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Match Report

22nd February 2014

EvoStik League Premier Division

Gigg Lane, Gigg Lane, Bury, BL9 9HR


FC United of Manchester

4 - 1

Ilkeston FC

Greaves 36, 51
Wright 48, 79
  Waite 34
Attendance: 1,863

FC United of Manchester 4

Greaves 36, 51
Wright 48, 79

Ilkeston FC 1

Waite 34

Attendance: 1,863


FC United of Manchester

1 David Carnell
2 Liam Brownhill
3 Adam Jones
4 Dean Stott (capt)
5 Tom Davies
6 Charlie Raglan
7 Matthew Wolfenden
8 Callum Byrne
9 Mike Norton
10 Jerome Wright
11 Tom Greaves

Subs.
12 Lee Neville (for 6, 66 mins)
14 Astley Mulholland (for 9, 79 mins)
16 Nelson Mota (for 7, 84 mins)

Ilkeston FC

1 Ross Etheridge
2 Akil Wright
3 Ryan Wilson
4 Laurie Wilson (capt)
5 Joe Maguire
6 Ellis Storey
7 Kane Richards
8 Callum Chettle
9 Gary Ricketts
10 Tyrell Waite
11 James Reid

Subs:
14 Che Adams (for 4, 84 mins)
15 Matt Richards (for 11, 63 mins)
16 Rai Simons (for 9, 67 mins)


Match Report
FC United moved up into the play-off places after coming from behind to beat Ilkeston 4-1 and keep our promotion push firmly on track at Gigg Lane on Saturday afternoon with two goals each from Tom Greaves and Jerome Wright.

The win means the Reds leapfrog Ashton United and Blyth Spartans into the all important fifth place as both our nearest rivals lost today.

In this United’s first Saturday home game of 2014 after a waterlogged winter, Karl Marginson made one change from Tuesday’s convincing win over Nantwich Town; starting Matthew Wolfenden in place of Joe Fox.

FC United started brightly, looking confident on the ball and passing well. A couple of free kicks in the first five minutes were amongst the Reds’ first opportunities to threaten; the second of which could have set either Adam Jones and Tom Davies up for an opener, however Ross Etheridge was there just ahead of the United defensive duo.

Liam Brownhill also attempted to break the deadlock early on with an effort from the right by-line which met with the roof of the net at the Cemetery End.

A minute later, Wolfenden caught the keeper by surprise, whipping in a first time shot from the edge of the area which Etheridge just managed to tip over the bar for the first corner of the game. United were clearly intent on taking an early lead and always looked to be first to the ball, allowing the visitors very little space or opportunity to get forward.

Ellis Storey provided the first real talking point for the opposition, albeit for all the wrong reasons as he managed to get himself in the book for a blatant pull-back on Tom Greaves who was in a good position.

The resultant free kick was sent in by Wright and Jones’ looping header towards goal was tipped over by Etheridge.

A further free-kick for the Reds, this time played in by Brownhill from 25 yards, was initially headed clear, however only as far as Callum Byrne lurking just outside the Ilkeston area.

The midfielder’s low shot could have caught the visiting keeper off guard, but Etheridge did well to get down just in time and claim the ball before United could pounce on the follow-up.

An excellent move began with Dave Carnell whose well-aimed throw released Brownhill. The ball was then played inside to Wolfenden whose blocked shot resulted in a corner.

Despite having a strong presence in the six yard box, United couldn’t find a way to get the ball across the line.
In what was possibly their first real attack of the game, Ilkeston took full advantage and stole the opener. Gary Ricketts picked up the loose ball in the centre of the park and played it out wide to Callum Chettle who beat Wright and crossed in from the right edge of the area. Tyrell Waite was there at the far side of the six yard box, and with Carnell taken out of the game, had the simple job of heading home from close range on 34 minutes.

United’s reply was almost instantaneous. Jones’ header from a corner was punched out as far on Mike Norton who had escaped the attentions of the defender just outside the box. The striker played a low ball through the crowded area which was helped home by fellow forward Greaves.

There were no further goals before the break, in spite of continued pressure from the Reds, however the 1793 inside Gigg Lane had to wait only three minutes into the second half for United to take the lead.

Strong play again saw Brownhill take the ball to the edge of the area. Somehow his superb cross evaded both Greaves and Norton but Wright ran in at the far post to put the ball over the line.

Three minutes more and Greaves claimed his second and the Reds’ third. Norton’s ball out wide to Greaves saw the latter beat the offside trap and run on to hit across Etheridge and secure his brace and it seemed United were reaping the rewards of having the upper hand for large parts of the game.

On 66 minutes, Lee Neville replaced Charlie Raglan and Rai Simons came on in place of the injured Ricketts as United began to look for a way to kill the game off and almost did so as a result of a corner. The ball came in and Jones was there once more with a header that was blocked on the line by Ryan Wilson.

Carnell was called into action next, denying goal scorer Waite from close range before Wright and Neville combined well down the left and earned a corner. The ball eventually landed with Greaves who set himself up for a great hit from the edge of the area which Etheridge parried. As Tom Davies picked the ball up and headed out of the area, he was brought down by Joe Maguire. Wright stepped up and coolly converted.

