Nantwich 1 FC United 1

Source: M.E.N.

Paul Gallagher

RORY Patterson fired FC United to the top of the league with a stunning 20 yard volley.

The Rebels seemed set for a rare defeat at Nantwich, but Patterson's 74th minute strike was enough to save a point.

With league leaders Salford City playing in the Cup, the draw saw FC United edge to the top of the NWCFL Division 1 on goal difference.

Karl Marginson's side have five games in hand over Salford and now look a safe bet for the title.

Marginson was satisfied with the draw in Cheshire which follows his team's 3-2 win over promotion chasing Ashton Curzon in mid-week.

"Everyone in this league knows Nantwich is a tough place to come and play", he said.

Disjointed

"We were a bit disjointed and they did well to stop us playing the way we wanted to, but we have a few players who can pull a special goal out of the bag and Rory is one of them.

A crowd of 1,407 was at Jackson Avenue - a post war record for a league game at the venue.

Nantwich - third in the league and desperate for promotion as they prepare to move to a £3.8m stadium - had the better of the first half.

The breakthrough came after 24 minutes when Andy Kinsey picked up a smart through ball, and slotted past the advancing Sam Ashton in the visitor's goal.

FC United enjoyed more possession as the match wore on, but became increasingly frustrated as their attacks foundered on a well organised defence.

But when the ball broke to Patterson lying outside the penalty box for a free kick, there was no stopping his crashing left-footed volley.