Tired United shot down

20/11/2008

A CONTROVERSIAL penalty saw FC United shot down by the league’s form side.

Eastwood Town rode in to town on the back of an impressive run, which has seen them lose just two all season, and their winner came courtesy of the 12-pace shoot out and the boot of James Holmes.

United felt they should have had a penalty themselves when Simon Carden was felled in the box during the second half, but the appeals were waved away by the man in black.

FC fans and management alike were up in arms at what was undoubtedly a poor performance from the officials, but in truth the reds never really looked like getting anything from the game.

Eastwood were organised and difficult, and the reds looked tired as they failed to break the visitors down.

The penalty came on the stroke of half time and appeared to have been awarded for a foul by Sam Ashton, but it was anyone’s guess. The kick was confidently dispatched by Holmes and FC were left desperately trying to find a breakthrough during the second period.

The closest they came were speculative efforts from captain Dave Chadwick and top scorer Kyle Wilson.

FC had been seconds from beating one of the league’s top sides on Sunday when Guiseley equalised with virtually the last kick on a pulsating afternoon in Yorkshire.

Chris Baguley cancelled out Guiseley’s opener with a neat finish from close range and when Kyle Wilson expertly gave the reds the lead with minutes to go.

But a 25-yard screamer from Anthony Lloyd salvaged a point for the home side in stoppage time. FC’s Papis Dieyte was impressive in United’s midfield.