Here’s your round-up of the weekend action for each of FC’s teams.
Men’s First Team
The first team’s six game unbeaten run was brought to an end after losing 2-1 at home to Hebburn Town, in what was FC’s first loss at Broadhurst Park since October.
It was a dominant first half display from the visitors who forced Conor O’Keefe into some good saves early on. Hebburn finally breached the FC defence in the 41st minute as Matthew Elsdon stabbed home the opener after a flick on from a corner. Only 6 minutes later, Hebburn had their second after Liam Noble scored directly from a corner meaning that the Reds would head into half-time two goals down.
Mark Beesley’s men were frustrated much of the second half by the visitors’ defensive display, limiting FC to mainly half-chances. That was until Dylan Mottley-Henry halved the deficit after meeting Charlie Munro’s cross with a good header to set up an exciting final 15 minutes. However, FC could not grab an equaliser, with the visitors taking the points.
Beesley expressed his disappointment with the first half performance, particularly conceding both goals from set pieces, but credited the side for showing character after the break.
The result means that Beesley’s Reds remain in tenth place in the Northern Premier League.
Women’s First Team
The women hosted Crewe Alexandra at Broadhurst Park on Sunday afternoon, where they recorded a massive 2-0 win to lift themselves out of the relegation zone.
Captain Alice Firth broke the deadlock in the 37th minute with a header from close range. That goal meant that FC led heading into half-time and a tightly contested second half ensured that the score remained 1-0 for the majority of the second 45. However, in the 92nd minute, a fantastic solo effort from Ashleigh Bullock doubled FC’s lead, sealing the three points as she ran straight to the dugout to celebrate.
A huge win for Sam Irvine’s side who credited his players after the victory saying that they left everything out on the pitch and that they should take this belief and confidence into the remaining games.
FC’s women now sit in 10th place, three points above the relegation place, but having played more games than their rivals.
Women’s Development Team
The Women’s Development Team travelled to Bolton on Sunday afternoon where they played Mancunian Unity, losing 5-1.
Brooke Smith was the only goalscorer for FC, but the home side unfortunately proved too strong as they were dominant throughout the match.
Dan Wrigley’s side remain in second place despite the loss, as they will quickly look to put this result behind them.
U17s
The Under 17s faced Kingsway on Saturday morning and ended up running riot, with the score finishing 6-1 to FC.
Two goals from Andrew Ndhlovu in the first 20 minutes saw FC race into an early two-goal lead, before Sean McDonagh added a third just before the half hour mark to send the young Reds into half-time with a commanding three goal advantage. Just after the second half kicked off, Kingsway were awarded a contentious penalty after what seemed to be a good tackle from David Shama. The home side converted the penalty to offer themselves a glimmer of hope, but any talk of a comeback was quickly silenced as Dan Morris quickly restored the three-goal lead. Joe Bangora added a fifth just after the hour mark, with Ndhlovu then completing his hattrick towards the end of the game to make the score 6-1.
Martin Morris and Mark Crilly praised their players for a ‘very professional and controlled away performance’, whilst also lauding their strength in depth.
The win means that the young Reds remain in second place, two points behind top-of-the-league Woodhouses Juniors who they play in a couple of weeks.
The Men’s Development Team and Academy (U19s) both had no fixture this week.
COMING UP
The Men’s First Team go up to Workington next Saturday (3pm) as Beesley’s side look to bounce back with a win.
The Women’s First Team do not play a game next weekend. They face Ellesmere Port Town in two weeks' time (Sunday 9th March) in their Alliance Design & Print Cup quarter final tie at Broadhurst Park.
The Under 17s have a big cup semi-final against Ashton United next Saturday morning (10am) at Cardinal Langley in Middleton.
The Women’s Development Team look to get back to winning ways as they travel to Chorlton to play West Didsbury & Chorlton AFC next Sunday afternoon (2pm).
The Academy (U19s) are in action midweek, as they play Buxton away on Wednesday (12pm).
The Men’s Development Team have a break in fixtures and are next in action on Sunday March 9th against Chadderton at Broadhurst Park.
Reporting by Fin Gaynor