Avenue edge home after stunning start

Source: Bradford Telegraph and Argus

10:40pm Monday 17th August 2009

By Ian Whiting

Park Avenue 3, FC United of Manchester 2

Avenue won their first home game of the season to give themselves four points from two games but they struggled to hold on after racing into a big lead.

They were excellent in their approach and execution in the first half and led 3-0 at the break.

As good as they were in the first period, FC matched that in the second half and came close to earning a point from the clash of the two promotion hopefuls in front of a bumper crowd of 1,150.

The home side got their noses in front on the quarter-hour when James Knowles headed home from a corner.

Midway through the half, Aiden Savory doubled their advantage when his pace and power took him into the area before he slotted home.

Striker Chris Hall netted just after the half-hour following a second wave of attack after the FC United defence had half-cleared a corner.

As Bradford headed into the interval, it seemed they were on course for an easy win.

The second half proved anything but an easy ride, although they did hold out until the 68th minute before conceding.

Visiting striker Simon Carden got the goal and nerves were really jangling when he added their second with four minutes remaining.

Avenue director Kevin Hainsworth said: “It certainly did nothing for the blood pressure. We played ever so well in the first half but full credit to FC United, they made it very difficult for us.

“It is a strange feeling because even though we won, there is no euphoria. It’s more a case of relief that we held out.”