Last gasp FC United sink rivals Marine - full report
Adam Jones scored a priceless winner with one minute to go as FC United came from 1-0 down to beat promotion rivals Marine 2-1 at the Arriva Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Matthew Wolfenden got United back on level terms with an instinctive strike less than 10 minutes into the second half after Jonathon Goulding had given the hosts an interval lead. And just when it looked like the match would finish a point apiece, Jones popped up with a header to seal all three for United.
The Reds looked dangerous inside the first minute when a ball played in Wolfenden but the official called him back for handball.
At the other end of the pitch, Marine skipper Neil Harvey was proving a handful, firing a snap shot just wide and hitting the bar with a header from a corner, though United goalkeeper James Spencer must take credit for tipping the ball onto the woodwork.
Mike Norton was looking a little isolated upfront but he came close with a header midway through the first half which flew just wide.
However, five minutes later Marine took the lead when a free-kick was floated into the box to Goulding who took the ball down and fired a great shot into the far corner.
Shortly before half-time, Wolfenden brought a save from Callum Williams in the home goal but in truth it was an opening 45 minutes short on clear chances at either end.
Eight minutes into the second, FC United restored parity when a superb Norton ball played in Wolfenden who coolly slotted past Goulding. At the other end Aaron Rey brought a save from Spencer.
The game was certainly more open than the first half. Harvey shooting at Spencer and a dangerous free-kick being missed by Goulding, Jones heading back but the home defence clearing the ball.
Just as it looked like both teams would have to settle for a share of the points, the Reds won the game. A Kyle Jacobs free-kick found Jones unmarked at the far post and the big centre-half made no mistake with a firm header into the bottom corner, sending the travelling red army into raptures. The goal capping a fantastic week for Jones, having become a father for the second time a few days ago.
There was still time for Nicky Platt to seal the game after a quick break saw Norton combine with Astley Mulholland who found Platt but his chip flew over. There was also a heart in the mouth moment in the FC defence when a cross from the left flew past the head of a diving Harvey and went wide.
All-in-all, it was solid performance from FC United who once again showed their fighting spirit after going a goal down.
Website man of the match: Greg Stones - The United centre-half was up against Neil Harvey who was a handful all afternoon but Stones’ performance was calm, cool and collected without putting a foot wrong all afternoon.
Report by Steven Wood
Matthew Wolfenden got United back on level terms with an instinctive strike less than 10 minutes into the second half after Jonathon Goulding had given the hosts an interval lead. And just when it looked like the match would finish a point apiece, Jones popped up with a header to seal all three for United.
The Reds looked dangerous inside the first minute when a ball played in Wolfenden but the official called him back for handball.
At the other end of the pitch, Marine skipper Neil Harvey was proving a handful, firing a snap shot just wide and hitting the bar with a header from a corner, though United goalkeeper James Spencer must take credit for tipping the ball onto the woodwork.
Mike Norton was looking a little isolated upfront but he came close with a header midway through the first half which flew just wide.
However, five minutes later Marine took the lead when a free-kick was floated into the box to Goulding who took the ball down and fired a great shot into the far corner.
Shortly before half-time, Wolfenden brought a save from Callum Williams in the home goal but in truth it was an opening 45 minutes short on clear chances at either end.
Eight minutes into the second, FC United restored parity when a superb Norton ball played in Wolfenden who coolly slotted past Goulding. At the other end Aaron Rey brought a save from Spencer.
The game was certainly more open than the first half. Harvey shooting at Spencer and a dangerous free-kick being missed by Goulding, Jones heading back but the home defence clearing the ball.
Just as it looked like both teams would have to settle for a share of the points, the Reds won the game. A Kyle Jacobs free-kick found Jones unmarked at the far post and the big centre-half made no mistake with a firm header into the bottom corner, sending the travelling red army into raptures. The goal capping a fantastic week for Jones, having become a father for the second time a few days ago.
There was still time for Nicky Platt to seal the game after a quick break saw Norton combine with Astley Mulholland who found Platt but his chip flew over. There was also a heart in the mouth moment in the FC defence when a cross from the left flew past the head of a diving Harvey and went wide.
All-in-all, it was solid performance from FC United who once again showed their fighting spirit after going a goal down.
Website man of the match: Greg Stones - The United centre-half was up against Neil Harvey who was a handful all afternoon but Stones’ performance was calm, cool and collected without putting a foot wrong all afternoon.
Report by Steven Wood
First Posted ~ 10:53 Sun 26 Feb 2012
News ID ~ 4074
Last Updated ~ 01:52 Tue 16 Feb 2021