It was the place where FC United scored their first ever goal back in July and on Boxing day they were back again. Playing a much improved Flixton side from the one that FC beat 5-2 in the friendly, sitting in third place in the table and unbeaten in six games.
It was no suprise to see Flixton start the game in competitive fashion with a couple of good attacks early on that let Barrie George know he needed to be on his game. United didn't take long to show why they top the league table though and on 12 minutes Torpey took on his man on the left before firing in a hard and low cross that Adie managed to stab home near post to make it 1-0. Flixton didn't let this deter them and had most of the possesion in the first half whislt making it hard for United to get their free flowing passing game together. Mid way through the first half Torpey hadn't recovered from an early knock and was replaced by Patterson. Half time and United led 1-0 possibly a little fortunate to do so. The second half started with both United and Flixton having chances at either end to equalise or go 2-0 up respectivley. Eventually on 60 minutes Flixton took advantage of some slack marking leaving Tobin a one on one opurtunity which he duly lobbed over the on rushing George. It was a pretty deserved equaliser and Flixton had many chances after that which were wasted even having the ball in the back of the net only to be ruled out for offside. At the other end United will feel hard done by, as Patterson was brought down in the area in what looked a sure fire penalty. Late on United commited men forward looking for a winner with Josh Howard causing the Flixton defence problems on the right. So much so that Flixton's Walker lunged in recklessly on Howard and recieved his marching orders from the referee. Only a few half chacnes were created by United in the last few pushes forward and spoils were shared. A good result in reflection as United didn't really peform as they can and against a good side it was a good point earned.
2 Rob Nugent
3 Kevin Elvin
4 Steve Spencer
5 Dave Chadwick
6 David Brown(c)
7 Josh Howard
8 Simon Carden
9 Joz Mitten
10 Steve Torpey
11 Adie Orr
Subs Used
12 Rory Patterson
13 William Aherne
14 Chris Simms
Attendance 2050
Scorers
Orr 12