AFC DARWEN 0 FC UNITED of MANCHESTER 10 (Ten)
FC United continued their pre-season with an emphatic 10 (Ten)-0 victory at AFC Darwen - the highest ever away victory in the club's 16-year history - as Cedric Main scored five!
The Reds started like a train and took the lead on three minutes when a great move from back to front saw Drew Baker feed Cedric Main, who split the home defence to send Tre Pemberton clear to finish well under Josh Liversedge. Five minutes later, the lead was doubled when Keaton Mulvey crossed for Main to tap in for 2-0. Mulvey had a chance moments later, but saw his shot saved by Liversedge.
On 20 minutes, Mulvey did get his goal after being sent clear by Main, finishing with style under the keeper for 3-0. FC looked to be running riot and the lead was extended further on 35 minutes when a great move down the left saw Regan Linney cross for Main to finish. Almost immediately, it was five when Linney found Charlie Ennis who dragged the ball round Lliversedge and finished well.
It was certainly fireworks at the start of the second half, as Michael Potts clashed with a Darwen player in the centre circle. As they parted they continued to tangle and first half substitute Bobby Langford took it upon himself to charge in and launch a haymaker into the face of Potts. There followed a spell of all in handbags featuring all 22 players and both benches, before a deserved red card was brandished to Langford.
The lead was increased to six a few minutes later when Main completed his hat-trick with a shot from the edge of the box. Three minutes later, it was that man again, as Main pounced on a loose ball and fired home. It took to the 72nd minute for the next goal when the ball found Ali Waddicar, who finished superbly into the top corner for 8-0. Less than 60 seconds later, it was 9-0 as Main turned provider for an FC United substitute trialist to curl the ball into the bottom corner.
There was still time for a tenth goal, and when it came it was probably the best of the lot as Mike Donohue produced a piece of sublime magic on the touchline to beat his man and cross for Main to head home his fifth goal of the evening.
After a great performance against a strong Bolton side on Saturday, this was a great night for FC United to find their goal threat and set up nicely for the Brian Lomax Trophy game v Enfield Town at Broadhurst Park this coming Saturday.
Website man of the match: as it's pre season, it's a chance to break with convention and name two MOTMs. Cedric Main, of course, for his five goal salvo, but at the back Drew Baker was utterly outstanding, winning pretty much 100% of tackles, using the ball well and producing a performance that bodes extremely well for the coming season.
Report by Steven Wood
AFC DARWEN 0 FC UNITED of MANCHESTER 10 (Ten)
FC United continued their pre-season with an emphatic 10 (Ten)-0 victory at AFC Darwen - the highest ever away victory in the club's 16-year history - as Cedric Main scored five!
The Reds started like a train and took the lead on three minutes when a great move from back to front saw Drew Baker feed Cedric Main, who split the home defence to send Tre Pemberton clear to finish well under Josh Liversedge. Five minutes later, the lead was doubled when Keaton Mulvey crossed for Main to tap in for 2-0. Mulvey had a chance moments later, but saw his shot saved by Liversedge.
On 20 minutes, Mulvey did get his goal after being sent clear by Main, finishing with style under the keeper for 3-0. FC looked to be running riot and the lead was extended further on 35 minutes when a great move down the left saw Regan Linney cross for Main to finish. Almost immediately, it was five when Linney found Charlie Ennis who dragged the ball round Lliversedge and finished well.
It was certainly fireworks at the start of the second half, as Michael Potts clashed with a Darwen player in the centre circle. As they parted they continued to tangle and first half substitute Bobby Langford took it upon himself to charge in and launch a haymaker into the face of Potts. There followed a spell of all in handbags featuring all 22 players and both benches, before a deserved red card was brandished to Langford.
The lead was increased to six a few minutes later when Main completed his hat-trick with a shot from the edge of the box. Three minutes later, it was that man again, as Main pounced on a loose ball and fired home. It took to the 72nd minute for the next goal when the ball found Ali Waddicar, who finished superbly into the top corner for 8-0. Less than 60 seconds later, it was 9-0 as Main turned provider for an FC United substitute trialist to curl the ball into the bottom corner.
There was still time for a tenth goal, and when it came it was probably the best of the lot as Mike Donohue produced a piece of sublime magic on the touchline to beat his man and cross for Main to head home his fifth goal of the evening.
After a great performance against a strong Bolton side on Saturday, this was a great night for FC United to find their goal threat and set up nicely for the Brian Lomax Trophy game v Enfield Town at Broadhurst Park this coming Saturday.
Website man of the match: as it's pre season, it's a chance to break with convention and name two MOTMs. Cedric Main, of course, for his five goal salvo, but at the back Drew Baker was utterly outstanding, winning pretty much 100% of tackles, using the ball well and producing a performance that bodes extremely well for the coming season.
Report by Steven Wood
