FC United of Manchester 0 Boston United 1
Ollie Ryan struck in the first half, as Boston United scored a narrow victory at Gigg Lane over FC United of Manchester, in a game of numerous missed chances for the visiting Pilgrims.
Tommy Taylor selected an attacking line-up, with defensive midfielder Stewart Talbot dropped to allow winger Lee Beeson to start, with Jon Rowan placed into an attacking midfield position.
Pilgrims goalkeeper Chris Wright did make the first impressive save of the afternoon, but this was virtually FC United’s only real chance.
Halfway through the first half, Beeson missed a glorious chance to open the scoring. Rowan’s cross found the Boston youngster with a great opportunity to fire into the net, but he powered his effort straight at keeper Sam Ashton.
Ryan wasted a one-on-one with Ashton, as defender Dave Chadwick showed pace to catch up with the striker and force him off the ball.
However, Ryan made amends, after Beeson flicked on a Liam Parker long throw into the penalty area, and duly volloyed home smartly into the top corner.
Moments later, Rowan broke free but couldn’t beat Ashton, then Ryan ballooned a shot over when clear.
Boston ended the half much the superior side, as David Farrell whizzed in a drive just wide of Ashton’s left hand post.
In the second half, Jon Froggatt, Beeson, Wes Parker and Rowan all had chances to make the game safe, but were denied by heading over, a block on the line, a wayward shot and a drop-goal contender respectively.
FC United mustered only half chances, as Wright had a comfortable afternoon at Gigg Lane.
Attendance: 2825 (175 from Boston)
Line-up: Chris Wright; Liam Parker, Ryan Clarke, Matt Bloomer, Liam Green; Lee Beeson (Adam Millson 74), Jon Rowan, Wes Parker, David Farrell; Jon Froggatt, Ollie Ryan (Kieran Leabon 62). Subs (not used): Stewart Talbot, Michael Wood, Danny Steadman.
