WHAT should have been a routine victory for FC United ended in disappointment last night as the rebels let slip a three-goal lead to draw 4-4 with Trafford FC in their penultimate game of the North West Counties League season.
The Rebels were crowned champions a week ago, winning promotion to the UniBond League a year ahead of schedule, but the ease with which they lostconcentration here warrants cause for concern ahead of the League Challenge Cup final against Curzon Ashton on May 3.
Just five minutes were on the clock when Stuart Rudd opened the scoring with a penalty - the former Wigan youth player's 45th goal in 48 appearances this season.
FC wasted countless opportunities to extend their lead before Rory Patterson smashed into an empty net shortly after half-time.
That brought up FC's 150th league goal of the season and a record 36th league win in a season looked to be a formality.
Liam Ralph pulled one back for the visitors but two more goals for Patterson should have rubber stamped the three points.
Substitute Mark Fitton gave Trafford hope before John Bluck's free-kick caused tension to sweep around Gigg Lane.
With just five minutes remaining Billy McCartney completed the comeback from the penalty spot to send the pocket of Trafford supporters delirious but the FC crowd home praying this was a minor blip in an otherwise magnificent season.
2 Matty Taylor
3 Jerome Wright
4 Steve Spencer
5 Dave Chadwick(captain)
6 Rob Nugent
7 Dave Brown
8 Gary Sampson
9 Stuart Ruud
10 Rhodri Giggs
11 Rory Patterson
Subs Used
12 David Swarbrick (for 10)
14 Nicky Platt(for 8)
15 Darren Lyons(for 2)
Attendance 1717
Scorers Rudd 6 (Pen), Patterson 47, 60, 72