Rebels win title with goal glut

Source: M.E.N.

Rebels win title with goal glut
FC united 7 Atherton LR 1
19/ 4/2007

KARL Marginson earned praise from one of the leading lights in FC United's formation after guiding the club to a second successive title.

Marginson has built a successful team from scratch to take the Rebels into the UniBond League a year ahead of schedule.

And FC general manager Andy Walsh says that Marginson's Manchester roots - plus his ability to attract the cream of non-league football - have been the key factor in the club's success.

"Karl is a Manchester lad and a United fan through and through," Walsh said.

"He has assembled a team and a set of coaches who understand what FC United are about, and he makes sure that every player knows that the supporters are the most important part of this football club."

The Rebels have won the North West Counties League title at a canter. They still have three league games left and can complete a double by winning the League Challenge Cup final against closest rivals Curzon Ashton on May 3.

Smashed

The Rebels forged ahead after nine minutes when left winger Jerome Wright crossed for Rhodri Giggs to turn in his 11th goal of the season.

A minute later, Ian Berry smashed in a terrific equaliser from 25 yards but the FC response was emphatic.

Atherton defender Rob Hope sliced Wright's near post corner past his own keeper on 19 minutes, and just three minutes later Dave Brown hammered in a 35-yarder and make it 3-1.

After some sustained pressure, Stuart Rudd was floored in the area and Nicky Platt calmly slotted home to make it 4-1 at half time.

Defender Rob Nugent continued his goalscoring streak by knocking in the fifth after 66 minutes.

Nugent then got a little carried away with his prowess in front of goal, but when he tried to fire in number six from the edge of the box his defensive partner Dave Chadwick rose to deflect it home.

Leading scorer Stuart Rudd finished things off by smashing in his 44th of the season from close range after Nicky Platt's drive had been blocked on the line.