Late Irwin penalty earns FC United a point against Brackley

FC United drew 1-1 with Brackley Town on a snowy Saturday afternoon at Broadhurst Park with a Steve Irwin penalty six minutes from time giving United a share of the spoils after James Armson scored for the visitors.

The game started on time after great work by a plethora of volunteers to clear the snow off the sheets covering the pitch. Both sides started the game looking to play neat football on the ground with United perhaps shading the early part of the match. Kieran Glynn and Tom Walker in particular, making driving runs at the Brackley rear-guard. Craig Lindfield just couldn’t his shot away after one foray and a Tom Greaves cross finding no one in the box.

On 17 minutes the home side were awarded a free-kick outside the area after a foul on Walker. Lindfield was just wide of the upright with the resulting free-kick. The game ebbed and flowed without any more real chances but several corners to United were handled by the visitors as half drew to close with the Reds looking the more likely side to score.

United started the second half on the front foot, Glynn’s cross met by Lindfield but Danny Lewis in the Brackley goal was equal to the task. Glynn was then brought down in the box but the referee waved away his penalty claims.

The game became a bit stop-start as Brackley broke up play by whatever means they could. However, it was a free-kick conceded by United that led to Alex Gudger heading the ball across the box for Armson to slot the ball home. 1-0 to Brackley.

No surprise that Brackley tried to protect what they had with their only other effort another free kick from Gudger going over the bar. The home side introduced their substitutes in quick succession as they chased the equaliser. One of the substitutes, Joel Logan started to get a grip of the match and drove into the box, a defender slipped and handled the ball, the referee had no hesitation pointing to the spot. Up stepped Irwin, top corner, 1-1.

FC still pressed on for a winner and looked the more likely to get one as the game drew to close with no further clear cut chances in front of 1893 spectators. A good point for United against Brackley as they now have a free weekend to reflect on four points from two tough games against teams that were both second in the league when they visited.

Website man of the match: Tom Walker was outstanding in the left wing back role. He did his defensive duties well and broke forward on numerous occasions setting up many FC United attacks.

Report by Neil Lees