Reds edge seven goal thriller against Ashton United

FC United scored four goals to beat old rivals Ashton United 4-3 on Tuesday evening thanks to goals from Nathan Lowe, Lewis Lacy, Connor McCarthy and Jason Gilchrist.

With less than two weeks until the start of the season it was another new look starting XI with six new faces starting the game and the first half was a little bit like a game you’d expect with players still getting to know each other.

FC went a goal up just after half an hour with Nathan Lowe netting a trademark low, hard strike but we somehow managed to go in 2-1 down thanks to two strikes from Yaw Gimah; the first a penalty and then a really well taken low drive from inside the box that was just out of the reach of Lloyd Allinson.

We maybe got some indication of the starting XI looking to make up the bulk of the first choice for the league in that ten of them stayed on the pitch for the start of the second half with goalkeeper Allinson being replaced by Jonny Musangu.

Lewis Lacy once again gave a good performance up front and got himself on the scoresheet heading home a corner early in the second half, but Liam Tomsett gave the hosts the lead once again just minutes later.

From this point FC came on strong and were soon level when Connor McCarthy rounded the Ashton goalkeeper and several members of the defence before eventually slotting home.

The victory was sealed with a superbly taken effort from Jason Gilchrist who fired past Povey in the Ashton goal at the near post from a tight angle.

The result ad performance proved to be a good way to bounce back from Saturday’s defeat at South Shields and set up the two home ties in the next week against Bolton and Fleetwood, which could prove to be the biggest tests before the season kicks off.

Man of the Match: Lewis Lacy – Played up front again looking big and strong as you would expect, but also showing a good touch and an aerial threat that got him on the scoresheet early in the second half.

Report by Craig Phillips