A fantastic night at Gigg Lane, saw FC produce a dazzling display in a 4-0 victory, but more importantly gained the points that secured promotion. The fans gave their appreciation to the Players and Staff at the final whistle as the celebrations began for something that when it began back in the summer was labelled a "pipe dream". Well guess what its happening and FC and its fans have proved how much can be achieved if you want it enough.
The match itself saw FC serve up some great attacking football on a pitch that looked much better than it has done recentlly. Chadderton's defence had to put up with the likes of Swarbrick, Torpey, Howard and Patterson all making runs forward, and showing no fear to take men on. FC took the lead on 21 minutes when a trademark Torpey freekick was curled over the wall and low into the keepers left corner, much like the equaliser against Colne in the cup. 20 minutes later and United were 2-0 up, a pin point Josh Howard cross from the right was nodded in, in style by Rob Nugent. 2-0 to FC at half time and some great football played.
The second half saw more of a midfield battle in which Cahdderton gained alot more possesion, but lacked ideas to create anything to trouble Phil Melville in the FC goal. The game was wrapped up on 81 minutes when young substitute Will Ahern showed why he's attracted the interest of Grimsby Town with a superb 20 yard strike, hit on the bounce into the top corner. Two minutes later and Tony Cullen making a burst into the box trying to get onto the score sheet was sychthed down, leaving Patterson to hammer home emphaticaly from the spot to round of the scoring and gain his 19th goal of the season.
4-0 to FC and a proud, proud night for everyone who believed in this club from the start, a win in the next game and the inevitable title will be ours! FC,FCU,FCUM OK!!
2 Rob Nugent
3 Tony Cullen
4 Steve Spencer
5 Billy McCartney
6 David Brown(captain)
7 Josh Howard
8 Simon Carden
9 Dave Swarbrick
10 Steve Torpey
11 Rory Patterson
Subs:
12 Will Ahern
14 Joz Mitten
15 Adie Orr
Attendance 2788
Scorers
Torpey 21, Nugent 40, Ahern 81, Patterson 87 (Pen),