FC Youth Semi-Final Win

FC United of Manchester Youth 4-0 Woodley Sports Youth
Neil Thomason Memorial Cup Semi-Final; attendance estimate 55
at St. Brides Fields, Shrewsbury Street, Old Trafford

Thought I'd squeeze a game in this weekend. Okeh I've dropped into youth level, the ground is essentially two pitches surrounded by a high fence (Google Maps & Street View), and the competition is for clubs who play in the North West Youth Alliance league. But the young lads of FC United have beaten Ashton Athletic 3-1 and Altrincham 4-0 to get this far and it was a chance to show some support.

A gusty northerly wind blew down the field and I presume Woodley took advantage of this to change ends for the start of the game. It didn't do them much good as FC United playing in their away kit put them under pressure. It paid off with a goal. Rest of the half Woodley had their best spell. Come half time the bloke who was watching from his front door step went inside and a dozen spectators disappeared out of the ground. Must have better things to do. The players, subs and coaches huddled in packs listening to the team talk.
Second half the missing spectators returned from wherever. There was a penalty for the second goal, a great long range high ball for the third assisted by the wind over the Woodley keeper and the last one was a tap in after a re-bound off the post.

Stayed to the end. The Biffa herself who had given up and went off to Asda in Hulme came back to collect. I thought the the beer-bellied ref and two beer-bellied liners did a good job. Good to see older folk taking exercise. Also some of the younger folk looked over 18 to me. I'd be rubbish working in a bottle shop. Wouldn't be checking ID 'cos I thought he looked 20 guv, what and he was only 14. That was game 56 this season; admission free. No refreshment facilities.

Surreal Tv Coverage

Missed two games now through the weather and illness. The lesson is, take any opportunity to go and see a live game when you can. It may be your last.

First off FC United v. Boston United (FA Trophy 3rd round), on Sunday last was cancelled with a waterlogged pitch. Drat, I was going to live blog this game and even booked the day off work. Double drat that's a holiday wasted at home. Re-scheduled for Wednesday, didn't go as the Biffa herself was ill. But enjoyed the surreal streaming internet coverage on the laptop. A webcam, on a monitor of the live camera recording the game was fed up to the web. Blurry, stream breaks-up and comedy commentary from FCUM-TV who cover the FC United play, and a guest supporter from Boston United as he knows the names of their team. This is gritty broadcasting, not the slick formula of modern telly. Lost 1-3, and attendance a mere 936.

Secondly I got ill and spent most of Thursday in bed asleep. The Biffa woke me up at 2200h to tell me the result of the United Youth v. Chelsea Youth game. Not good either, lost 2-3. But Danny Welbeck scored, she said, but it wasn't enough. Attendance 1,246.

Should be fit enough to watch the big derby game, away at the Council House this Sunday. Though personally I'm not optimistic about coming away with all three points. City are a good and very patchy side, but can raise their game especially against United.