FCUM renew Italian friendships with win over Brera

FC United welcomed Brera to Broadhurst Park in their final game of the Fenix Trophy group stage, with the home side winning 2-1 on the night after a dominating performance.

A sliding goal from Josh Askew in the first half saw FC enter the break 1-0 up after dominating large parts of the ball.

FC doubled their lead in the second half through an excellent finish on the turn from Josh Galloway. The Italians fought back with a goal from Karim Abo El Ata which made for an interesting final half an hour.

Both sides fought right until the final whistle in an affair that proved to be FC’s toughest challenge so far in the Fenix Trophy.

The result means that the FC bow out of this season in style, having secured their place in the final which is due to be played in Rimini next month. Manager Neil Reynolds has made no secret of the fact that he would like to be the first FC manager to lift a European trophy, and he and his side are well on their way to doing that.

Last night’s game proved for FC that despite some of the games they have played in the Fenix Trophy, i.e., the 10-0 home thrashing of the polish side ASK Zly, this competition is no gimme, and the final will present a different type of challenge.

FC will be backed as they have been throughout the competition by a legion of fans, and the players will surely be itching to give those travelling fans something to cheer about.

After the game, I spoke to FC United Manager and CEO, Neil Reynolds.

“What an incredible occasion. A great game of football, Brera were excellent, they really gave us a game and they didn’t give up. Even at 2-0 down they went and got the goal but as the game petered out, we were well on top and deserved the win.

“What was brilliant at the end was our fans singing towards the Brera players, this competition has been fully worthwhile, and it is special.

“I didn’t think we could top AKS (in terms of an occasion) and I one million per cent don’t think I can top Milan, that was like being in the Champions League but if Rimini tops Milan, I will not have any words because it was absolutely incredible, and everyone was treated to a wonderful night.

“The togetherness today shows everything about this football club, it is special, and you had to be here tonight to witness what we’ve witnessed. Everyone travelling to Rimini will want us to go and win that trophy and we want to give them that.”

FC United are the first team to book their place in the final of the competition which will take place in Rimini on the weekend of June 11^th.