Source: The Bolton News
By Staff Sports Reporter
ATHERTON Colls continue their pre-season build-up with a home clash against FC United on Wednesday, kick-off 7.45pm.
Dave Conlon is the new manager of the North West Counties Division One side, and he has had a successful start with successive wins over AFC Oldham and Charnock Richard.
FC United have now been promoted to the Unibond Division One North, but after one victory each for the teams last season, Colls are hoping to win the "decider".
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Kidderminster Harriers 1-1 FC Utd
Source: BBC
Kidderminster Harriers came from behind to draw with FC United in Sunday's pre-season friendly at Aggborough.
Rory Patterson forced an early save from Scott Bevan but he made no mistake with his next effort to put United ahead after 40 minutes.
The lead did not last long as a mistake by goalkeeper Sam Ashton allowed Brian Smikle in to equalise before half-time.
After the break Michael McGrath, Neil Howarth and Matthew Barnes-Homer all missed chances to put Harriers ahead.
Kidderminster Harriers came from behind to draw with FC United in Sunday's pre-season friendly at Aggborough.
Rory Patterson forced an early save from Scott Bevan but he made no mistake with his next effort to put United ahead after 40 minutes.
The lead did not last long as a mistake by goalkeeper Sam Ashton allowed Brian Smikle in to equalise before half-time.
After the break Michael McGrath, Neil Howarth and Matthew Barnes-Homer all missed chances to put Harriers ahead.
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Giggs and co draw blood
Source: The Kidderminster Shuttle
By Peter McKinney
Kidderminster Harriers 1 FC United of Manchester 1
HARRIERS were held by an attack minded FC United side in an entertaining draw at Aggborough on Sunday afternoon.
The home team took on a Manchester based team which had the likes of Giggs and Hargreaves playing for them - unfortunately they were midfielder Anthony Hargreaves and Rhrodri Giggs -brother of Red Devils winger Ryan.
However, the visitors certainly played with Manchester United's attacking style and constantly worried a strong Harriers side.
Manager Mark Yates was able to give towering defender Mark Creighton, a key player from last season, a useful 45 minute run out that will blow the cobwebs off his joints.
The only trialists on display were Jon Munday, who has been given an extended time in the side because of captain Stuart Whitehead's injury, and former Cinderford player Matthew Williams.
Striker James Constable, enjoying his first start in pre-season, headed Brian Smikle's cross at keeper Sam Ashton in the third minute.
Scott Bevan showed alertness when he was forced to rush out and block Rory Patterson, who had beat Harriers' offside trap when chasing Rhrodri Gigg's high pass.
The experimental strike partnership of Constable and Richards showed glimpses of promise.
Constable's slide rule pass released his strike partner down the left wing, and Richards sped past Steve Spencer and delivered a good cross that Alex Mortimer headed off the line.
Richards was left cursing himself in the 24th minute when he stretched for Smikle's cross and but could only knock it to Ashton.
But his self frustration almost spurred him into a spectacular opener a minute later, when he collected Constable's pass with his back to goal, spun and let fly with a shot that Ashton did well to acrobatically turn away.
Worryingly for Yates, Harriers' confidence going forward seemed to ebb away and the home side sat back and lost its way in midfield, allowing United to control the game in the last 15 minutes of the first half.
The visitor's pressure paid off in the 40th minute when Rory Patterson opened the scoring.
The striker was off side when he controlled Shaun Roscoe's long ball but the linesman's flag was not raised and he slotted it past Scott Bevan.
Harriers enjoyed some good fortune and were back on level terms three minutes later.
Ashton spilled Alex Mortimer's back pass and Smikel was on hand to roll the ball into the back of the net.
The lively Patterson had the first shot of the second half but this time Bevan was more than equal to his rising effort.
Munday caused a few Harriers fans' hearts to flutter when he directed a stray pass to striker Jerome Wright, but he made up for his error by tracking back and forcing him into a speculative cross in the 51st minute.
United, who were backed by a small but vocal travelling army of 176 fans, had to replace Anthony Hargreaves after he was injured by Munday's sliding challenge from behind.
A flurry of substitutions by the home side broke up the flow of an entertaining game.
