Derby day for fans' clubs

Source: M.E.N.

MANCHESTER is buzzing ahead of derby day this weekend but the big match will not be played at either Old Trafford or Eastlands.

Away from the glamour of the Premiership, the first ever fans' derby between clubs formed by United and City supporters will take place at Stalybridge's Bower Fields on Saturday with the added spice of a top of the table clash.

Instead of watching their favourite millionaire superstars, thousands of Mancunians will instead cheer on the van drivers, brickies, and window fitters of FC United and Maine Road.

The rivalry will be just as intense as any Manchester derby with established club Maine Road, who were formed in 1955 and attract an average of around 60 fans per game, trying to prove a point against new boys United and their enviable supporter base of around 3,000.

And the rivalry off the pitch is sure to be reflected on it as FC lead the North West County League First Division after winning 15 out of 16 games and the Blues aren't far off the pace in second/third.

A massive crowd of up to 5,000 is expected so Maine Road's home ground at Brantingham Road, Chorlton, was considered too small and the match was switched to the 6,500 capacity venue.

Where as FC United are well known following their high-profile formation in the wake of Malcolm Glazer's takeover at Old Trafford and their large crowds at Gigg Lane, not many Blues even know Maine Road exist.

Road were formed by City Supporters Rusholme to give fans a team to play for on Sundays but they quickly progressed into Saturday football and adopted the name of the Maine Road Social Club near to City's ground.

Interested

The Sky Blues, whose badge is based on City's old crest, hope to raise awareness of their club.

As Road manager and City fan Ian Walker says: "We've had a real drive to get our fans interested by contacting supporters clubs, so we hope there will be 2,000 Blues there.

"The main stand is already sold out to people connected to the club.

"FC swept all before them this season because, in a similar vein to United and City, they have the money to attract the players and we can't match that.

"But like any derby all that goes out the window and we can hopefully beat them on the day."

FC manager and lifelong Red Karl Marginson is also looking forward to the challenge.

"Chris Simms, our under-18s manager, played and managed there for many years so we know all about their players and I was impressed when I saw them recently," he says.

"We won't approach the game any differently than all the others. However, the lads will be aware that the supporters see it as a derby and we won't let them down."

Admission is by payment at the turnstiles and is £7 for adults and £3 for under-16s and over 60s.