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Jones brace gives FC United a point at Matlock - full report

Jones brace gives FC United a point at Matlock - full reportAdam Jones scored two second half goals as FC United drew 2-2 at Matlock on Wednesday night as the Reds extended their unbeaten run to 10 games.

United’s towering centre-half scored two goals in the first 15 minutes of the second half to overturn a first-half 1-0 deficit but the Reds’ lead lasted just seven minutes as Matlock’s Bradley Grayson got his second of the night from the penalty spot.

Ultimately, it was a frustrating night where FC United didn’t fire on full cylinders but manager Karl Marginson will be reasonably, if not fully, pleased with another point on the board after a difficult midweek away trip.

Margy made one change from the draw against North Ferriby with Jerome Wright dropping to the bench being replaced by Astley Mulholland.

The Reds were on the attack straight from the kick off and could have taken the lead inside 20 seconds when Tom Greaves was played into the box but his shot lacked power and was easily saved by goalkeeper Jon Kennedy.

On 12 minutes Mulholland dummied the ball well and played in Lee Neville, his cross was chested down by Mike Norton but his shot was blocked.

The Gladiators came into the game just before the quarter hour mark when a cross from the left found skipper James Lukic free in the box. His diving header was powerful but wide.

Kennedy and Norton locked horns again shortly after when Greaves powered down the right and pulled the ball back. Norton met it on the half volley and saw Kennedy tip over superbly.

On 36 minutes, Dean Stott conceded a free-kick midway inside his own half. As FC were still debating the decision, Matlock took the free-kick and found Bradley Grayson who allowed the ball to drop over his shoulder, bounce and then unleashed a powerful half-volley that crashed into the far corner of the James Spencer’s goal.

It took the Reds six minutes of the second half to draw level when a ball into the box wasn’t cleared. It found its way to Jones who drilled the ball into the net. Eight minutes later, United took the lead with Jones the scorer again. A Mulholland freekick was met powerfully by Jones giving Kennedy no chance.

FC United’s brief hopes of seeing the game out at 2-1 were dashed just seven minutes later. The Reds defence couldn’t clear the ball from their box where eventually it found the arm of Jake Cottrell. The official had little option but to point to the spot. Grayson stepped up and send Spencer the wrong way to equalise.

From that point there was very little goalmouth action. Grayson probably should have completed his hat-trick when he headed wide and deep into injury time Greg Daniels saw a shot saved, Rhodri Giggs seeing the follow up blocked.

Report by Steven Wood

Man of the Match - Only one this week. Adam Jones scored two goals and put in his typical assured performance.




First Posted ~ 22:24 Wed 6 Mar 2013
News ID ~ 4776
Last Updated ~ 16:00 Fri 19 Feb 2021