Here’s the round-up of the weekend action for each of FC’s teams.
Men’s First Team
The first team weren’t able to build on last weekend’s Fenix Trophy victory as they were defeated by Leek Town at Broadhurst Park on Saturday.
Mark Beesley’s side got off to a bad start as the visitors took the lead within the first 10 minutes of the game, with Hayden Campbell heading the Blues in front. But FC got themselves back on level terms just prior to the half hour mark - Adam Le Fondre’s left footed strike from distance nestled into the bottom corner drawing the teams level. The Reds thought they would enter half-time with their noses in front as a nicely worked move just prior to the break led to Josh Miles poking home from close range, however Taylor Bowen bundled the ball into the back of the net for the visitors deep into added time. Then, nightmare struck for FC as even deeper into added time, Oliver Shenton’s lobbed finish meant that Leek regained their lead at the end of the half.
Unfortunately for the home side, they did not seem to recover from that lapse before the break. Eight minutes into the second half, Campbell grabbed his second of the game as he swept the ball home into an empty net to give the visitors a two-goal cushion. Shenton then rounded off the scoring by scoring a second of his own, as he tapped the ball into the back of the net from close range to give Leek Town a 5-2 victory.
Post-match, Beesley spoke of ‘a really poor performance’ and gave the visitors credit for the win, and said that we’ll need to see an improvement ahead of Saturday’s trip to Gainsborough.
U17s
The Under 17s continued their quest for the league title with a resounding 13-2 victory over Radcliffe Town.
With the young Reds being top of the table, and Radcliffe being bottom, it was an expected win for FC but they avoided what could have been a potential banana skin with a dominant performance. Andrew Ndhlovu opened the scoring within five minutes, and that set the tone for the day. Ndhlovu sealed his hat-trick shortly after half-time, with Sean McDonagh scoring four goals.
Martin Morris and Mark Crilly spoke of their satisfaction with the focus that their team approached the match, but also gave credit to the opposition who, despite the nature of the game, never stopped for the full 90 minutes.
The win means that FC’s Under 17s remain top of the table, and they now have three vital away games to secure the league title, next up is the first of those three – against Bolton.
Men’s Development Team
The Men’s Development team maintained their dominance at the top of the table by defeating Stretford Paddock 7-0.
Bob Jammeh grabbed himself a hattrick, which included a great free-kick, Ethan Lavelle scored twice, whilst Jake Elms and Ryan Spencer bagged one each – Spencer's goal also being a fantastic free-kick.
Callum Greenwood hailed a “really good, complete performance” from his side, and called out the intensity and standards they maintained throughout their victory.
FC’s development side now find themselves 13 points clear at the top of the table, with a trip to Ashton United next on their schedule.
Academy
The Academy side kept the pressure on the teams above them, with a 2-1 victory on the road at Notts County last Wednesday, thanks to goals from Bob Jammeh and Cleon Orumwense.
The Academy are now in third place in the league, six points behind leaders Chorley but with two games still in hand.
Women’s Development Team
The Women’s Development team were unfortunately defeated 5-0 by AFC Boltonians Ladies on Sunday.
Manager Dan Wrigley spoke of the challenges of being short on players this weekend, but gave full credit to Boltonians.
It’s a result which sees them remain in third place, now seven points behind first place Hyde United. The women close out their season this Sunday as they head to the league leaders.
COMING UP
The Men’s First Team look to bounce back from this weekend’s defeat as they head to Gainsborough Trinity on Saturday (3pm)
The Women’s First Team are back in action and have a huge match against Bury as they fight for league survival this Sunday (2pm) at Broadhurst Park
The Academy are in action against Basford United on Wednesday (2pm) at Broadhurst Park as they keep up the chase on the leaders
The Under 17s have a weekend off, before they continue their title charge against Bolton County on March 29th
The Men’s Development Team face Ashton United on Sunday (3.30pm) at Marple Hall School
The Women’s Development Team close out their league campaign at Hyde United on Sunday (12.30pm)
Reporting by Fin Gaynor