Big Crowd See FC United Triumph

By Steve Whitney

In front of a terrific Friday night crowd of 3,030 at Broadhurst Park, FC United of Manchester enjoyed their first win of the new....

....Vanarama National League North season at the expense of neighbours Stockport County, who had won their opening two matches.

The opening half-hour was cagey by both teams, with County having the only real shot on target through Danny Lloyd.

However, in the 32nd minute, the Rebels took the lead when a diagonal by Chris Chantler found Matty Wolfenden (pictured) at the far post and he fired home the opening goal.

The second half saw a far more exciting contest for the big crowd, with the visitors coming close to equalising when substitute Scott Spencer hit a post and then at the other end, former County man Sam Sheridan struck the bar before the ball bounced to safety.

Hatters` keeper Ben Hinchliffe then pulled off a fine save from Jerome Wright`s close range effort.

However, he could do little to prevent FC United from doubling their advantage with just 4 minutes of normal time remaining when sub Nathan Lowe`s shot deflected past the keeper, with Lowe`s team-mate Dale Johnson, who had also come off the bench, wheeling away also claiming the goal.

County almost managed a consolation through John Marsden, whose effort nicked the post, but it was FC United`s night.

Where next?

Saturday`s Vanarama National League Review.... Tranmere Rovers, Boreham Wood, newly-promoted Solihull Moors and relegated York City remain unbeaten three games into the new Vanarama National League season.
Stones Bag Former Canary Vanarama National League club Maidstone United have signed former Norwich City midfielder Reece Hall-Johnson.