FC United 4 Trafford 4

David Ornstein

April 26, 2007

WHAT should have been a routine victory for FC United ended in disappointment last night as the rebels let slip a three-goal lead to draw 4-4 with Trafford FC in their penultimate game of the North West Counties League season.

The Rebels were crowned champions a week ago, winning promotion to the UniBond League a year ahead of schedule, but the ease with which they lostconcentration here warrants cause for concern ahead of the League Challenge Cup final against Curzon Ashton on May 3.

Just five minutes were on the clock when Stuart Rudd opened the scoring with a penalty - the former Wigan youth player's 45th goal in 48 appearances this season.

FC wasted countless opportunities to extend their lead before Rory Patterson smashed into an empty net shortly after half-time.

Formality

That brought up FC's 150th league goal of the season and a record 36th league win in a season looked to be a formality.

Liam Ralph pulled one back for the visitors but two more goals for Patterson should have rubber stamped the three points.

Substitute Mark Fitton gave Trafford hope before John Bluck's free-kick caused tension to sweep around Gigg Lane.

With just five minutes remaining Billy McCartney completed the comeback from the penalty spot to send the pocket of Trafford supporters delirious but the FC crowd home praying this was a minor blip in an otherwise magnificent season.
What do you think? Have your say.

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shanny, Hyde, Cheshire (26/04/2007 at 11:05)

4-4! Sounds like both pub teams were drunk!

Free Red, Manchester (26/04/2007 at 11:09)

For there second half performance Trafford deserved a draw. I also thought there fans were the best away support we have had at Gigg lane. I don't know why our lads had such a poor second half but I guess after playing 'cup finals' home and away all season they allowed themselves to relax. Never mind. One big loss for our cup final will be Stuart Rudd who is now serving a three match ban for his sending off against Colne. Viva la revolution, come on FC

PC, wilmslow (26/04/2007 at 12:35)

Shammy, you still haven't told us what level you play(ed) football at? It's exciting to think a current or former professional is commenting on our team. I assume you are/were a Pro because surely you wouldn't call FC Utd a pub team when you yourself played real pub football at best?

Just a blip in concentration last night. They won't do that in the cup final because a) it's a cup final, and b) it probably won't be 4-1 against Curzon.

Missing Rudd is a pity, but we can still do it. Meanwhile, let's get as many as possible there on Saturday.

Perhaps the MEN could advertise the game, and point out that under-18s get in FREE!

life in a blender, Debenhams (26/04/2007 at 13:54)

"there" performance, "there" fans.. You can get help. It isn't too late.

Free Red, Manchester (26/04/2007 at 14:03)

Debenhams? in Cockermouth?

Johnniejohn, Tunbridge Wells (26/04/2007 at 14:17)

I think, life in a blender, that you are the one that needs help. How about getting in contact with 'Pedants Anonymous'?

Dash Walny Manchester via Poland (26/04/2007 at 14:30)

Lifeinablender - Stop pickin' on Free Read's lack of edjumacation. Theirs better tings to types abowt.

Still a great result for the boys. Can't blame them for being a little hung over, but I imagine Margy got in their ear about resting on their (don't go there) laurels.

The Unibond will be a better test for the boys. Ooooo I can feel the conference getting oooo soooo closer.

The Voice of Reason, MANCHESTER (26/04/2007 at 21:35)

Shanny dialouge is a two way thing it's alright coming on here slagging the lads of, but I don't see you answering any questions.
So do you see all non league teams as pub teams your words not mine or not.
I don't expect a reply.

Free Red, Manchester (27/04/2007 at 10:06)

TICKET NEWS. 1500 Cup final tickets will be on open sale at our last home league match tomorrow from 11.00am to 2.45pm. Note that as part of the League winning celebrations tomorrows match is FREE for U18s.

shanny, Hyde, Cheshire (27/04/2007 at 10:31)

The standard of league red lion (fc) united play at is vitually pub league. Having being involved in several standards of football, i am aware how poor the level of football played really is! Just because an inproportionate amount of people attend these games due to a link with usa united does not improve the quality of games being watched!

Free Red, Manchester (27/04/2007 at 11:10)

Shanny, Hyde, Cheshire. Any fan that has been to Gigg lane would verify that the standard of football played by FC United is better than some played in the Conference. Teams we play field ringers who move around from club to club. One of these ringers I could name played for Atherton Cols' this season and now plays for a league club. Most of our players have played at Conference or at league level. You really don't know what you're talking about. You clam to be a blue but you spend more time on the United and FC United pages. One thing for sure you come over as very bitter.

Johnniejohn, Tunbridge Wells (27/04/2007 at 11:10)

Shammy, we're not bovvered what you think, but it is good you are coming out of your shell a little bit, rather than just making snide comments comparing FC with pub football. We had to start almost at the bottom of the pyramid. With promotions, the standard gets better. One season at a time. Onwards and upwards

Dash Walny Manchester via Poland (27/04/2007 at 17:30)

I agree with JJohn, our club could compete right now in conference, but we can only move up one league each year. At the NW counties level, players can switch teams multiple times during the course of a campaign and play versus FC multiple times for multiple clubs. It was like we were playing the NW counties all-star team at some times. This won't happen as we move up in class. But better competition will mean better matches and the crowds will get bigger with more competitive matches.

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