Marginson's rallying call

Source: M.E.N.

FC United manager Karl Marginson is demanding more of the spirit which carried the Rebels to victory on Boxing Day as they seek to end 2006 on a high note.

Marginson's men see out the old year with the visit of Newcastle Town and are eager to build on a dramatic 3-2 win over Ramsbottom which saw them cut Salford City's lead in the North West Counties League first division to three points.

FC came from two goals down to beat Rammy and, in doing so, answered the critics who claimed their season was in danger of collapsing after a run of four games without a win.

Victory over Newcastle will take the Rebels back to the summit on goal difference should Salford, who have played four games more than them, lose their derby clash at Flixton.

But fans might appreciate a more routine success than Tuesday's heart-stopping triumph or, indeed, FC United's 3-2 win at Newcastle in October, which was secured by Simon Carden's injury-time strike after front man Rory Patterson had been forced to take over in goal from the injured Sam Ashton.

Said Marginson: "The boys showed tremendous character on Boxing Day and, hopefully, it's a sign that our bad run is now behind us.

"But it's vital we now don't allow our standards to slip once again. We'll undo all the good work we did against Ramsbottom if we fail to deliver tomorrow."