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Match Report

4th March 2012

North West Youth Alliance Open Cup

St Brides Fields, Shrewsbury Street, Old Trafford, M16 9AZ


FC United of Manchester Youth

3 - 2

Ashton Athletic

 
Attendance: N/K

FC United of Manchester Youth 3

Ashton Athletic 2

Attendance: N/K



Match Report
FC United Youth now find themselves looking forward to a third cup semi-final as Ashton Athletic finally succumbed in a thrilling game at St Bride’s. The location gave us the full range of its own micro-climate with sun, rain, hail and biting wind in almost equal measure; Matthew Boland gave the reds a late, late winner.

The Ashton in Makerfield outfit from the NWYA first division arrived with a point to prove, they are convinced they are good enough to be in the higher standard Premier Division. They could easily have taken the lead inside the first five minutes with two good chances including a fierce drive that came back out off the underside of the bar. They did take the lead in the 14th minute when the home defence failed to deal with a free kick floated into the box from half way and Declan Gordan drove home.

The reds had started slowly but from then on started to get back into the game, creating half chances but not truly threatening Adam Holton in the visitors’ goal. Indeed Ashton Athletic could have extended their lead in the 38th minute with a sweeping move that produced a fine save by Andrew Farrimond. Fortunately the next threat saw FC equalise with a fine move as a Matthew Boland pass got Theo Kidd in space behind the Ashton defence and a chance to run toward the penalty area. A covering defender was soon on the scene but he was smartly side-stepped before Theo fired home.

The reds had a better second half as they stepped up a gear and in the 48th minute had a penalty claim turned down as Kidd and Holton collided in the box. Just after an hour they took the lead. A Jonathan Poizer corner was fired out to the edge of the box where the smallest player on the park Matthew Hassall headed home. Ashton tactics turned to making use of the wind and trying to lay the ball behind the FC defence. This had some effect although for the most part a defence of Kial Callacher and Kyle Cunningham were able to deal with it. Hearts were in mouths as Dadul Paiton went over an available in the box five minutes later but was subsequently booked for diving.

As the game approached its climax Paiton did get his chance from the spot as Farrimond was harshly judged to have fouled a player breaking into the box and extra time loomed. However Ashton were guilty of congratulating themselves and preparing for another thirty minutes as the reds went down the other end. Connor Naughton fired forward to Theo who drew Holton before passing to Matthew Boland who fired home.

FC United saw the game out although there was still time for some excitement on the Ashton bench as the ball rustled the back of the net, fortunately from behind after clearing the cross bar. Holton ventured forward for a corner and managed to get to the ball, but with a hand that clearly belonged to him and not God, the ball was cleared and shortly afterwards the lads were able to retreat to the changing room and warm showers.

FC United of Manchester: Andrew Farrimond, Alex Stones (Chris Smith 71 mins) Josh Smethurst (Andrew Lee 69 mins), Connor Naughton, Kyle Cunningham, Kial Callacher, Sam Howell, Matthew Hassall, Theo Kidd, Matthew Boland, Jonathan Poizer. Sub not used Jonathan Beisty.

Goals: Kidd, Hassall and Boland

Cautions: Hassall and Howell.
Match Report
FC United Youth now find themselves looking forward to a third cup semi-final as Ashton Athletic finally succumbed in a thrilling game at St Bride’s. The location gave us the full range of its own micro-climate with sun, rain, hail and biting wind in almost equal measure; Matthew Boland gave the reds a late, late winner.

The Ashton in Makerfield outfit from the NWYA first division arrived with a point to prove, they are convinced they are good enough to be in the higher standard Premier Division. They could easily have taken the lead inside the first five minutes with two good chances including a fierce drive that came back out off the underside of the bar. They did take the lead in the 14th minute when the home defence failed to deal with a free kick floated into the box from half way and Declan Gordan drove home.

The reds had started slowly but from then on started to get back into the game, creating half chances but not truly threatening Adam Holton in the visitors’ goal. Indeed Ashton Athletic could have extended their lead in the 38th minute with a sweeping move that produced a fine save by Andrew Farrimond. Fortunately the next threat saw FC equalise with a fine move as a Matthew Boland pass got Theo Kidd in space behind the Ashton defence and a chance to run toward the penalty area. A covering defender was soon on the scene but he was smartly side-stepped before Theo fired home.

The reds had a better second half as they stepped up a gear and in the 48th minute had a penalty claim turned down as Kidd and Holton collided in the box. Just after an hour they took the lead. A Jonathan Poizer corner was fired out to the edge of the box where the smallest player on the park Matthew Hassall headed home. Ashton tactics turned to making use of the wind and trying to lay the ball behind the FC defence. This had some effect although for the most part a defence of Kial Callacher and Kyle Cunningham were able to deal with it. Hearts were in mouths as Dadul Paiton went over an available in the box five minutes later but was subsequently booked for diving.

As the game approached its climax Paiton did get his chance from the spot as Farrimond was harshly judged to have fouled a player breaking into the box and extra time loomed. However Ashton were guilty of congratulating themselves and preparing for another thirty minutes as the reds went down the other end. Connor Naughton fired forward to Theo who drew Holton before passing to Matthew Boland who fired home.

FC United saw the game out although there was still time for some excitement on the Ashton bench as the ball rustled the back of the net, fortunately from behind after clearing the cross bar. Holton ventured forward for a corner and managed to get to the ball, but with a hand that clearly belonged to him and not God, the ball was cleared and shortly afterwards the lads were able to retreat to the changing room and warm showers.

FC United of Manchester: Andrew Farrimond, Alex Stones (Chris Smith 71 mins) Josh Smethurst (Andrew Lee 69 mins), Connor Naughton, Kyle Cunningham, Kial Callacher, Sam Howell, Matthew Hassall, Theo Kidd, Matthew Boland, Jonathan Poizer. Sub not used Jonathan Beisty.

Goals: Kidd, Hassall and Boland

Cautions: Hassall and Howell.

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