satisfaction at seeing a number of his side feature for the first team in Podgorica and give a good account of themselves.

COMING UP

The Men’s First Team return to Northern Premier League action on Saturday (3pm) as they host Leek Town at Broadhurst Park.

The Men’s Development Team are also at home again as they welcome Stretford Paddock on Sunday afternoon (4pm).

The Under 17s look to carry on their momentum after this weekend’s big win as they face Radcliffe Town at Cardinal Langley in Middleton on Saturday morning (10am).

The Academy face a lengthy trip to face Notts County on Wednesday (2pm) as they go for their fifth win in a row and try to keep up the pressure on the teams above them. 

The Women’s Development Team return to action on Sunday (2pm) as they head to AFC Boltonians.

The Women’s First Team now have a couple of weeks off, before they play Bury at Broadhurst Park on the 23rd March.

Reporting by Fin Gaynor