FC United of Manchester lost 2-1 to Cleethorpes Town, writes Jovan Radjawane.
FC United travelled to the east coast for a league match against Cleethorpes Town FC on Saturday. There was no delay or cancellation, as the venue for the match, the HPS Plant Fire Stadium, passed its pitch inspection. The clash between The Owls and FC United was also the debut match for Daeshon Lawrence, FC United’s newest signing.
In the pre-match interview, the young striker hoped he could get more minutes and be able to contribute to the team. When asked about the opportunity to play at Broadhurst Park, Lawrence believed it will be a proud moment. He said that he had visited the Broadhurst Park before and he also said that he lives near the stadium.
The Owls took a lead in the first-half. Bailey Conway scored a goal in the 19th minute, turning the score 1-0. Early in the second-half, Cleethorpes Town extended their lead after Nicky Walker received the ball and converted it into a second goal in the 51st minute.
FC United did put up a fight on the pitch. Jordan Buckley, who was brought on in the second-half, ended Cleethorpes Town’s clean sheet in the 85th minute. Although the referee gave 5 minutes of stoppage time, it wasn’t enough for Mark Beesley’s side to secure a point as the Owls defeated FC United 2-1.
Mark Beesley was unhappy with the result, but he wasn’t completely disappointed. He explained that many of his players weren’t fully fit, although he appreciated them for giving everything. Now, Beesley is facing a challenge ahead of next fixture because Ajay Weston miss the next match due to a red card in injury-time.
What Beesley learnt from the outcome was his team must perform better next time. That conclusion was echoed with his words in the pre-match interview, which Beesley described The Owls as a good and strong team. After the match, he admitted that the home team had performed better.
FC United should be alarmed by the defeat. Last time FC United won an away match was on the early November, when they beat Bamber Bridge 0-2. Since then, they have been winless on away game. First they lost to Warrington Town, then they drew with Hyde United. The defeat to Cleethorpes Town has lengthened their winless streak and on Wednesday, they will play another away game at Bracken Moor Stadium.
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Despite the unwanted situations and results, the club did find something to celebrate. Through X (formerly Twitter), FC United announced to fans that Lewis McKenna, the club photographer, has attended 100 league matches in a row. McKenna has worked for FC United of Manchester since 2023 and his work can be seen on FC United’s social media accounts, the club website and his own social media pages.
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