Dramatic comeback for FC United of Manchester in Emirates FA Cup

Saturday 31 Aug 2024
FC United of Manchester came from three goals down to earn a replay

FC United of Manchester came from 3-0 down with seven minutes to play to force a replay with a 3-3 draw against Hyde United in the pick of the ties in the first round qualifying of the Emirates FA Cup.

Jake Thompson had scored a debut goal to put Hyde in front before two for Connor Heath looked to put the away side into the second round qualifying.

But Dontai Gabidon pulled one back on 83 minutes to give FC United of Manchester life. Two minutes into added time,Jay Fitzmartin cut the deficit to one and then Jordan Preston completed the spectacular come back on 95 minutes.

FC United were not the only team to pull off an unlikely comeback. Witton Albion trailed 2-0 to City of Liverpool before fighting back to win 3-2.

Joe Duckworth got them back in the game on 84 minutes before Reece Daly’s equaliser in the 90th minute. Four minutes into added time, Eli Fisher was the hero who stepped up to fire Witton through.

Andre Bennett held his nerve to send step nine side Newcastle Benfield into the next round, scoring from the spot with ten minutes to go to see off Prescot Cables two divisions above them.

Kyle Fryatt had put the Lions in front in the first minute, but after James Foley levelled with a penalty before half-time, it was left to Bennett to decide the tie late on.

Bury FC are another step nine team who progressed, as they came away from their trip to Garforth Town with a 2-0 win.

Alex Cherera put Bury in front in the first half before Lewis Alessandra, who once scored a hat-trick in the second round qualifying for South Shields, ensured that Bury would return to that stage.

In one of the clashes between step nine sides, West Didsbury & Chorlton came from a goal down to win an entertaining clash with Silsden 4-2, with Victor Abadaki finally clinching the result 20 minutes from time.

Earlier in the day, Campion earned a 1-1 draw with Blyth Spartans in front of the BBC Sport cameras. Zak Khan had put them in front with 20 minutes to go, only for Mitchell Curry to respond five minutes later to earn a replay.

Hanworth Villa and Walton & Hersham will also have to do it all again after their 3-3 draw on Friday night. Walton & Hersham had raced into a two-goal lead only for Hanworth to turn the game on its head.

Finlay Macnab’s second goal had put them 3-2 up before Joey Jones snatched an equaliser for Walton.

Lastly, step nine 1874 Northwich saw off step eight Stocksbridge Park Steels 3-2 with goals from Scott McGowan, Liam Fitzpatrick and Joel Jones.

By FA Staff