The Rebels went into the clash with the Stockport side five points behind leaders Bradford Park Avenue knowing three points from their game in hand would take the race to Saturday's final day.
But a speculative 68th minute lob from way out on the left wing by Jamie Kay left FC United contemplating next Tuesday's play-off semi final tie.
Striker Jerome Wright grabbed a fine last-minute equaliser, but it just was not enough.
The point gives Woodley some much-needed breathing space in their battle, with Bridlington Town, to avoid relegation.
Woodley could have gone in front eight minutes before the break when striker Andy Farrell saw a close- range volley bravely blocked by home skipper Dave Chadwick.
They were forced onto the back foot again early in the second period, as FC United increased their intensity, but weathered the storm.
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Free Red, Manchester (24/04/2008 at 11:09)
The real result last night is that with Curzon losing away to NBS a point was all we needed to take second place in the league and if we win on Saturday away to Garforth Town we will have the home advantage in the play offs. Viva la revolution, come on FC.
Prestwich Red, Prestwich (24/04/2008 at 12:19)
That headline is a bit harsh considering we went 2nd last night - the highest position we've been all season. I wasn't aware of any title dreams.
So it's the play-offs then. A new experience for us seasoned campaigners. If we go up - great. If we don't - then it's a fresh title challenge next season and even more affordable football with the fans at the helm.
Either way, there is no "lose" :)
stephen peake (24/04/2008 at 13:26)
Thank you once again to "this thing of ours". A tremendous season, whatever happens in the play-offs, we won the cup, and the lads have come through an extremely gruelling end of season run in with their heads held high. i thank you all, staff, management, players and fans.
Even last night, when let's face it we were pretty awful for large portions of the game, there was no where else i would prefer to be, and that includes the Nou Camp and Fergie's dire tactics
Drifter, Mancunia (24/04/2008 at 15:48)
Free Red, Manchester (25/04/2008 at 10:37)
There are a limited number of Garforth tickets available to purchase from the FC United office on Thursday 24th April and Friday 25th April between the hours of 10am and 4pm.
Where to go and what to do: There is an alcohol banning order which is in force for the whole area, this banning order does not apply once supporters are within the confines of the ground. The Board urge supporters to go directly to the ground. The clubhouse will be open before the game from 11.00am and a marquee will be set up next to the ground. The clubhose will be showing the Chelsea v Manchester United. There will not be a big screen erected outside which was previously mentioned. There will be entertainment for the children, including beat the goalie and face painting. Garforth FC and the local authorities have been working hard with officials at FC United to make sure FC United supporters have an enjoyable day out.
Directions: By Car - There are a number of roadworks in the area including at least one road closure. The Board have advised supporters are advised to follow the directions from the Motorway. From the M1 junction 47, take turning signposted Garforth (A642). Approximately 200 yards. On the left is a new housing development (Cedar Ridge) opposite a White House. Garforth Town is at the end of the lane. Note Cedar Ridge will be closed to cars on the day of the game.
Car Parking: Cedar Ridge will be closed on the day of the game. Parking will be available at the local industrial estate based off Isabella Road. The industrial estate is directly off a newly built roundabout which is a couple of minutes walk to the ground.
Coaches parking - will park at the East Garforth Primary School which is about 150 yards away from the ground.
At the conclusion of the game vehicles leaving the industrial estate off Isabella Road will be directed left passed the ground & back onto the Motorway (no right turn into Garforth).
Train – The train takes approximately 1 hour 8 minutes from Manchester Piccadilly.
Walking from Garforth Train Station: Walk out of Garforth station at the main road exit (Platform 1) and turn right. Follow this road until you reach East Garforth P.O. Cross over Sturton Lane and continue to follow the main road, you should pass an Aagrah restaurant and a housing estate. After this point you will see a path on your right. Follow the path and turn right again at the top, Garforth Town is at the end of the lane.
Bus from Leeds: The Number 18 can be taken from Stop P7 on Leeds Boar Lane. This travels through York Road, Whitkirk, Stile Hill Way, and then Garforth Bridge (Station). Directions are then as above.
