Reds earn Avenue replay

FC United’s trip across the Pennines to play Bradford Park Avenue ended all square but the Reds were unlucky to only come away with a draw after dominating the match for large periods and conceding a controversial equaliser.

The goal in question came when United were one up and were pushing for a second to kill off the home team, a lofted cross was played forward by Avenue and as Sam Ashton came out to challenge for the aerial ball he was clattered into by the Avenue forward, Ben Jones. The ball spilled loose and Paul Gedman was on hand to steer it into an empty.

The goal wasn’t the only sour point of the day for Margy’s men, both Adam Carden and Stuart Rudd had to be substituted in the first half due to injuries. By the way they both gingerly made their way back to the dressing room at half time it could be a while before either are back at full fitness. More information will be provided on both players when it is available.

In fairness the injuries were the only major talking points of a first half which never seemed to get going. United enjoyed good spells of possession but never really created anything.

From the way the Reds came out for the second half it was clear that manager Karl Marginson had given them some stern words in the changing rooms at half time. Margy’s men pressed for the opening goal and should have scored when Jerome Wright slipped a ball across the box which went past two United players, Nicky Platt managed to get a shot in but that was cleared off the line.

The opening came after some good work from first half substitute Cayne Hanley, who pierced the Avenue defence with a beautifully placed ball which found Rory Patterson. All that was left to do was for Patterson to slip the ball past the keeper which he duly did, putting United 1-0 up.

United pressed for the goal and there were several opportunities including a long-range effort from Patterson, which really tested Jon Worsnop in the Avenue goal.

The goal never come and as has happened a few times this season United were caught out. The goal looked very dubious and the fact that Ashton was down for treatment for a few minutes after suggested he had been unfairly challenged in the process of the goal being scored.

In the last five minutes, Avenue had a corner which was headed towards goal calling for a top draw save from Ashton. United broke away and Hanley had a guilt-edge chance to seal victory and should really have done better when put through one-on-one, although Jon Worsnop saved well.

United will feel hard done by and unlucky not to come away with victory. The team gave a good account of themselves in the second half and once again showed they were not overawed playing the big teams. The equaliser and the loss of yet another two players to injury will have darkened what could have been an excellent performance and result.

The game will now go to a replay this Wednesday at Radcliffe Borough, with the winner progressing to a home tie with Sheffield FC a week on Saturday.

Teams:

Bradford Park Avenue
1 J Worsnop
2 D Hockenhull
3 P Collins
4 T Baker
5 L Adams
6 A Lee
7 R Clegg
8 S Connors (capt)
9 P Gedman
10 B Jones
11 C Gahgan
Subs
12 A Brown (for 2 21) (cautioned 90(+3))
14 M Moseley
15 L Flynn (for 11 68)
16 A Morning
17 J Giles

Scorer: Gedman 75

FC United
1 S Ashton
2 L Foster
3 S Roscoe
4 S Spencer
5 D Chadwick (capt)
6 R Nugent
7 A Carden
8 S Carden(cautioned 85)
9 S Rudd
10 J Wright
11 R Patterson(cautioned 23)
Subs
12 C Baguley (for 4 79)
14 N Platt (for 7 12)
15 M Lomax
16 C Hanley (for 9 16)
17 T Coleman

Scorer: Patterson 54