Congleton 2 FC United 2

Source: M.E.N.

Tony Howard
16/ 3/2007

FC UNITED are still on course to make their first final despite letting a two-goal lead slip against Congleton in the North West Counties League Cup.

The Reds had to settle for a draw in Thursday night's semi-final first leg at Witton's Wincham Park after two mistakes from keeper Sam Ashton.

United started positively, with Stuart Rudd going close inside 10 minutes.

Soon after, Nicky Platt broke through and squared for Rhodri Giggs to smash home at the near post.

Minutes later, Rory Patterson hit the bar with a spectacular effort from 30 yards.

Patterson was starting to control the game and scored the second with a cute lob from a Matty Taylor through ball.

Andy Hurst brought Congleton back into the game just before half-time when he took advantage of a rash rush from Ashton to halve the deficit.

And the home side equalised moments after the break, when Hurst capitalised on another Ashton mistake to score his second.

The second leg will be played on Saturday, March 31.