Published Date: 19 March 2009
UNIBOND PREMIER DIVISION
FC UNITED OF MANCHESTER 2 FRICKLEY ATHLETIC 0
AN INJURY and suspension- ravaged Frickley fell victim to a double first-half strike at FC United, but they were by no means out of the clash with the Manchester big boys.
Centre half Steve Heath and leading marksman Lee Morris were both absent, making for a difficult time for the Blues, but the absorbed the early pressure with Adam Carden wriggling into the box and beating Adam Nicklin only for Steve Robinson to clear off the line.
But Frickley had chances of their own, as Peter Know dispossesed Rob Nugent and bore down on goal. His shot went inches wide, while Danny Clarke's curling effort was turned behind by the United keeper two minutes later.
Manchester went ahead just before the half hour when Danny Warrender headed in at the near post while Simon Carden netted from 12 yards minutes before the break to improve their advantage.
Frickley battled to reduce the arrears, with Knox drawing the best of United stopper Sam Ashton, while the heroic Nugent again blocked at the death from Rob Pell's header. Ashton saved well from a Chris Davies free kick after the hour mark while Dean Jones had a shot diverted off the line seven minutes later. Dean Wilburn and Pell both went close with headers in the closing stages with the home defence holding on but Frickley failed to find the net.
Second-placed Nantwich Town visit Westfield Lane on Saturday while struggling Leigh Genesis are welcome on Tuesday evening.
Other results: Ashton United 3-0 Boston United; Bradford Park Avenue 2-1 Leigh Genesis; Eastwood Town 4-1 Cammell Laird; Guiseley 3-2 Kendal Town; Ilkeston Town 1-0 Buxton; Marine 0-3 Hednesford Town; Nantwich Town 1-1 Matlock Town; Prescot Cables 2-3 Ossett Town; Witton Albion 2-1 North Ferriby United; Worksop Town 1-0 Whitby Town.