Kiwi-blue, Christchurch NZ (25/04/2008 at 13:33)
There are a limited number of Cheshire Cheese tickets available to purchase from the FC United office on Thursday 24th April and Friday 25th April between the hours of 10am and 4pm.
Where to go and what to do: There is an alcohol banning order which is in force for the whole area, this banning order does not apply once supporters are within the confines of the ground. The Board urge supporters to go directly to the ground. The clubhouse will be open before the game from 11.00am and a marquee will be set up next to the ground. The clubhose will be showing the Chelsea v Manchester United. There will not be a big screen erected outside which was previously mentioned. There will be entertainment for the children, including beat the goalie and face painting. Garforth FC and the local authorities have been working hard with officials at FC United to make sure FC United supporters have an enjoyable day out.
Directions: By Car - There are a number of roadworks in the area including at least one road closure. The Board have advised supporters are advised to follow the directions from the Motorway. From the M1 junction 47, take turning signposted Garforth (A642). Approximately 200 yards. On the left is a new housing development (Cedar Ridge) opposite a White House. Garforth Town is at the end of the lane. Note Cedar Ridge will be closed to cars on the day of the game.
Car Parking: Cedar Ridge will be closed on the day of the game. Parking will be available at the local industrial estate based off Isabella Road. The industrial estate is directly off a newly built roundabout which is a couple of minutes walk to the ground.
Coaches parking - will park at the East Garforth Primary School which is about 150 yards away from the ground.
At the conclusion of the game vehicles leaving the industrial estate off Isabella Road will be directed left passed the ground & back onto the Motorway (no right turn into Garforth).
Train – The train takes approximately 1 hour 8 minutes from Manchester Piccadilly.
Walking from Garforth Train Station: Walk out of Garforth station at the main road exit (Platform 1) and turn right. Follow this road until you reach East Garforth P.O. Cross over Sturton Lane and continue to follow the main road, you should pass an Aagrah restaurant and a housing estate. After this point you will see a path on your right. Follow the path and turn right again at the top, Garforth Town is at the end of the lane.
Bus from Leeds: The Number 18 can be taken from Stop P7 on Leeds Boar Lane. This travels through York Road, Whitkirk, Stile Hill Way, and then Garforth Bridge (Station). Directions are then as above.
Free Red, Manchester
stephen peake (25/04/2008 at 13:39)
On holiday, to Manchester perhaps to take in the FC experience.
Thought not, now go away again.
Drifter, Mancunia (25/04/2008 at 19:22)
We will however, be without captain David Chadwick who has a slight hamstring strain but the good news is that fellow centre-back Rob Nugent will be fit for the trip to West Yorkshire after being rested against Newcastle Blue Star and Woodley Sports due to a cartilage tear.
Manager Karl Marginson said: "Nuge will be fine and fingers crossed Chaddy will be okay for Wednesday (the semi-final of the play-offs). There is the temptation to rest a few players with the play-offs in mind but obviously we want to win the game, so I'll see how the players are and see who needs what."
And Margy added that despite the disappointment of missing on a third consecutive title, confidence was still high in the squad. He added: "We didn't do ourselves justice on Wednesday night against Woodley, especially after the way we played at Newcastle, but all the lads know that promotion is in our own hands and we have proved that we can beat any of these teams. The determination is still there and all the players are still hungry for success, both this season and next."
Drifter, Mancunia (27/04/2008 at 07:21)
Jamie Baguley got the opener and the West Yorkshire side equailsed not long after but Nicky Platt snatched victory from the penalty spot.
Due to finishing second, the Reds will now have home advantage if they get to the play-off final. However, they must first overcome Bamber Bridge who held onto fifth place by drawing 2-2 away at Clitheroe.
In the other semi-final, Curzon Ashton must travel back to Skelmersdale United after being thrashed 4-1 there on Saturday.
phil m, cumbria (27/04/2008 at 10:32)
Free Red, Manchester (28/04/2008 at 09:04)
fcum of manchester, heywood (28/04/2008 at 14:38)
Dash Walny Manchester via Poland (29/04/2008 at 19:18)
ON TO MOSCOW!!!!