FC United slip back into relegation zone after defeat at York
FC United of Manchester endured a frustrating 2-0 loss to York City at Bootham Crescent on Saturday in a game that could well have gone their way.
A win could have taken the Reds level on points with the Minstermen, but despite putting in a very good performance, FC United conceded one goal each in half to slide into the bottom three.
The start to the first half was cagey, as both teams looked intent on getting to grips with each other. The first chance of the game though, fell to York in the 7th minute. Kallum Griffiths’ shot blazed over Lloyd Allinson’s goal.
As the FC United fans at the away end powered the Reds on, they grew into the game. York were having to do a back-to-the-wall job. After the Minstermen’s defence failed to clear a loose ball, Elliott Simoes’ shot from the edge of the box blazed just over the goal. Unfortunately, that sparked the beginning of the Reds failing to convert multiple chances. That though, also began FC United’s spell of domination in the first half.
Willoughby’s left-footed attempt was saved by York goalkeeper Adam Bartlett, who was at it five minutes later too when he denied Peers. The Bartlett show went on as he made another save off Rowan Roache.
As Reynolds’ men took complete control of the game by stamping authority in midfield, the Reds created three more big chances, but all of them went begging as Bartlett looked invincible in goal.
With FC United pushing on, York had to rely on breaks more often than not. The presence of Jordan Burrow up front helped them, and it was his presence and the chaos it caused that led to York’s goal. While the tall striker missed the header, miscommunication in the FC United defence saw Alex Harris take advantage. One on one with Allinson, Harris’ first shot was saved, but the rebound found the back of the net.
Despite going behind, FC United kept pushing on. A brilliant piece of skill by Simoes saw him go past four York defenders, but the shot at the end didn’t match the strength of his sensational run.
The most controversial moment though, came a minute before half time. Willoughby’s shot was saved by Bartlett, Peers had the ball in the back of the net. But the celebrations were cut short, as the linesman had his flag up for offside.
The start to the second half for the Reds wasn’t as good as the first half was, but they grew into the game soon. Adriano Moke’s shot went just wide of Allinson’s goal in the 57th minute as York were inches away from a second.
David Ferguson too came close, but his effort was parried by Allinson. As Reynolds’ men started to look tired, a double change was made in the 66th minute. Ryan White came on for Roache and Peers was replaced by Jack Bannister.
As FC United pushed forward for a leveller, the game became end to end. Senior’s cut inside from the right flank saw him fire a shot at Bartlett, as the ball went out for a corner. The resulting corner saw veteran Stephen O’Halloran’s attempt be saved. Bartlett was at it again.
And Bartlett’s heroics proved critical for York, as Chris Lynch foul in the box saw the home side win a penalty against the run of play. Burrow stepped up to take the spot-kick and hammered it in, sending Allinson the other way.
Despite the Reds’ best attempt to pull one back, York held onto the win.
Website Man of the Match: Michael Potts put in a very spotless performance. The number six did the simple things right and didn’t put a foot wrong.
Report by Kaustubh Pandey
FC United slip back into relegation zone after defeat at York
FC United of Manchester endured a frustrating 2-0 loss to York City at Bootham Crescent on Saturday in a game that could well have gone their way.
A win could have taken the Reds level on points with the Minstermen, but despite putting in a very good performance, FC United conceded one goal each in half to slide into the bottom three.
The start to the first half was cagey, as both teams looked intent on getting to grips with each other. The first chance of the game though, fell to York in the 7th minute. Kallum Griffiths’ shot blazed over Lloyd Allinson’s goal.
As the FC United fans at the away end powered the Reds on, they grew into the game. York were having to do a back-to-the-wall job. After the Minstermen’s defence failed to clear a loose ball, Elliott Simoes’ shot from the edge of the box blazed just over the goal. Unfortunately, that sparked the beginning of the Reds failing to convert multiple chances. That though, also began FC United’s spell of domination in the first half.
Willoughby’s left-footed attempt was saved by York goalkeeper Adam Bartlett, who was at it five minutes later too when he denied Peers. The Bartlett show went on as he made another save off Rowan Roache.
As Reynolds’ men took complete control of the game by stamping authority in midfield, the Reds created three more big chances, but all of them went begging as Bartlett looked invincible in goal.
With FC United pushing on, York had to rely on breaks more often than not. The presence of Jordan Burrow up front helped them, and it was his presence and the chaos it caused that led to York’s goal. While the tall striker missed the header, miscommunication in the FC United defence saw Alex Harris take advantage. One on one with Allinson, Harris’ first shot was saved, but the rebound found the back of the net.
Despite going behind, FC United kept pushing on. A brilliant piece of skill by Simoes saw him go past four York defenders, but the shot at the end didn’t match the strength of his sensational run.
The most controversial moment though, came a minute before half time. Willoughby’s shot was saved by Bartlett, Peers had the ball in the back of the net. But the celebrations were cut short, as the linesman had his flag up for offside.
The start to the second half for the Reds wasn’t as good as the first half was, but they grew into the game soon. Adriano Moke’s shot went just wide of Allinson’s goal in the 57th minute as York were inches away from a second.
David Ferguson too came close, but his effort was parried by Allinson. As Reynolds’ men started to look tired, a double change was made in the 66th minute. Ryan White came on for Roache and Peers was replaced by Jack Bannister.
As FC United pushed forward for a leveller, the game became end to end. Senior’s cut inside from the right flank saw him fire a shot at Bartlett, as the ball went out for a corner. The resulting corner saw veteran Stephen O’Halloran’s attempt be saved. Bartlett was at it again.
And Bartlett’s heroics proved critical for York, as Chris Lynch foul in the box saw the home side win a penalty against the run of play. Burrow stepped up to take the spot-kick and hammered it in, sending Allinson the other way.
Despite the Reds’ best attempt to pull one back, York held onto the win.
Website Man of the Match: Michael Potts put in a very spotless performance. The number six did the simple things right and didn’t put a foot wrong.
Report by Kaustubh Pandey
