Report

In a switch of fixture FC Utd travelled to Pursglove to face an out of form Tideswell Utd, in almost impossible conditions it was the Sawyeds who for the third time this season defeated FC.

Boulton welcomed Darren Morris into the squad for the first time this season while Andrew Swanson and Dave Lockwood both passed fitness tests to play a part. Joe Muir, Jordan Shuker and Charlie Johnson all missed the game leaving the Sawyeds light on the bench.

As expected FC started brightly as they rushed a reshuffled Utd into mistakes, on 10 minutes it was no surprise when FC struck, some poor defending allowed Darren Drabble in to slot past Stanway for the advantage. Utd knew FC would burn themselves out as time went on so the message was “be patient”. Once 25 minutes had past some tired legs were showing and it was Utd asking all the questions, the Sawyeds got in behind FC time and again but some very poor finishing along with some excellent goal keeping kept Utd out. On the half hour mark Utd were finally level as the impressive Lockwood burst down the right, his tempting cross was forced home by marauding full back Stuart Baker for his fifth of the season.Taylor kept his best save to keep out Jack Bradbury’s stinging drive from distance and half time came with little to separate the sides.

The recent break due to the weather was affecting FC more than the hosts as the tired legs were there for all to see, Utd spent large periods camped in the FC half but again poor finishing let Utd down as chances were coming at regular intervals. FC’s Jamie Carrington was shown a straight Red card after an assault on Jack Bradbury as the youngster was clean through on goal. Utd introduced Darren Morris and Andrew Swanson into the fray and it was Morris who made the difference as his class stood out in the middle of the field, with 20 minutes to play the winning goal finally came after Nick Wilson neatly laid off Darren Morris, who drilled a stunning drive beyond Taylor into the far corner of the net. FC were there for the taking now but with the pitch almost becoming unplayable and Utd’s problems in front of goal it never materialised. Utd also saw out the final few minutes with 10 men as Dean Morris was carried off after a nasty collision with Baxter Eyre. The excellent Steve Bradshaw brought the game to an end with Utd more than worthy winners on the night.

A Club Spokesman added “This was always going to be a potential banana skin but we took the points which leaves us happy, the game was never going to be a classic in difficult conditions but we are content with what we did on the night. We do have some question marks over the attitude and performance levels in certain quarters, these will be addressed by Saturday as we can not afford disharmony in the dressing room.”