FC fall to defeat against Hyde as season ends

FC United saw the curtain fall on the 2021/22 season in disappointing fashion, running out on the wrong side of a 2-0 score line in front of the highest crowd of the season at Broadhurst Park.

Goals either side of half time proved to be FC’s downfall. First from Tom Pratt and then a brilliant breakaway goal from Edward Brown sealed the win for Hyde.

With both sides having little to play for at this stage of the season, the game laboured into life. However, it was FC who started the game the much stronger of the two sides, and once again Aaron Morris was proving influential from the back line.

The strong wind that was whipping around Moston prevented FC from getting into any sort of rhythm. The long ball play became a lottery of where the ball would land, and it more often than not fell favourably for Hyde.

It was miscommunication at the back that proved to be the undoing for FC. As the ball was played towards Lavercombe, it missed him entirely and Tom Pratt was there to pounce on the loose ball and walk it into the net.

There were 7 minutes added at the end of the first half thanks to a head injury to Hyde’s Harry Pratt, and then some unnecessary afters on the referee’s whistle as Regan Linney and Jordan Fagbola came together, and both players received a booking for their troubles.

In the second half FC looked to be pushing ever closer to an equalizer with crosses and set pieces troubling the Hyde defence, but it would be the away side who would strike again.

FC’s back line was caught off guard by a stray clearance which allowed Brown to guide the ball smartly into the net in front of the travelling support.

The result sees FC United’s domestic season come to a close with the Reds finishing in 9th position.

Man of the Match – Regan Linney – Although he didn’t get his name on the scoresheet this week, he played his part with some excellent build up play and skilful dribbling.

After the game, I spoke with FC Manager and CEO, Neil Reynolds –

“The score line doesn’t lie. How many shots did we have? We controlled the possession in the first phase, the goal we conceded was shambolic. It was a really poor and flat performance in front of our biggest crowd of the season.

“The fans deserve better, and they’ll get better. It was just a really poor performance, I’m the manager, I’ll take the shots and some of them players will be back next season, some won’t but that’s football.

“The dressing room know that we need leaders, we need squad depth. Some players in there are passive and that isn’t acceptable at this football club or any football club.

“It’s been tough but I want to thank you. It’s difficult to ask questions like it’s difficult to answer them sometimes, but you’ve always been here and the support has been incredible so thank you.

Next up for FC is yet more European action as they welcome Italian side Brera Calcio to Broadhurst Park on Wednesday 4th May at 7.45PM, in the Fenix Trophy.