FC United of Manchester 2:0 Rochdale — Result, Match Report & Stats

Gary RedknappFootball AnalystMATCH REPORT

Gerald Sithole and Michael Donohue scored in either half as FC United of Manchester beat Rochdale 2-0 in a Club Friendly Games fixture, with Jake Burger the standout performer for the visitors, setting up a meeting with Salford City next. The non-league hosts produced a disciplined defensive display to frustrate their League Two opponents, who dominated possession but found little reward in the final third.

The turning point arrived just before half-time when Sithole lashed home from close range in the 42nd minute to give FC United the lead against the run of play. Rochdale pushed for an equaliser after the break, but their efforts were undone in the 68th minute when Donohue doubled the advantage with a composed finish, leaving the visitors with a mountain to climb.

Rochdale had 63% possession and won more corners (4-3), yet they could not convert that control into goals, while FC United were ruthlessly efficient with their two shots on target. Jake Burger was the standout player with a 6.84 rating for Rochdale, though he could not influence the scoreline from his position. CheckLive's model rated Rochdale clearly the stronger side, but the result proved the model wrong as FC United claimed an unlikely victory, setting up a clash with Salford City on 18 July.

Questions & Answers

What was the final score of FC United of Manchester vs Rochdale?

FC United of Manchester 2-0 Rochdale (Club Friendly Games).

Who scored?

Gerald Sithole (42') for FC United of Manchester; Michael Donohue (68') for FC United of Manchester.