Straightaway, Norton came off and was replaced by Astley Mulholland. FC continued to press through to their third and final substitution five minutes later, which saw Nelson Mota come on in place of the hardworking Wolfenden.

United looked as though they could have gone on and scored more, however four was the final and well deserved tally.

United’s performance exuded confidence and the Reds controlled the game. They now take a break from the league on Wednesday to face Carlton Town in the quarter finals of the Doodson Cup.

Report by Victoria Fullen

Website Man of the Match: Jerome Wright – Wright continues to impress with a regained confidence, looking not only to take players on down the left, but also to back track and help defend.

Match Report
FC United moved up into the play-off places after coming from behind to beat Ilkeston 4-1 and keep our promotion push firmly on track at Gigg Lane on Saturday afternoon with two goals each from Tom Greaves and Jerome Wright.

The win means the Reds leapfrog Ashton United and Blyth Spartans into the all important fifth place as both our nearest rivals lost today.

In this United’s first Saturday home game of 2014 after a waterlogged winter, Karl Marginson made one change from Tuesday’s convincing win over Nantwich Town; starting Matthew Wolfenden in place of Joe Fox.

FC United started brightly, looking confident on the ball and passing well. A couple of free kicks in the first five minutes were amongst the Reds’ first opportunities to threaten; the second of which could have set either Adam Jones and Tom Davies up for an opener, however Ross Etheridge was there just ahead of the United defensive duo.

Liam Brownhill also attempted to break the deadlock early on with an effort from the right by-line which met with the roof of the net at the Cemetery End.

A minute later, Wolfenden caught the keeper by surprise, whipping in a first time shot from the edge of the area which Etheridge just managed to tip over the bar for the first corner of the game. United were clearly intent on taking an early lead and always looked to be first to the ball, allowing the visitors very little space or opportunity to get forward.

Ellis Storey provided the first real talking point for the opposition, albeit for all the wrong reasons as he managed to get himself in the book for a blatant pull-back on Tom Greaves who was in a good position.

The resultant free kick was sent in by Wright and Jones’ looping header towards goal was tipped over by Etheridge.

A further free-kick for the Reds, this time played in by Brownhill from 25 yards, was initially headed clear, however only as far as Callum Byrne lurking just outside the Ilkeston area.

The midfielder’s low shot could have caught the visiting keeper off guard, but Etheridge did well to get down just in time and claim the ball before United could pounce on the follow-up.

An excellent move began with Dave Carnell whose well-aimed throw released Brownhill. The ball was then played inside to Wolfenden whose blocked shot resulted in a corner.

Despite having a strong presence in the six yard box, United couldn’t find a way to get the ball across the line.
In what was possibly their first real attack of the game, Ilkeston took full advantage and stole the opener. Gary Ricketts picked up the loose ball in the centre of the park and played it out wide to Callum Chettle who beat Wright and crossed in from the right edge of the area. Tyrell Waite was there at the far side of the six yard box, and with Carnell taken out of the game, had the simple job of heading home from close range on 34 minutes.

United’s reply was almost instantaneous. Jones’ header from a corner was punched out as far on Mike Norton who had escaped the attentions of the defender just outside the box. The striker played a low ball through the crowded area which was helped home by fellow forward Greaves.

There were no further goals before the break, in spite of continued pressure from the Reds, however the 1793 inside Gigg Lane had to wait only three minutes into the second half for United to take the lead.

Strong play again saw Brownhill take the ball to the edge of the area. Somehow his superb cross evaded both Greaves and Norton but Wright ran in at the far post to put the ball over the line.

Three minutes more and Greaves claimed his second and the Reds’ third. Norton’s ball out wide to Greaves saw the latter beat the offside trap and run on to hit across Etheridge and secure his brace and it seemed United were reaping the rewards of having the upper hand for large parts of the game.

On 66 minutes, Lee Neville replaced Charlie Raglan and Rai Simons came on in place of the injured Ricketts as United began to look for a way to kill the game off and almost did so as a result of a corner. The ball came in and Jones was there once more with a header that was blocked on the line by Ryan Wilson.

Carnell was called into action next, denying goal scorer Waite from close range before Wright and Neville combined well down the left and earned a corner. The ball eventually landed with Greaves who set himself up for a great hit from the edge of the area which Etheridge parried. As Tom Davies picked the ball up and headed out of the area, he was brought down by Joe Maguire. Wright stepped up and coolly converted.

Straightaway, Norton came off and was replaced by Astley Mulholland. FC continued to press through to their third and final substitution five minutes later, which saw Nelson Mota come on in place of the hardworking Wolfenden.

United looked as though they could have gone on and scored more, however four was the final and well deserved tally.

United’s performance exuded confidence and the Reds controlled the game. They now take a break from the league on Wednesday to face Carlton Town in the quarter finals of the Doodson Cup.

Report by Victoria Fullen

Website Man of the Match: Jerome Wright – Wright continues to impress with a regained confidence, looking not only to take players on down the left, but also to back track and help defend.


Previous Matches
10/03/2015 2-2D
18/10/2014 3-1L
04/01/2014 3-3D
23/02/2013 1-0W
10/11/2012 1-1D