Congleton 2 FC United 2

Tony Howard

March 16, 2007

FC UNITED are still on course to make their first final despite letting a two-goal lead slip against Congleton in the North West Counties League Cup.

The Reds had to settle for a draw in Thursday night's semi-final first leg at Witton's Wincham Park after two mistakes from keeper Sam Ashton.

United started positively, with Stuart Rudd going close inside 10 minutes.

Soon after, Nicky Platt broke through and squared for Rhodri Giggs to smash home at the near post.

Minutes later, Rory Patterson hit the bar with a spectacular effort from 30 yards.

Patterson was starting to control the game and scored the second with a cute lob from a Matty Taylor through ball.

Andy Hurst brought Congleton back into the game just before half-time when he took advantage of a rash rush from Ashton to halve the deficit.

And the home side equalised moments after the break, when Hurst capitalised on another Ashton mistake to score his second.

The second leg will be played on Saturday, March 31.

What is your verdict on the performance? Have your say.

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Free Red, Manchester (16/03/2007 at 12:28)

We looked a bit out of sorts and I came close to conceding a third. Congleton pressed hard and I think all in all a draw was a fair result. We have the away goal advantage, but I don't think that will count for much at Gigg lane and this result leaves the tie wide open for the second leg.

Free Red, Manchester (16/03/2007 at 12:34)

Next Up ABBEY HEY v. FC UNITED. Saturday 17th March 2007, k.o. 3.00pm. This game will be played at Hyde United's ground, Ewen Fields, Grange Road, Hyde, Cheshire, SK14 2SB. The match will be pay on the gate £7 Adults, £5 OAPs, £2 Under 18's. The Tameside Supporters Branch have invited all Fcers to the 'Bay Horse Public House' for pre match refreshments and to watch the United v. Bolton match (k.o 12.45) before the main event. We played a FC United XI v. Abbey Hey in a preseason friendly at Stalybridge Celtics Bower Fold ground and comfortably beat them by two goals to one. We then went on to beat them 7-1 in the league at Gigg lane, so hopefully the difference in team ability should make up for any tired legs from last nights match. DIRECTIONS BY ROAD: M60 junction 24, take the M67 (towards Sheffield) to junction 3 (Hyde, Dukinfield Stalybridge). Once on the exit slipway keep to right-hand lane heading for Hyde centre. At traffic lights at the end of the slipway turn right onto Clarkway. Once on Clarkway/Reynard Street at the second set of lights turn left (MORRISONS superstore will be on your left) onto Mottram Road. At the first set of lights on Mottram Road turn right onto Lumn Road. After approximately 200 yards you will come to a giveway sign. There you turn left onto Walker Lane where after approximately 50 yards you will see Hyde Leisure Pool on your left. The entrance to Ewen Field is to the right hand side of the leisure pool. DIRECTION BY TRAIN: from Manchester. Take the 'Hadfield' train from Manchester Piccadilly. They are every 30 minutes and generally leave platform 1 or 2. Get off at Newton - 5th Station stop (about 15 mins from Manchester). Walk down the hill and up the other side to traffic lights. Left and then 1st right and you will be close to the ground. Viva la revolution, come on FC.

Dash Walny Manchester via Poland (19/03/2007 at 13:37)

Great Result for FC!!! I think Congleton clearly outplayed them and it was nice to see FC come away square. I love being a part of the Free Red blogspace.

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