Brian Smikle, who was alert throughout, almost scored an own goal on the 64 minute mark but steered Wright's incisive pass just past the left hand post.
Substitute Matthew Barnes-Homer and Russ Penn combined well to set up Constable but the striker was a fraction offside.
Penn should have done better when Ferrell found him in the box but he hesitated and tried a speculative cross/shot that was headed away.
Howarth headed Jeff Kenna's free-kick over and Barnes-Homer flicked a shot wide but Bevan spared Harriers' blushes late on.
Rhrodri Giggs showed some of his illustrious relation's skill when he skipped past the giant keeper, who stuck out a long arm to deny the winger.
All in all it was a decent workout for Harriers, who will need to step up a higher level for Tuesday's home friendly against Walsall.
HARRIERS: Bevan, Harkness, Hurren (Munday, 81mins), Creighton (McGrath, 45mins), Constable (Boukhalfa, 81mins), Richards (Barnes-Homer, 61mins) Blackwood (Howarth, 81mins), Smikle, Munday (Penn, 51mins), Ferrell, Bignot (Williams, 68mins).
FC UNITED: Ashton (Newbrook, 71mins), Foster, Roscoe, Platt (McCafferty, 71mins), Spencer, Mortimer, Howard (Harop, 71mins), Hargreaves (Swarbick, 57mins), Giggs, Wright, Patterson.
Referee: Mick Fletcher (Worcestershire).
Attendance: 676.
By Peter McKinney
Kidderminster Harriers 1 FC United of Manchester 1
HARRIERS were held by an attack minded FC United side in an entertaining draw at Aggborough on Sunday afternoon.
The home team took on a Manchester based team which had the likes of Giggs and Hargreaves playing for them - unfortunately they were midfielder Anthony Hargreaves and Rhrodri Giggs -brother of Red Devils winger Ryan.
However, the visitors certainly played with Manchester United's attacking style and constantly worried a strong Harriers side.
Manager Mark Yates was able to give towering defender Mark Creighton, a key player from last season, a useful 45 minute run out that will blow the cobwebs off his joints.
The only trialists on display were Jon Munday, who has been given an extended time in the side because of captain Stuart Whitehead's injury, and former Cinderford player Matthew Williams.
Striker James Constable, enjoying his first start in pre-season, headed Brian Smikle's cross at keeper Sam Ashton in the third minute.
Scott Bevan showed alertness when he was forced to rush out and block Rory Patterson, who had beat Harriers' offside trap when chasing Rhrodri Gigg's high pass.
The experimental strike partnership of Constable and Richards showed glimpses of promise.
Constable's slide rule pass released his strike partner down the left wing, and Richards sped past Steve Spencer and delivered a good cross that Alex Mortimer headed off the line.
Richards was left cursing himself in the 24th minute when he stretched for Smikle's cross and but could only knock it to Ashton.
But his self frustration almost spurred him into a spectacular opener a minute later, when he collected Constable's pass with his back to goal, spun and let fly with a shot that Ashton did well to acrobatically turn away.
Worryingly for Yates, Harriers' confidence going forward seemed to ebb away and the home side sat back and lost its way in midfield, allowing United to control the game in the last 15 minutes of the first half.
The visitor's pressure paid off in the 40th minute when Rory Patterson opened the scoring.
The striker was off side when he controlled Shaun Roscoe's long ball but the linesman's flag was not raised and he slotted it past Scott Bevan.
Harriers enjoyed some good fortune and were back on level terms three minutes later.
Ashton spilled Alex Mortimer's back pass and Smikel was on hand to roll the ball into the back of the net.
The lively Patterson had the first shot of the second half but this time Bevan was more than equal to his rising effort.
Munday caused a few Harriers fans' hearts to flutter when he directed a stray pass to striker Jerome Wright, but he made up for his error by tracking back and forcing him into a speculative cross in the 51st minute.
United, who were backed by a small but vocal travelling army of 176 fans, had to replace Anthony Hargreaves after he was injured by Munday's sliding challenge from behind.
A flurry of substitutions by the home side broke up the flow of an entertaining game.
Brian Smikle, who was alert throughout, almost scored an own goal on the 64 minute mark but steered Wright's incisive pass just past the left hand post.
