Marine 2-3 FC United of Manchester - match report

Mar 28 2009 By Phil Kirkbride at the Arriva Stadium

FC United of Manchester edged out Marine in a thrilling encounter at the Arriva Stadium this afternoon.

After a manic first 45 minutes the scores were level at 2-2 but after the break United exerted more control on the game and grabbed the vital third goal just after the hour when Carl Lomax slotted in at the back post.

Marine's UniBond Premier Division woes continue with this defeat but manager Alvin McDonald will continue to take heart from what was a opening half display full of spirit and real quality at times.

However FC United's third goal provided a real hammer blow for the Whites, stunting their momentum gathered from a first half befiiting the hyped occassion.

Marine immediately fed off the electric atmosphere inside the Arriva Stadium with a purposeful start to the match.

Bouyed on by a large vocal support, the Mariners were soon causing FC United of Manchester trouble at the back and with a rejuvinated Karl O'Donnell on the right wing making inroads, the Whites looked threatening.

However, Marine's defensive frailties came back to haunt them on 33 minutes when Adam Farley failed to deal with a routine cross into the box and allowed Simon Carden to steal in at the front post - it kicked off a dramatic final 15 minutes of the half.

Two minutes after going behind, Marine responded when Peter Cumiskey slid in the turn O'Donnell's teasing cross past Sam Ashton.

A minute later, full-back Wayne McDermott piled forward down the left and unleashed a terriffic volley into the top corner to make it 2-1 to send the home faithful into raptures.

Unfortunately, Marine could not hold onto the lead as a minute before the break Carl Lomax powered his way through on goal and fired past Lake, desptie protest for a foul on McDermott.

On 61 minutes Carlos Roca's chip to the back post was not dealt with by Marine and Lomax had time to pick his spot.