FC on the cup trail

Source: thisislancashire.co.uk

By Liam Chronnell

FC United will be looking to make history when they attempt to reach their first ever cup final.

The breakaway club take on NWCL Division One rivals Congleton Town at Gigg Lane in the second leg of the League Challenge Cup semi-final tomorrow.

The contest is evenly poised after the non-league giants surrendered a two-goal advantage in the away tie to draw 2-2 - but the Rebels possess two crucial away goals.

Karl Marginson's men, who are red-hot favourites to win back-to-back titles, looked certainties for their first final after goals from Rhodri Giggs and Rory Patterson inside 20 minutes put them in control at Witton Albion's Wincham Park two weeks ago.

But United allowed the Bears, who have lost four of their last five games, to hit back and level matters - and Marginson is demanding a better display from his troops as they bid to set up a showdown with Curzon Ashton or Flixton at the Tameside Stadium on Thursday, May 3.

"Every credit to Congleton for the way they came back in the first leg; they showed a lot of character but we should already have put the game to bed," he said. "We didn't take our chances and the players know that I will be expecting better of them on Saturday."

Atherton LR, buoyed by their midweek success against Newcastle Town, will hope to continue to pull away from the wrong end of the table at Trafford.

In Division Two, Daisy Hill will be looking to seal a third League win in a row when they entertain third-placed Padiham at New Sirs.