Substitute Matthew Barnes-Homer and Russ Penn combined well to set up Constable but the striker was a fraction offside.
Penn should have done better when Ferrell found him in the box but he hesitated and tried a speculative cross/shot that was headed away.
Howarth headed Jeff Kenna's free-kick over and Barnes-Homer flicked a shot wide but Bevan spared Harriers' blushes late on.
Rhrodri Giggs showed some of his illustrious relation's skill when he skipped past the giant keeper, who stuck out a long arm to deny the winger.
All in all it was a decent workout for Harriers, who will need to step up a higher level for Tuesday's home friendly against Walsall.
HARRIERS: Bevan, Harkness, Hurren (Munday, 81mins), Creighton (McGrath, 45mins), Constable (Boukhalfa, 81mins), Richards (Barnes-Homer, 61mins) Blackwood (Howarth, 81mins), Smikle, Munday (Penn, 51mins), Ferrell, Bignot (Williams, 68mins).
FC UNITED: Ashton (Newbrook, 71mins), Foster, Roscoe, Platt (McCafferty, 71mins), Spencer, Mortimer, Howard (Harop, 71mins), Hargreaves (Swarbick, 57mins), Giggs, Wright, Patterson.
Referee: Mick Fletcher (Worcestershire).
Attendance: 676.
Friday, July 27, 2007
United boss makes it a special night
Source: North East Manchester Advertiser
DELAMERE Rangers under 13s had a special guest helping them prepare for the new season in a new league.
Karl Marginson, team manager of FC United, took the Gorton and Openshaw club’s regular Tuesday training session in Abbey Hey as they got set to embark on their first season in the Stockport Metro League after several successful years in the Reddish and District League.
Former Macclesfield Town striker Karl said: “Delamere Rangers are a great example of what ordinary people can do for their community. In their relatively short existence they have grown from one small team to have 10 teams, and it is an honour to have them as an associate club.”
Club secretary and coach Paul Peters said: “Karl was superb. His professionalism was obvious, but his enthusiasm is what impressed me most.”
Karl, in partnership with Delamere coach Lee Rattigan, and Manchester City Council, has recently been involved in delivering coaching sessions to youngsters on the Ryder Brow estate in Gorton.
The next scheme there is due to run in the school holidays.
For further information on Delamere Rangers and FC United visit www.freewebs.com/delamererangersjfc and www.fcumfiles.co.uk
First published by the North East Manchester Advertiser
DELAMERE Rangers under 13s had a special guest helping them prepare for the new season in a new league.
Karl Marginson, team manager of FC United, took the Gorton and Openshaw club’s regular Tuesday training session in Abbey Hey as they got set to embark on their first season in the Stockport Metro League after several successful years in the Reddish and District League.
Former Macclesfield Town striker Karl said: “Delamere Rangers are a great example of what ordinary people can do for their community. In their relatively short existence they have grown from one small team to have 10 teams, and it is an honour to have them as an associate club.”
Club secretary and coach Paul Peters said: “Karl was superb. His professionalism was obvious, but his enthusiasm is what impressed me most.”
Karl, in partnership with Delamere coach Lee Rattigan, and Manchester City Council, has recently been involved in delivering coaching sessions to youngsters on the Ryder Brow estate in Gorton.
The next scheme there is due to run in the school holidays.
For further information on Delamere Rangers and FC United visit www.freewebs.com/delamererangersjfc and www.fcumfiles.co.uk
First published by the North East Manchester Advertiser
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Reds freeze season ticket prices
Source: This is Lancashire
Reds freeze season ticket prices
By Marc Higginson
FC UNITED have been dealt a blow on the eve of the new season with the news that star striker Stuart Rudd has been ruled out for the rest of the season with a broken wrist.
Rudd, who scored 45 goals in 49 games in United's title-winning campaign of last season, injured his wrist in an accident at home.
However, the club did receive some good news off the pitch after revealing they have sold 1,000 season tickets for next season.
As a result, the club are freezing ticket prices, meaning that the cost per game will remain at the equivalent of £6 for adults and just £1 for under-18s.
A club spokesman said: "This is a phenomenal achievement and we'd like to thank all our supporters for showing their commitment to the club.
"It was a magnificent response to what was an ambitious challenge, but as usual supporters have come through for their club.
