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MATCH REPORT: Reserves tricked by Hatters

FC United Reserves travelled to Edgeley Park to take on Stockport County, a crowd of 158 saw the Hatters take the points with two strikes early in the second half after going behind to an effort from Robson Buckley.

Local rivalries were alive and well as our hosts, currently mid table were so keen to win that first team manager Jim Gannon was drafted on to the touchline. The home side had most of the early possession although it was FC United’s Jamal Branker that had the first shot, just clearing the bar in the sixth minute. The first shot on target was a highly speculative effort from Stockport first teamer Joe Garvin from near the half way line a couple of minutes later.

The reds had weathered the early storm and were having the better of the play by the time they took the lead. Branker had cut in from the right corner and crossed beyond the far post, the ball broke to Buckley to fire past Dan Smith in the home goal. Dean Hope and Chris Hill were excellent in midfield all night and Hope had two good chances midway through the half.

As half time approached the Hatters were getting on top and had a couple of chances, Max Brown just failing to reach a dangerous cross being perhaps the best of them.

An injury to Ben Potter meant a half time substitution in FC United defence and unfortunately they failed to ride the early pressure. Wade Joyce equalised from the penalty spot and a George West header gave Stockport the lead in the first five minutes of the second half. West was denied by Connor Stone around the hour mark but that, in truth was as much as Stockport threatened.

The reds pushed for an equaliser of their own, Roger Degue and Frank van Gils could have made more of good chances with a little more composure but in truth apart from late efforts by Hope and van Gils the Stockport goal was never under real threat.

Stockport travel to Broadhurst Park on Saturday 23 April and the lads complete their season with a trip to Bower Fold to play Stalybridge Celtic on 7 April and Buxton on 28 April.





First Posted ~ 19:57 Wed 23 Mar 2016
News ID ~ 6738
Last Updated ~ 00:47 Tue 16 Feb 2021