Week of woe for rebel Reds

Source: Leigh Journal (and Bolton News/This is Lancashire)

By Leigh Journal Reporter

FC UNITED'S manager Karl Marginson will want to forget last week in a hurry after his side were held to a 1-1 draw against 10-man Congleton Town.

Following a shock 3-0 defeat against Atherton Collieries on Wednesday, the Division One leaders dropped points again, despite Town playing the last 22 minutes with a man down.

Scott Murcott's towering header had given the Cheshire club a 17th-minute lead at Witton Albion's Wincham Park ground yesterday.

United, who are still seven points clear at the top, were guilty of wasting several excellent chances to level matters, the best of which saw Rory Patterson's penalty saved after substitute Phil Power had been tripped in the area.

But, minutes later the Reds did equalise when Josh Howard pounced from close range after a goalmouth scramble following Alex Mortimer's corner on 66 minutes.

FC hopes of taking the three points were further boosted when Matt Murray saw red for lashing out at Steve Spencer, but the visitors continued to spurn chances and it was the under-siege Congleton side who came closest to winning the game when Richard Bailey's effort struck the crossbar with 11 minutes left.

United's midweek conquerors, Atherton Colls, could not follow up their superb win at Gigg Lane as they went down 3-0 at second-placed Salford City.

A Mike Turner double and one from John Robinson sinking Phil Brown's injury-hit team.

But there was better news for Atherton LR, who left it late to seal a much-needed victory against Stone Dominoes.

Oliver Babbington's first goal for the club handed Rovers a first-half lead but the basement club hit back with two goals in three minutes.

Striker Babbington equalised, however, and two goals in the final 10 minutes from Gareth Williams and Ged McCallister secured the points for Mark Cox's team.

Daisy Hill went out of the Division Two Trophy as they were crushed 5-0 at home by New Mills.