FC United go for the record

Source: thisislancashire.co.uk

By Liam Chronnell

FC UNITED can equal the best-ever start to the North West Counties Division One season at home to mid-table Bacup Borough on Saturday.

A 12th consecutive league win for the runaway leaders would equal the previous best, set by Skelmersdale last season.

But manager Karl Marginson, whose side defeated Brodsworth Miners Welfare in the FA Vase at the weekend, is only interested in increasing the Gigg Lane club's five-point lead at the top of the table.
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"It's just another game," said the United boss. "I'm not bothered about statistics and we will approach it in just the same way we would any other.

"The important thing is that we go out there and win. Our main priority is to get the ball down and play, and entertain our fans. Bacup will be a good side; they have only played six games this season, and have lost only once."

If the breakaway club can overcome Borough, they would have the chance to re-write the record books three days later when they take on high-flying Salford City in an eagerly-awaited derby clash.

The game has been moved to Salford City Reds rugby league ground, The Willows.

Marginson said: "There's a real buzz about the match and there should be a big crowd, but it's just another three points and we are not going to start getting carried away."

The Reds continued their 100 per cent start to the campaign after easing to a 3-1 victory at Brodsworth MW, and will now face Division Two side Padiham in the first round. Striker Stuart Rudd broke the deadlock five minutes before half-time with his 14th goal of the season and Josh Howard doubled the lead on 65 minutes.

Rory Patterson put the tie beyond doubt eight minutes later before Craig Longley hit a late consolation.

Marginson added: "It was nice to keep the run going and winning is a good habit to get into.."

Marginson is expected to make only one change to the side, with influential captain Dave Chadwick set to replace Liam Coyne at the heart of the defence after recovering from a knee injury.

Tickets for United's FA Vase first round tie at Padiham's Arbories Memorial Sports Ground on Saturday, October 7, will be on sale from the ticket office at Gigg Lane from 1pm before Saturday's game. Prices are £7 for adults and £2 for under-16s.