Supporters' team stump Stalybridge
FC United’s supporters’ team enjoyed a last-gasp 4-3 win over Stalybridge.
In conditions that saw the majority of the pitch reduced to a bog before half time, this was a tough game. Stalybridge scored with less than five minutes played through a speculative shot from outside the area.
From there FC began to dominate. The two wingers came into the match; Stalybridge’s defence was certainly the busier of the two. FC created lots of chances; twice the ball was cleared from the Stalybridge line. Twice more players will feel that they should have scored from the positions that they were in.
Against the run of play Stalybridge doubled their lead. A cross fumbled by the FC goalkeeper ran to their striker who guided it into the corner with a brave and well taken finish.
The second half started in a very similar manner to the first. Stalybridge scored early on: a free kick lofted into the box fell to a midfielder. Finding himself unmarked he finished an easy chance and the match looked all but over.
Undaunted, FC continued to press forward. Five minutes later they scored a crucial goal to bring them back into the game, with Mark finishing from close range. With 15 minutes left FC scored again. A corner was not dealt with by the Stalybridge defence, the ball dropped to Ben on the six yard box and he side footed it into the open goal.
FC pushed forward. Stalybridge defended deep and looked to hit on the counter attack. With five minutes left, Kieron beat a man and burst into the box. Stalybridge’s defender committed to the sliding tackle, missed the ball and took his legs from under him. It was a clear penalty which was then converted, but only just, by victim of the foul.
Both teams were now looking for a winner. It came for FC as in the dying seconds Kieron received the ball five yards outside the area. He hit a splendid shot that beat the keeper and went in off the far post.
With the game over both sides met in the Pack Horse for sandwiches and a drink. It had been a good match that FC probably deserved to win. Stalybridge’s strength is clearly their centre midfield, with both the 8 and the 11 playing very well - and the skilful 9 upfront causing problems all match.
In conditions that saw the majority of the pitch reduced to a bog before half time, this was a tough game. Stalybridge scored with less than five minutes played through a speculative shot from outside the area.
From there FC began to dominate. The two wingers came into the match; Stalybridge’s defence was certainly the busier of the two. FC created lots of chances; twice the ball was cleared from the Stalybridge line. Twice more players will feel that they should have scored from the positions that they were in.
Against the run of play Stalybridge doubled their lead. A cross fumbled by the FC goalkeeper ran to their striker who guided it into the corner with a brave and well taken finish.
The second half started in a very similar manner to the first. Stalybridge scored early on: a free kick lofted into the box fell to a midfielder. Finding himself unmarked he finished an easy chance and the match looked all but over.
Undaunted, FC continued to press forward. Five minutes later they scored a crucial goal to bring them back into the game, with Mark finishing from close range. With 15 minutes left FC scored again. A corner was not dealt with by the Stalybridge defence, the ball dropped to Ben on the six yard box and he side footed it into the open goal.
FC pushed forward. Stalybridge defended deep and looked to hit on the counter attack. With five minutes left, Kieron beat a man and burst into the box. Stalybridge’s defender committed to the sliding tackle, missed the ball and took his legs from under him. It was a clear penalty which was then converted, but only just, by victim of the foul.
Both teams were now looking for a winner. It came for FC as in the dying seconds Kieron received the ball five yards outside the area. He hit a splendid shot that beat the keeper and went in off the far post.
With the game over both sides met in the Pack Horse for sandwiches and a drink. It had been a good match that FC probably deserved to win. Stalybridge’s strength is clearly their centre midfield, with both the 8 and the 11 playing very well - and the skilful 9 upfront causing problems all match.
First Posted ~ 14:56 Tue 18 Nov 2008
News ID ~ 1938
Last Updated ~ 01:52 Tue 16 Feb 2021