Here’s the round-up of the weekend action for each of FC’s teams.
Men’s First Team
FC returned to winningways in the league with a 1-0 away victory over Gainsborough Trinity on a cloudy Saturday afternoon.
It took around 25 minutes for any real action to occur, but it was Gainsborough who had the first real chance of the game as Lewis Butroid found himself one-on-one with Conor O’Keefe, but his finish struck the inside of the upright – letting the Reds off the hook. FC then almost went infront themselves a few minutes later, as Charlie Hayes-Green's thunderous header cannoned off a Gainsborough defender towards goal before being blocked on the line, Gez Sithole then tried to follow in but the keeper was able to smother the ball. Sithole was denied from range just before the end of the first half, but the two sides were on level terms at the interval.
Half-time came and went with the two sides failing to break the deadlock early into the second half. That was until just before the hour mark, when a lovely move from Mark Beesley’s side saw them take the lead. Hayes-Green fizzed a lovely ball into the feet of Sithole, who then unraveled the Gainsborough defence with a first-time flick into the path of Dec McLoughlin and the midfielder, bearing down on goal, finished brilliantly into the back of the net. A gritty defensive performance for the rest of the half limited the opposition to any major chances, with FC seeing out a lovely 1-0 away win.
Beesley praised the defensive performance after the game: “I don't think they had any real chances so defensively and out of possession I thought we were good.” The FC manager was also very happy with goal scorer McLoughlin, hailing that: “He’s scored some important goals since I’ve been here, he makes forward runs, he looks a goal threat.” The win sees FC climb to 11th in the table, with their sights now set on a home match against Stockton Town.
Women’s First Team
FC’s women picked up a huge 2-0 win against Bury in their fight for survival at Broadhurst Park on Sunday.
Neither side really threatened each other for the opening stages of the match, the closest chance being Rachel Lloyd’s half volley which just flew wide of the post. That was until around the half hour mark, when Jace Carlin broke away straight through the middle of the Bury defence, and slotted it in the bottom corner, giving FC the lead! As the X account so perfectly put - “Reminiscent of a young Thierry Henry.” FC did almost double their advantage as Lillith Tankard’s dancing feet dazzled the Bury defender, but her shot was straight at the keeper.
Sam Irvine’s women headed into half-time a goal to the good and came back out ready for a huge second half. Like the opening 45, it took a while for any action to occur – that was until just after the hour mark, when Carlin grabbed a second goal of the afternoon with a lovely chip over the Bury keeper, doubling FC’s advantage in this vital game. Bury did almost get themselves back into the game, as their corner was headed towards goal but a goal-line clearance from Mia Hayes ensured that the Reds’ clean sheet was still intact. Despite that scare, FC were able to dig in and see out a massive 2-0 win, which sees them climb out of the relegation zone for now.
That win rounds off the season for the women, who find themselves having to rely on other results around them to ensure safety. However, with that 2-0 victory, they have done all they can, and we’ll be hoping for the results going our way elsewhere
After the game, manager Sam Irvine announced that he was stepping down from his role, and he reflected on his pride at working with the squad this season. We would like to wish Sam all the best for the future.
Academy
The Academy drew 2-2 with Basford United on Wednesday to end FC’s five game winning streak.
Kakra Uguri’s brace saw FC 2-0 up heading into the latter stages of the match, however a fightback from Basford forced them to share the points.
The draw means that the young Reds remain in second place, five points behind first place with a game in hand.
Women’s Development Team
The Women’s Development Team were defeated 3-1 by league leaders Hyde United in what was their last game of the season.
Despite playing most of the game with 10 players, the ladies fought well against tough opposition, Samantha Kraja grabbed a goal for FC in the second half, but unfortunately it was too late for any comeback. Manager Dan Wrigley said that he was very proud of their performance in the circumstances.
The loss means that the Women’s Development Team end the season currently in 4th, however every other team still has games to play – meaning that their position could be different come the end of the season. Dan Wrigley has reflected on some of the challenges they’ve faced this year, but everyone at the club would like to offer congratulations to our Women’s Development Team on their first season.
Men’s Development Team
The Men’s Development Team defeated a very good Ashton United side on Sunday to tighten their grip on the league title.
FC had to battle hard throughout the match and it was three brilliant individual efforts which made the difference in the end. Alfie Henstock opened the scoring with an absolute screamer, as he struck a bouncing ball so cleanly that it arrowed straight into the top corner, leaving the keeper with no chance. Bob Jammeh added a second just prior to half time, before Evynn Proctor scored the winner around the hour mark. Billy Turner, in goal for FC, had to produce a fantastic save late on in the match to ensure that the three points headed back to Broadhurst Park, but they clinched victory.
The Development Team now sit 13 points clear at the top of the table, with the league title guaranteed if second placed Avro drop points in any of their four remaining games. Three of those will already have been played by the time Callum Greenwood’s side are back in action against Atherton LR next month, so they may already have been crowned champions by then.
COMING UP
The Men’s First Team host Stockton Town on Saturday (3pm) on United United Day.
The Women’s First Team are next in action on Tuesday April 2nd (7.45pm) at Broadhurst Park for a replay of their cup fixture against Ellesmere Port Town.
The Academy host Buxton on Wednesday (2pm) at Broadhurst Park as they look to get back to winning ways.
The Under 17s are back in action at Bolton County Terriers on Saturday (9.30am) as they look to press their lead at the top of the table.
The Men’s Development Team are not back in action until April 15th at Atherton LR.
Reporting by Fin Gaynor