The Lions exited the Emirates FA Cup at Broadhurst Park as FC United scored an 89th minute winner in a tight contest, read more in our match report sponsored by BuildADrive.com.
A Paul (Charlie) Ennis penalty and a heavily deflected Fin Sinclair-Smith shot either side of a Jonathan Wafula equaliser settled the tie as heavy rain poured affecting the conditions at FC United of Manchester’s Broadhurst Park.
The Lions gave a debut to new loan signing Kian Harratt, as Kaine Felix missed the game through injury, but the first chance fell to Dan Cowan who volleyed over from the edge of the box.
The hosts launched a counter attack through Aaron Morris who saw off Gabriel Johnson, Lebrun Mbeka and Brad Nicholson before Hamza Bencherif’s tackle brought down the right back leaving the referee no choice but to award a penalty.
It is the second game in a row The Lions have conceded a spot kick with FCUM top scorer and former Lion Ennis making no mistake sending Brad Wade the wrong way to open the scoring.
The Reds weren’t content with just the one goal though, as the heavens opened and the rain poured in Manchester they piled on the pressure and Wade did well to deal with Morris’ low cross.
In the 29th minute Guiseley had their best opening of the afternoon, George Cantrill crossed for Prince Ekpolo but his header hit the post and both Wafula and Mark Howarth couldn’t put home the loose ball.
Five minutes later though Wafula made no mistake, Luke Griffiths’ backpass held up in the water on the playing surface and the former Boston United attacker curled past Dan Lavercombe to equalise, a goal which had been coming after a turn in momentum in the game.
The sides couldn’t be separated for the rest of the first 45 and the second half got off to a cagey start too with the first chance of any note coming in the 57th minute.
Nicholson put in a perfect ball for Wafula but Chris Doyle made a goal saving tackle to divert the ball out of the strikers path and away.
Cowan had a glorious chance a few minutes later to put his side in front, Howarth’s corner found the defender but he headed over from six yards out when it looked easier to score.
Harratt looked for a goal on his debut but could only fire over from a tight angle.
After a tight period in the game, with shots either easily saved or dealt with by stoppers Wade and Lavercombe, FC United got their winner.
Sinclair-Smith was introduced from the bench by FC United manager Neil Reynolds and he showed his boss what he is capable of with a powerful shot from range which took a massive deflection to wrong foot Wade and secure his side a place in the Emirates FA Cup first round.
Marcus Bignot and Russ O’Neill introduced Nathan Newall and Paul Clayton but couldn’t create that crucial opening to score the equaliser in the four minutes of added time.
Marcus Bignot’s post match interview.
Attendance: 600 – all FC United of Manchester fans under current Covid-19 rules.
Team: 1. Brad Wade, 2. George Cantrill, 3. Brad Nicholson, 4. Mark Howarth, 5. Hamza Bencherif (C), 6. Dan Cowan (90′ Newall), 7. Kian Harratt, 8. Prince Ekpolo (90′ Clayton), 9. Jonathan Wafula (85′ Gillam), 10. Lebrun Mbeka and 11. Gabriel Johnson.
Subs: 12. Isaac Currie, 13. Hagie Damba (GK), 14. Matty Gillam (85′ Wafula), 15. Ashton Hall, 16. Nathan Newall (90′ Cowan), 17. Paul Clayton (90′ Ekpolo) and 18. Lewis Hey.
