Bumper crowd see Magpies outclassed

Published Date: 30 September 2007

Chorley FC 0 - 3 FC United of Manchester

By Sam Chadderton

Chorley's biggest crowd for 20 years watched the Magpies comfortably beaten 3-0 by FC United of Manchester on Saturday.

More than 1700 supporters came through the Victory Park turnstiles, generating a fantastic atmosphere. However, some of the home side's football failed to match the enthusiasm of the fans.

First half goals from FC United's classy front two, Stuart Rudd and Rory Patterson, plus Patterson's side-foot second-half finish, were a fair reflection of the play.

Chorley threatened mostly through lung-busting runs down the right from Phil Cooney, but couldn't put the finishing touch to some of their more creative moments.

Alongside the excellent Cooney, young forward Danny Nolan showed some nice touches and turns in the opening exchanges.

Debutant 'keeper Peter Collinge, replacing a dropped Phil Priestley, made several good stops to thwart FC United's attacks.

FC United went ahead in the 13th minute, with a scrappy goal from last season's top scorer Rudd.

Some good quick passing on the edge of the box was brought to an end with a block tackle, but the ball fell loose to the unmarked number nine, who poked it low past Collinge from eight yards.

The away side's second was more direct, along punt upfield flicked on by Rudd, into the path of Patterson, who had pulled of the shoulder of the last defender.

He waited for the ball to get out of his feet and calmly slotted it past Collinge for 2-0.

In the second half, with Chorley looking for fresh impetus, manager Gerry Luczka hauled of the front two, Nolan and Mayers on 55 minutes, replacing them with Neil Smith and Steve Burke.

But Chorley's only real threat continued to be Cooney attacking down the right and on the hour mark, FC United grabbed a third to end the contest.

Mullineux was robbed of possession close to his own touchline, and the speedy Jerome Wright burst into the penalty area.

He cut it back to Patterson six yards out, who stroked it home in front of the majority of the vociferous away support.

The 3-0 scoreline fairly reflected a game in which Chorley had their moments, but were outclassed by a strong FC United side.

Att: 1735

CHORLEY: Collinge, Clark (Eckersley 60), Cushion, Mullineux, Howson, German, Cooney, Holden, Nolan (Burke 55), Mayers (Smith 55), Shillito

For a full match report see Wednesday's Guardian