"Season Tickets sales are up 33 per cent on this time last year and, with a month still to go before the start of the season, we hope that the figure rises even higher, which will help us to stick to our philosophy of providing affordable football."
Meanwhile, the Rebel Reds continued their pre-season programme with a 2-1 victory over Blackpool Mechanics on Saturday.
Jerome Wright opened the scoring for Karl Marginson's men, before Marc Beattie replied for the home side.
However, Rory Patterson ensured the victory when keeper Jamie Cook let a tame effort through his grasp and into the net.
4:35pm Wednesday 25th July 2007
Reds freeze season ticket prices
By Marc Higginson
FC UNITED have been dealt a blow on the eve of the new season with the news that star striker Stuart Rudd has been ruled out for the rest of the season with a broken wrist.
Rudd, who scored 45 goals in 49 games in United's title-winning campaign of last season, injured his wrist in an accident at home.
However, the club did receive some good news off the pitch after revealing they have sold 1,000 season tickets for next season.
As a result, the club are freezing ticket prices, meaning that the cost per game will remain at the equivalent of £6 for adults and just £1 for under-18s.
A club spokesman said: "This is a phenomenal achievement and we'd like to thank all our supporters for showing their commitment to the club.
"It was a magnificent response to what was an ambitious challenge, but as usual supporters have come through for their club.
"Season Tickets sales are up 33 per cent on this time last year and, with a month still to go before the start of the season, we hope that the figure rises even higher, which will help us to stick to our philosophy of providing affordable football."
Meanwhile, the Rebel Reds continued their pre-season programme with a 2-1 victory over Blackpool Mechanics on Saturday.
Jerome Wright opened the scoring for Karl Marginson's men, before Marc Beattie replied for the home side.
However, Rory Patterson ensured the victory when keeper Jamie Cook let a tame effort through his grasp and into the net.
4:35pm Wednesday 25th July 2007
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Rebel army's growing
Source: MEN
Stuart Brennan 24/ 7/2007
FC UNITED's season ticket sales have risen by a third as the club prepares for life in the UniBond League first division next month.
The Rebels have frozen the price of season tickets at the equivalent of £6 per match and £1 per match for under-18s after challenging supporters to break the 1,000 barrier by July 16.
That target was reached as sales of season tickets rose by 33 per cent, and a club spokesman said: "This is a phenomenal achievement and we'd like to thank all our supporters for showing their commitment to the club.
"It was a magnificent response to what was an ambitious challenge, but as usual supporters have come through for their club.
"Season ticket sales are up 33 per cent on this time last year and with a month still to go before the start of the season we hope that the figure rises even higher, which will help us to stick to our philosophy of providing affordable football."
FC's proposed friendly at Kidderminster on Saturday was a victim of the wet weather and is now scheduled for Sunday at 3pm, 24 hours after they send a team to Nantwich for a friendly.
Postponement of the Kidderminster match meant a stronger team than planned took to the field at Blackpool Mechanics last Sunday and goals from Jerome Wright and Rory Patterson gave the Rebels a solid 2-1 win
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Patterson celebrates double joy
Source: This is Lancashire
IT was double delight for FC United striker Rory Patterson last week after he helped his side to a 2-1 win - and became a dad.
Patterson had the ideal pre-match preparation on Friday when he and his partner Stacey welcomed their new daughter Kyrah into the family.
Then on Saturday, the Irishman netted two first-half goals in United's first pre-season friendly at Warwickshire non-league side, Studley.
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The home side clawed their way back into the game early in the second half with an Andy Keenahan penalty, but the Reds held on for the win.
The match was organised to raise funds for charity in memory of former Manchester United trainee Jimmy Davis who died, aged 21, in 2003.
Marginson's side are back in action on Saturday when they travel to play Kidderminster at Aggborough.
IT was double delight for FC United striker Rory Patterson last week after he helped his side to a 2-1 win - and became a dad.
Patterson had the ideal pre-match preparation on Friday when he and his partner Stacey welcomed their new daughter Kyrah into the family.
Then on Saturday, the Irishman netted two first-half goals in United's first pre-season friendly at Warwickshire non-league side, Studley.
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The home side clawed their way back into the game early in the second half with an Andy Keenahan penalty, but the Reds held on for the win.
