Source: MEN

 FC United made the perfect start to 2012 as they recovered from the shock of falling behind to Bradford Park Avenue to thump their Evo-Stik Premier promotion rivals 5-2 at the Horsfall Stadium.

Curtis Bernard seized on slack defending by the Rebels to put Bradford in front after a quarter-of-an-hour but FC then scored three times in five first-half minutes to turn the tables on their Yorkshire hosts.

Firstly Paul Armstrong set up Nicky Platt for a well-taken equaliser before giving United the lead when his cross sailed over red-faced home keeper John Lamb.

Mike Norton quickly added a third and Bradford were then sunk without trace by further goals from Adam Jones and Matthew Wolfenden midway through the second half.

Nathan Hotte reduced the arrears late on but that didn’t take the gloss off a triumph which takes FC to within a point of a play-off place.

Ashton United were unable to prevent visiting Northwich closing the gap on leaders Chester to a single point with two goals by Chris Budrys and a Tom Field penalty giving Andy Preece’s second-placed Vics an emphatic 3-0 victory at Hurst Cross.

Garry Flitcroft’s Chorley won 4-2 at Marine to strengthen their hold on fourth spot.

Curzon Ashton increased their lead at the top of Evo-Stik North to three points despite being held 3-3 by neighbours Mossley at the Tameside Stadium.

Paul Ashton (2) and Michael Oates struck to give Trafford a surprise 3-0 win at Witton, while Radcliffe dented Woodley’s promotion challenge with Ben Wharton and Steve Burke scoring to sink the Steelmen 2-0.

Salford City had to settle for a 1-1 draw with lowly Prescot Cables at Moor Lane.

Tony Glennon
January 03, 2012