UNITED BURY RIVALS TO CLINCH TITLE

Source: Sporting Life, ESPNsoccernet and manchesteronline.co.uk

By Simon Stone, PA Sport

Rebel club FC United confirmed the first promotion of their short history by recording a 4-0 win over Chadderton at Gigg Lane.

Launched only last summer in defiance of Malcolm Glazer's takeover of Manchester United, FC United have taken the North West Counties Second Division by storm.

This win was their 25th in 33 league outings this term which have yielded a staggering 106 goals and, while the title is not yet guaranteed, it is only a matter of time.

Although the crowd to watch Karl Marginson's men came nowhere near matching the record 4,328 who saw them beat Winsford in January, at 2,788 it was still 40 times what most clubs at this level would expect.

They did not go away disappointed either as Steve Torpey fired the hosts in front with a near post free-kick midway through the first half.

Robert Nugent added another before the break with a close-range header and, while FC United had to wait until 10 minutes before the end for William Ahern to make it three, his right-footed curler from the edge of the area was worth the wait.

Rory Patterson wrapped up the scoring from the spot to start the celebrations, which Marginson was not able to play a full part in as he was due to start his grocery rounds as usual at 4am.

After the match Marginson said: "When you look back as far as trials day in July it is amazing how far we have come.
"The planning for next season probably began about four months ago. We have to enjoy what we have achieved but then look at the next challenge.

"It will be a higher standard and the league is a hard thing to win but I am a confident person and with the coaching staff and players we have here, providing we can get them properly prepared and motivated I think we are capable of taking on the challenges which will be put in front of us."