Tom Wardle Reports as In-form Adams Earns Mariners a Point in Manchester…
Kielen Adams scored his second goal in as many games to conclude a competitive 1-1 draw against FC United of Manchester this afternoon. Adams cancelled out Regan Linney’s tenth goal of the season, with the home side ending the game with ten men, as Curtis Jones was awarded a straight red for denying a goal scoring opportunity late on.
Neil Young started the same side that eased past Atherton Collieries on Tuesday night. Amongst the substitutes was new signing Sol Solomon, who joined Marine from Jersey Bulls on Wednesday.
It was a slow start for the visitors at Broadhurst Park, as the Reds enjoyed the majority of possession, particularly in the Mariners half. Their first attempt on goal came when Will Russ slipped in Linney, but Bayleigh Passant was swiftly off his line to narrow the angle and make the stop.
The home side took the lead in the 23rd minute. Despite the well-worked football on the ground, it was a long pass forward that cut the Marine defence open. Callum Gribbin excellently brought the ball down and rolled it off to Linney who couldn’t miss from six yards out.
Though the Crosby side would’ve been frustrated to go a goal down, they reacted well, as Joe Ferguson’s fierce sliding tackle rallied up the away team.
Hayden Campbell’s confidence was sky high following his recent performances. He almost scored the Whites’ goal of the season so far, when cutting in and bending an effort across goal, driving Wyll Stanway into a smart save.
The equaliser came soon after; Adams’ press from the front initiating the move. He forced the Reds to hand over possession and Jordan Lussey picked up the pieces before hitting the ball into the feet of the centre forward. Adams turned and shot with his left boot into the bottom corner, delighting the travelling fans at the opposite end.
The second half entertained a much tighter affair. Lucas Weir had two similar efforts from outside the box both coming close to finding the back of the net.
The hosts had a great opportunity to go ahead once again. A lapse in concentration meant Linney was able to receive the ball and he delivered a wicked cross that was somehow cleared off the line.
Solomon entered the pitch for his debut and nearly generated a goal. His shot was smartly closed down by Stanway, the ball found its way to DJ Pedro and then Charley Doyle, though a game-saving block by Finlay Armstrong kept the game level.
Campbell played in Sean Smith who had a chance to win it nearing the final whistle, but he could only divert his strike straight at the ‘keeper.
FC United of Manchester finished the game a man down, as Jones was given a straight red for taking out Solomon. The debutant had a couple of half-chances in the dying seconds, but the Mariners settled for a point on their travels.
Marine begin their Isuzu FA Trophy campaign next Saturday, when they welcome Radcliffe to the MTA for the third time this season.
FC United of Manchester: Stanway, Degruchy (Rodwell-Grant 54), Armstrong, Ennis ©, Palinkas, Jones, Gribbin, Vincent (Gabidon 70), Linney, Donohue, Russ (Wollerton 45).
Unused Substitutes: Hall, Halls.
Marine: Passant, Ferguson, Smith, A.Doyle (C.Doyle 58), Wardle ©, Spittle, Weir (Barrigan 58), Lussey, Adams (Solomon 64), Pedro, Campbell.
Unused Substitutes: Clark, Howarth.
Attendance: 1667.