The match was organised to raise funds for charity in memory of former Manchester United trainee Jimmy Davis who died, aged 21, in 2003.
Marginson's side are back in action on Saturday when they travel to play Kidderminster at Aggborough.
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
City paint the town red with opener
Source: Lancashire and Morecambe Citizen
By Matt Donlan
LANCASTER City chief executive Mick Hoyle reckons that someone upstairs'is smiling down on the Dolly Blues after they got a dream start to life in the UniBond League.
The fixtures handed City the start they wanted with a Giant Axe opener against FC United of Manchester - and that should mean a serious pay day.
The offshoot club of Manchester United - formed by disgruntled fans in the wake of Malcolm Glazer's takeover at Old Trafford - is a real draw with huge travelling support. And Hoyle is delighted.
"The is someone upstairs smiling down on Lancaster City. After everything we have been through and almost ending up on the brink of closure this is just perfect," says Hoyle.
"They get four and five thousand for home games and take about 2,000 away with them so it is a good start.
"And it makes it better because Morecambe are away and the North Lancs League will not have started, so I expect a few floating fans to come through the doors."
The announcement of the fixtures was a timely boost for City, who returned to pre-season training last week.
They play their first game on Tuesday night at Kirkham and Wesham and boss Barrie Stimpson is ready to run the rule over any new players.
By Matt Donlan
LANCASTER City chief executive Mick Hoyle reckons that someone upstairs'is smiling down on the Dolly Blues after they got a dream start to life in the UniBond League.
The fixtures handed City the start they wanted with a Giant Axe opener against FC United of Manchester - and that should mean a serious pay day.
The offshoot club of Manchester United - formed by disgruntled fans in the wake of Malcolm Glazer's takeover at Old Trafford - is a real draw with huge travelling support. And Hoyle is delighted.
"The is someone upstairs smiling down on Lancaster City. After everything we have been through and almost ending up on the brink of closure this is just perfect," says Hoyle.
"They get four and five thousand for home games and take about 2,000 away with them so it is a good start.
"And it makes it better because Morecambe are away and the North Lancs League will not have started, so I expect a few floating fans to come through the doors."
The announcement of the fixtures was a timely boost for City, who returned to pre-season training last week.
They play their first game on Tuesday night at Kirkham and Wesham and boss Barrie Stimpson is ready to run the rule over any new players.
FC kick-off with trip north
Source: M.E.N.
FC United will kick-off life in the UniBond League with a trip north to play Lancaster City on the opening day of the season, August 18.
The Rebels, after two successive promotions, take on Yorkshire side Garforth Town in their first home fixture at the higher level, at Gigg Lane on Wednesday August 22.
The re-structured first division means that FC will play eight clubs in the 18-team competition three times.
It means Clitheroe, Skelmersdale, Bamber Bridge and Radcliffe Borough will cash in with two home games against the Rebels.
FC United will kick-off life in the UniBond League with a trip north to play Lancaster City on the opening day of the season, August 18.
The Rebels, after two successive promotions, take on Yorkshire side Garforth Town in their first home fixture at the higher level, at Gigg Lane on Wednesday August 22.
The re-structured first division means that FC will play eight clubs in the 18-team competition three times.
It means Clitheroe, Skelmersdale, Bamber Bridge and Radcliffe Borough will cash in with two home games against the Rebels.
Monday, July 09, 2007
Friday, July 06, 2007
Karl packs in the van to promote club
Source: The Bolton News
By Liam Chronnell
FC United manager Karl Marginson is hoping he will have more time to devote to team affairs after giving up his job to become the club's temporary community development officer.
The role means Marginson has had to pack in his early morning fruit and veg rounds, and the former Radcliffe Borough midfielder reckons it will benefit the first team in the long run.
"I'm really enjoying it and it's totally different to anything I've ever done before," said Marginson on the new job.
"Having a computer is a first for me and I'm trying to get used to it. At first I switched it on but wrote down what I wanted to put anyway and got someone else to type it. But I'm a lot better with it now.
"The role doesn't just involve coaching in the community - it's a lot to do with seeking grants for us to use for community projects. It's great being involved in this side of the club and hearing some of the ideas that people have got is a real eye opener.
