Our Friendlies in the North

FC United of Manchester first team were beaten by two goals to nil in a behind closed doors friendly against Radcliffe Borough at Salford sports village on Saturday the 20th January.

With no North West County League first team fixture this weekend FC United had the opportunity to test their squad against Unibond Premier Division outfit Radcliffe Borough. The friendly match played at Salford sports village gave FC United manager Karl Marginson the chance to give a run out to some less experienced members of the firsst team including three players from the under-18s squad.

A strong Radcliffe Borough team started well putting FC United under some early pressure and it wasn’t long before Radcliffe had taken the lead as an under pressure Dave Brown unluckily slide the ball past John Ogden.

Despite an impressive display from Gary Sampson and Rhodri Giggs, FC United were unable to level the score and found themselves two down when Radcliffe Borough struck again, Chris Downing heading in a pacey cross from the wing.

One of several plus points for Margy was the half time introduction of youth team players Dominic Stockdale, Jamie Rother and Lee Ellis who Karl felt "acquitted themselves well"?? against Unibond opposition which gives a "good indication of the quality of FC United’s under-18s."??

FC United’s friendly fixture list continues tonight as Karl Marginson plans to field a "more established line up"?? against North West Counties League Div 1 opponents Trafford FC who are doing well in the league and will no doubt pose another stern test


Line Up from Radford Borough FC

1: John Ogden
2: Kevin Elvin
3: Mike Lomax
4: Dave Brown
5: MatthewTaylor
6: Alex Mortimer
7: Tony Howard
8: Gary Sampson
9: Jerome Wright
10: Rhodri Giggs
11: Simon Carden

Subs
12: Jamie Phoenix
13: Dominic Stockdale
14: Jamie Rother
15: Lee Ellis




FC United of Manchester Reserves lost 3-1 to Altrincham Reserves in a friendly at Altrincham on Saturday the 20th January.

The friendly against was arranged at short notice after confirmation of the postponement of FC United’s reserve league clash with Oldham town, due to structural damage caused by this weeks high winds.

An impressive first half display was capped by excellent movement between Ryan Shaunessy and Ricardo Vaz Te to set up Gary Edwards who put FC United into the lead with a well taken goal.

The half ended with FC United disappointed to be have scored only the one goal, a handful of missed chances in the first half took the shine off a fine display, who had matched Altrincham across the pitch.

Again the second half started well for FC United, until confusion in defence was capitalised on by Altrincham striker Aaron Walters who slotted home to put the teams level.

A buoyant Altrincham side then took the lead through a converted penalty from Justin Bowler, and victory was sealed moments later when Astley Mulholland struck an unstoppable free kick.

"Overall the result was no reflection on the game"?? confirmed FC United’s reserve team manager Tony Cullen who was clearly pleased with the team’s performance, but rueful of FC’s poor finishing " we made seven clear chances but only took one"??

" This (match) has been a good test for us against a team in the Nationwide Conference, our performance shows the players should have no problems stepping up to a higher level of football"?? TC added.

TC’s Side will look to consolidate their position as North West Counties Reserve League leaders as they continue their campaign on Saturday 27th January with a home fixture against Daisy Hill.


Line up:
1: Dale Newbrook
2: Liam Foster
3: Ben Mortimer
4: Adam Turner
5: Shaun Roscoe
6: Kyle Harrop
7: Fernando Vaz Te
8: Ryan Shaunessy
9: Warren Collier
10: Louis Scott
11: Garry Edwards

Subs:
12: Ryan Stewart
13: Mike Sacks
14: Ilya Ovechkin


United U18’s v Daisy Hill U18’s North West Youth Alliance League clash postponed

After a last minute pitch inspection the decision was made by NWAY team leader Mr Pat McKenna to postpone the scheduled clash between FC United U18’s and Daisy Hill U18’s on grounds of safety. The St Brides Field pitch had looked playable from a distance but upon closer inspection and consultation of both managers, and in the interest of safety all agreed that Mr McKenna’s decision was the correct option.

Under 18’s manager Chris Simms’s team were looking forward to the opportunity to move into third place in the North West Youth Alliance league and record their first three points of 2007 "its disappointing but the pitch was unplayable"?? quoted Chris

Saturday’s game was the fourth postponement FC United Under 18’s have experienced this season,
games against Prescott Cables and Woodley Sports at home and Marine `A` have also fallen foul of the winter weather.

The Under 18’s are currently fourth place in the North West Youth Alliance League, the most recent result being a spirited 2-2 draw at Woodley Sports, Chris Simms has been talking to FCUMTV regarding that result and the youth team set-up as a whole.

Chris Simms interview

http://www.fcum.tv/2007/01/17/fcumtv-chats-to-karl-chris-and-paul-simpson-at-woodley-sports/