Young Reds impress during draw at Daisy Hill

A youthful looking FC United team drew 2-2 with Daisy Hill on Thursday evening with goals from Tunde Owolabi and Justin Johnson.

Unted started the game with just goalkeeper Dave Carnell being the only notable first team player, but their performance in the first 45 was that of a team full of players looking to take their chance.

With two draws in their first two pre-season games United were looking to get their first victory and looked comfortable on the ball in midfield with lots of good build up play and Nathan Hudson coming closest to breaking the score with an effort that hit the home team’s cross bar.

The Reds did take a lead into the break as Owolabi showed his quality by rising well and heading powerfully home about 10 minutes before the break, a deserved lead for a United team who looked in control for the first half.

Things quickly swung around in the second half though as changes to the United line up and a more direct aproach from the home team saw them score quick goals in succession to take a 2-1 lead.

But FC’s young guns wouldn’t be outdone and after regaining control of the game it was a great solo effort from Johnson who showed great maturity to fire home an level the game.

With the scores tied, United kept coming forward looking for the winner but never really managed to carve any chances of any note in the closing period.

A good showing by the young reds and one or two may be looking to gain more opportunitites to break into the first team squad before the season kicks off on 16th August.

Report by Craig Phillips