By Ashley Houghton
Two fine late saves by FC United of Manchester keeper James Spencer put a dent in Nantwich Town’s playoff push.
Spencer saved superbly from Rod McDonald’s powerful 30 yard strike and then from Josh Lane in a one on one.
Sean Cooke and Si Everall had levelled for the Dabbers who trailed 2-0 after only ten minutes from goals by Matthew Wolfenden and Adam Jones.
Wolfenden beat the Nantwich offside trap and prodded over Jon Brain after just four minutes giving the visitors a dream start in front of a crowd of more than 1,000 at the Weaver Stadium.
Jones headed in a corner in the ninth minute, but Nantwich showed great character to pull the early deficit back.
A difficult first-half saw the hosts create very little, the closest they came was Lane’s header from McDonald’s cross which was always on the up.
A fighting second-half performance saw Nantwich find themselves a lifeline in the 55th minute.
Leading scorer Sean Cooke hammered home inside the area after good link up between Dabbers debutant Joe Guest and Kyle Wilson.
Cooke went close with a free-kick minutes later before the equaliser came on the 70th minute through substitute Everall.
The former Crewe FC man latched on to Caspar Hughes’ header and poked past Spencer for his third goal of the season.
Spencer was keen to avenge for the goals he conceded though and as Nantwich pushed for a winner he made a string of fine saves.
First, McDonald’s crisp 30 yard strike seemed destined for the top corner but Spencer pushed it over before it nestled in the goal.
Then Spencer saved from Lane who found space in behind the United defence and struck left-footed towards the bottom corner, but Spencer got down low to push Lane’s effort wide.
Then FC United struck a cruel blow in the 84th minute as Greg Daniels struck from the edge of the area agonisingly past Brain.
Nantwich: Brain, Carden, Guest (Dicker, 65), Maguire, Moss ©, McDonald, Cooke, Brown (Hughes, 65), Wilson (Everall, 65), Lane, Short. Subs: Beesley, Hudson.
(Pic by Simon J Newbury Photography)
I just want to underline what a great set up you have at Nantwich. A great ground, great stewards and a fine fine set of friendly fans.I was made to feel very welcome and chatted to many on the terrace. Its been my best away this season and i would like to thank all involved at Nantwich, good luck with the rest of the season.