Lancaster City slip to FC United of Manchester defeat

Lancaster City dropped points in consecutive games following a 2-1 defeat at FC utd of Manchester in the Northen Premier League Premier Division.

Goals from both Matt Grivosti and Adam Sudworth capped off an excellent first half for the home side, as they constantly looked a threat, despite City’s control in possession.

However, the momentum completely turned in the next forty-five minutes as Jimmy Marshall’s side came agonisingly close to a way back into the game on several occasions. Whilst this did eventually come through Dom Lawson, it proved too little too late.

Following a delayed restart due to issues with the tape of United skipper Charlie Ennis, both sides made an energetic start to the game. Despite this, the first clear-cut opportunity came for the home side as Grivosti put his side ahead after eight minutes. He managed to connect with a low ball across goal, which was terrifically created by Jordan Buckley.

Regardless of the deficit, it was the visitors who almost found an instant reply. Set-pieces were one of the side’s most promising aspects throughout the game, and if not for a brilliant block, then Dylan Thompson’s header may have levelled proceedings up immediately.

After the effort, City’s spells in possession continued, but didn’t lead to clear-cut chances on goal. The likes of Moonan and Evangelinos came close to the elusive equaliser, but shots sailing over the bar or fantastic saves from United number one Daniel Atherton prevented this.

As a result, the open-game took another turn as it was the home side that found the next goal and in the process managed to double their lead. The corner from United forced two excellent saves from Brad Kelly, but as the Dollies didn’t clear their lines, Adam Sudworth punished them with a goal just before the break.

In the next 45, it was the visitors with the best of the opportunities, as Marshall’s half-time team talk paid dividends.

The vast improvements from the first half began immediately, with FC United forced into frantically clearing the ball from a corner. Likewise, the officials also looked past a penalty claim on Nic Evangelinos, which subsequently left City still trailing by two goals to nil.

Despite the deficit, the Dollies continued to plug away in search of the elusive goal to bring them back into contention. Whilst this eventually came in the 72nd minute through a brilliant Dom Lawson, it wasn’t enough to cancel out the two first-half finishes.

The onslaught continued into the last fifteen minutes, as Sam Bailey almost replicated the formula for the first goal, but the cross was well cut out by the opposition defender. Similarly, a couple of minutes later, Jim Craig couldn’t convert the cut-back after an excellent move down the left-hand side.

In the end, it wasn’t enough, but City’s attention now turns to a local derby on Boxing Day, as Bamber Bridge make the short trip to the Giant Axe.