COLWYN BAY VS FC UNITED OF MANCHESTER
COLWYN Bay drew 1-1 with UniBond Premier Division side FC United of Manchester in front of a crowd of 780 at Llanelian Road on Saturday.

Phil Marsh put the Manchester side in front after 24 minutes when he latched onto a half-blocked attempted back pass to Farai Jackson, but Kevin Holsgrove equalised on 72 minutes after an excellent jinking run and low cross by Eddie Jebb.

I am told the Bay had the best of the opening stages with Ian Sheridan missing the target with a couple of early chances and then had a shot turned round the post by United keeper Sam Ashton, while Kevin Holsgrove was denied by the keeper in a one-on-one after cleverly turning United captain Dave Chadwick.

The visitors came more in the game as the half progressed and they led at half-time with that Marsh goal.

Both sides made substitutions in the second half, but the introduction of Jebb enhanced the Bay's attacking threat and it was his good run and cross which set up Holsgrove to smash home the equaliser.

Chris Sanna then made three superb saves in quick succession in the last five minutes, turning the final effort round a post, to deny FC United a late winner.
FC United brought between 400 and 500 fans to help swell the gate.

FULL SQUAD FOR FINAL FRIENDLY
Following this evening’s training session (Thurs) Colwyn Bay manager Neil Young reports that another full strength squad will be available for the first ever visit of UniBond Premier League side FC United of Manchester this Saturday (3pm).

Trialist Kevin Holsgrove did not train due to suffering from severe blisters but is expected to again feature after scoring 2 goals in 3 appearances during pre-season. The Bay will be hoping to build upon a very good performance in midweek with a 1-0 win over a talented Tranmere Rovers side.

The Colwyn Bay squad is expected to be finalised after the game followed by a week of preparation ahead of the first game of the season at home to FC Halifax on Saturday 15th August in what is set to be an intriguing encounter against one of the favourites for the UniBond First Division title.

Pictured Right: Tranmere Rovers Ashton Taylor receiving a picture memento of his hugely successful loan spell at Colwyn Bay last season from Club Chairman Geoff Cartwright. The picture frame was presented ahead of the friendly match between the two clubs. Since returning to Tranmere, Ashton has appeared for the Rovers first team in pre-season and we are informed has performed impressively. Everyone at the Bay would like to wish Ashton all the very best in his future football career.

Report courtesy of Tim Channon

Pictures courtesy of Martin Lyons Photography