Fish & chips = £5-40
Entry = £9
Programme = £2
Bus £1-50
Tea = £1-20
Fruit = £1-10
Total = £20-20
So I finally managed to get to FC United's new ground at Broadhurst Park, which is becoming something of a well-trodden route for hoppers and fans alike. The club's history is well-documented, having been formed in 2005 as a reaction to the Glazers' takeover of Manchester United. They have to be fair flown through the leagues, having risen from the NWCFL Division 2 to today's heights of the National North. At present they seem to have found their level in this league.
Broadhurst Park is in Moston, about 4 miles from Manchester city centre, so after some dinner I ambled up there, arriving at the ground at about 7. There was just enough time to get a couple of photos in the light! The ground is full of character, with two sides covered in club flags and slogans referring to their origins and history. The sweeping terraces behind the goal contrasted nicely with the modern stand. I particularly liked that the ground didn't feel plastic or 'breeze-block'-esque, with a great atmosphere gradually building on the terraces.
For tonight's game, Worcester City were the visitors, below FC in the league, but more established at this level. Since my visit to St George's Lane in April 2013, they still haven't found a permanent home, and now ground-share with Kidderminster Harriers.
For the first 10-15 minutes, it seemed the sides were sizing each other up, with hardly any chances to speak of. Then FC's Sam Madeley hit a left-foot effort wide, and Lee Hughes did the same at the other end. Hughes then made it 1-0 when he attempted a rifled shot from outside the box, and beat the FC keeper (who looked like he'd been caught flat-footed). This briefly silenced the home crowd, before the chants started to build again. The most bizarre moment came when Worcester City had a free kick from the right-wing. Two players stood over the ball, one ran over it and then the second did the same. In complete bewilderment, the first player then crossed it in - it clearly hadn't been part of the routine! FC's Wolfenden was then foiled at the far end by Nathan Vaughan in the Worcester goal. As if to set the game up for the second period, Lee Hughes was dismissed for the away side after raising his hands to an FC player.
FC came out looking hungry, and began in positive fashion with some neat interchanges between Sean Cook and Wolfenden. Cook seemed to be at the centre of many attacks, rifling wide, and orchestrating a purposeful home attack. The pace of the game was excellent, and they had Worcester pinned back in their own half for long periods. Worcester were relying on some pretty Route 1 attacking, dropping balls in the box and hoofing it when they had the opportunity. Madeley was again foiled by the away keeper, before Wolfenden's rocket (heading for the top corner) was tipped over. Admittedly, Vaughan was then booked for time-wasting, but he had been excellent in the sticks throughout.
As it was announced that Dean Stott was FC's man of the match, it seemed like they might just nick something, but Madeley then missed an absolute sitter with the goal gaping. The Midlands side then struck a hopeful ball into the centre circle. Deon Burton picked it up and somehow curled a terrific pass down the left wing for Dunkley to latch onto it. This kid had some pace on him, and took the ball with consumate ease, before sliding it in to make it 2-0. The away fans were understandably ecstatic.
This had been a decent game of football, and showed that even the great FCUM don't always have it their own way. I was about to sprint to the nearest tram stop when I noticed an express bus for Manchester city centre, and for £1-50, this sped down to Stevenson Square in plenty of time for the 22.22 train. That's miles better than the bus farce at Anfield, and much cheaper too. For just over £20, I'd seen a National North game, had dinner, a cuppa, and a bus ride back into town. Who can say fairer than that?
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