The Guardian: Colne inflict FC United's first defeat

Source: The Guardian

Tony Howard reports on a shock loss for FC United against Colne

Friday November 18, 2005

FC United fans who remember the 80s milk advert where one Scouse kid says to the other: "Accrington Stanley, who they?" received some enlightenment last weekend when they visited their ground. Accrington's neighbours Colne provided the opposition in the North West Counties League Cup.

All present saw a good old traditional cup tie with goals, great saves, near misses and a brawl. Colne are in the league above United, so the visitors found themselves in the unusual position of being the underdogs.


Those paying the £6 admission got their first sight of new FC signing Josh Howard. The ex-Manchester United youngster captained a youth team featuring John O'Shea and Luke Chadwick, and he could become FC's first international, thanks to his Guyanan grand-parentage.

His dream of an international debut was ruled out last season through injury while playing at Mossley, but in this form he is sure to get another call up. The game remained goalless thanks to two great saves from United keeper Barrie George, but with just three minutes to go, it exploded.

First, Colne's Chris Clarke scored a great curling shot to make it 1-0. Then FC's infamous thong-wearer, Steve Torpey, won a free kick and picked himself up to bury the ball in the bottom corner, sending the travelling hordes into raptures. But no sooner had our dreams of securing a glamour-trip to Timperley began than Colne went straight down the other end, caught FC United's defence napping and scored the winner.

A melee then ensued on the touchline involving players and management from both sides, but it was all forgotten with handshakes at the final whistle. Those in attendance may still be wondering just 'exactly' who Stanley are, but they won't be forgetting their trip to Accrington in a hurry.

FC United's next home game is against New Mills on Wednesday, November 23 at Gigg Lane, Bury. Kick off is 7.45pm and admission is £7 adults and £2 under 18s.