Bouncing beside the seaside

FC United came out four two winners in a close fought encounter at Blackpool FC’s Bloomfield Road ground. Over 4000 FC United supporters made the journey to the Fylde coast roaring the team on with the most magnificent support.

United dominated the first half but Blackpool scored late on and went in one nil up at half time.

A shoulder injury meant Simon Band was replaced at half time by FC assistant manager Phil Power who was immediately in the thick of the action.

Rory Patterson scored from the spot after a Blackpool defender was judged to have shoved Chris Simms as he challenged in the box for a high ball. A second FC goal followed soon after when skipper David Chadwick brought down a lofted pass before smashing the ball past the keeper.

The United fans raised the volume a couple of notches only for Blackpool to get a second and draw level. A third goal came from Will Ahern before Rory Patterson banged in a second penalty after a surging Power run was brought to a crude halt.

With victory secured FC’s biggest away following of the season took the party atmosphere from the stadium and out into the surrounding pubs and hotels.

’The best atmosphere I have seen in this ground for donkeys’ years,’ declared one Blackpool FC supporter - and nobody could argue.

FC line up:

George, Nugent, Ormes, Chadwick, McCartney, Simms, Howard, Ahern, Band, Torpey, Patterson

Subs: Power, Lyons, Brown

Attendance: 4300 (to be confirmed)