Match Report

Reigning champions FC United are through to semi-finals of the Frank Hannah Manchester Premier Cup for the third consecutive season after winning 2-0 at Mossley on Tuesday night with a debut goal from Ryan White and another screamer from Kurt Willoughby.

White, signed from Bamber Bridge just in time for the match, made an almost instant impression by smashing home the opening goal from close range just 15 minutes into the game.

Reds goalkeeper Lloyd Allinson saved Ben Halfacre’s penalty on the stroke of half-time before Willoughby sealed victory in the 81st minute with an audacious strike from 30 yards out.

Having won the competition for the last two seasons, the Reds will be hoping to make it a hat-trick of victories but they must now wait to see who they will face in the semi-finals. They will not have to overcome favourites Salford City as they were knocked out by Curzon Ashton on Tuesday night.

United started brightly at Seel Park and good work by Willoughby saw him work an opportunity for himself. His shot was saved by the feet of Lillywhites ’keeper Joao Mendes but White was on hand to steer the ball in from close range. The perfect start to life at FC United and another signing by Neil Reynolds to score on his debut.

The hosts battled well and could easily have been back on level terms going into the break but Allinson got down well to save Halfacre’s spot-kick.

United were pressed a lot in the second half as Mossley, winners of the cup in 2012, 2013, 2015 and 2016, sought a way back into the match. But the Reds rarely looked in any real danger and Willoughby capped a fine display and victory with a stunning goal.

Other than the goals, one of the highlights of the match came in the 69th minute when FC United coach and former captain David Chadwick came on as a substitute for Jamie Milligan. The 41-year-old last played for the first team seven years ago on 22nd October 2011 during a 4-0 FA Trophy victory at Frickley Athletic.