UCLan football Men’s captain Chris Woodburn is optimistic after a hard fought 2-2 draw with Manchester Met saw them pick up one point from the first game of the season. Although it could well have been three.

It was a strong side and they were unlucky not to pick up all three points at home. Instead, they could only achieve one with a 2-2 draw.  Both teams were evenly matched throughout the game, with chances coming at each end.

However it was Manchester who took the lead after 23 minutes, some good linking play up front sent the striker though on goal to slot past Danny Halpon into the bottom right hand corner.

UCLan passed the ball well through the centre of midfield with captain Chris Woodburn orchestrating play.  They created goal scoring opportunities and the equaliser was inevitable.  Just before half time, a corner kick was floated in, met by the head of Chris McMahon and was poked in by striker Adam Stratford.

This left an interesting 45 minutes for the home side, as both teams tired more chances were being created and it was not long till UCLan found their way past Manchester’s Goalkeeper again.  A brilliant cross to the back post left Irish playmaker James McGory free, who side footed a volley home from close range.

This was the home team’s first game together this season, with new arrivals making debuts and settling well with the rest of the team. They looked solid at the back, but were punished twenty minutes before full time when a penalty decision was given against them.  Halpon saved the penalty but was unable to stop the rebound.

After the game, Captain Chris Woodburn said: “We played well but really wanted the 3 points that we deserved.  As it was the team’s first game of the season I was happy with how we communicated on the pitch.

“I think we’re only going to get better as the season progresses.”