FC United of Manchester U21s, UCFB’s Undergraduate Academy Manchester side, maintained their great start to the season with a commanding 3-0 away win against a tough Stockport Town team.
The game was played at a high tempo and both sides looked to play to their own strengths on a narrow and challenging pitch. The result means FC United have won four of their five games this season and now sit second in North West U21 Development League, just two points behind leaders Salford City.
FC United took the lead mid-way through the first half after Fran Frangillo scored from close range, before Jan Palinksi doubled the lead with a close range header from Mark West’s free kick delivery. The third came from the penalty sport in the second half, with Joel Mills converting after he was brought down in the box. Overall the result mirrored a solid team performance despite a difficult game against an organised and committed opposition.
Speaking after the game, Head Coach Kevin Braybrook commented: “This was a really good opportunity for our young players to adapt and solve some problems today. The pitch and opposition required us to change our style of play and we adjusted to these demands. There were good moments in our build up play but also a lot of final third entries that on another day we could have created more from, and at the clean sheet is also rewards for the defenders within the squad.
“The staff have been demanding on this group and they are really working hard to develop which has been evident in the sessions and games so far this season.”