"I'm obviously looking forward to getting the tracksuit on and doing some coaching too."
By Liam Chronnell
FC United manager Karl Marginson is hoping he will have more time to devote to team affairs after giving up his job to become the club's temporary community development officer.
The role means Marginson has had to pack in his early morning fruit and veg rounds, and the former Radcliffe Borough midfielder reckons it will benefit the first team in the long run.
"I'm really enjoying it and it's totally different to anything I've ever done before," said Marginson on the new job.
"Having a computer is a first for me and I'm trying to get used to it. At first I switched it on but wrote down what I wanted to put anyway and got someone else to type it. But I'm a lot better with it now.
"The role doesn't just involve coaching in the community - it's a lot to do with seeking grants for us to use for community projects. It's great being involved in this side of the club and hearing some of the ideas that people have got is a real eye opener.
"I'm obviously looking forward to getting the tracksuit on and doing some coaching too."
Thursday, July 05, 2007
FC United in FA Cup
Source: The Bolton News
By Liam Chronnell
FC United will travel to Trafford FC or Atherton LR in their first ever FA Cup match.
The breakaway club have been drawn away in the preliminary round of the competition on Saturday, September 1.
If the Gigg Lane tenants, who have not been eligible to play in the FA Cup before, progress to the first round qualifying stage they will face Fleetwood Town away on Saturday, September 15.
United's UniBond First Division North rivals, Radcliffe Borough, will entertain Lancaster City at the Inn2gether Stadium in the famous trophy.
The winners, who will recieve £1,000 prize money, play either Cammel Laird or Sheffield in the next round.
The draw for the FA Trophy has also been made, with FC at Bradford Park Avenue and Boro at Sutton Coldfield Town in the preliminary round on Saturday, October 6 - with Sheffield FC at home and Harrogate Railway away, respectively, waiting in the next round on Saturday, October 20.
By Liam Chronnell
FC United will travel to Trafford FC or Atherton LR in their first ever FA Cup match.
The breakaway club have been drawn away in the preliminary round of the competition on Saturday, September 1.
If the Gigg Lane tenants, who have not been eligible to play in the FA Cup before, progress to the first round qualifying stage they will face Fleetwood Town away on Saturday, September 15.
United's UniBond First Division North rivals, Radcliffe Borough, will entertain Lancaster City at the Inn2gether Stadium in the famous trophy.
The winners, who will recieve £1,000 prize money, play either Cammel Laird or Sheffield in the next round.
The draw for the FA Trophy has also been made, with FC at Bradford Park Avenue and Boro at Sutton Coldfield Town in the preliminary round on Saturday, October 6 - with Sheffield FC at home and Harrogate Railway away, respectively, waiting in the next round on Saturday, October 20.
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
Fleetwood Town set for FC United date
Source: Blackpool Gazette
FLEETWOOD Town's first FA Cup date in the new season could be at home to one of non-league's hottest teams - FC United.
Formed by angry fans after the Glazer takeover at Manchester United, the spin-off team have attracted masses of good will and good attendances at their home games which are staged at Bury's Gig Lane ground.
FC United will come to Fleetwood on September 15 if they dispose of either Atherton LR or Trafford in the preliminary round a fortnight earlier - an outcome which Town chairman Andy Pilley fully expects.
He said: "It's a very exciting prospect.
"FC United have a good following. They attract a couple of thousand for their home games and we should be looking at a sell-out." FC United were formed in 2005 and achieved two straight promotions.
They now play in the Unibond League division One North: one rung below Fleetwood. their attendances are among the highest in non-league soccer.
The potential clash comes as Town prepare for a pre-season match against an team from the original Manchester United at Highbury Avenue on July 21. Tickets are selling like hot-cakes and a full house is expected.
FC United visit Blackpool Mechanics for a friendly on July 22.
Copyright 2007 Johnston Press Plc, Source: The Financial Times Limited
FLEETWOOD Town's first FA Cup date in the new season could be at home to one of non-league's hottest teams - FC United.
Formed by angry fans after the Glazer takeover at Manchester United, the spin-off team have attracted masses of good will and good attendances at their home games which are staged at Bury's Gig Lane ground.
FC United will come to Fleetwood on September 15 if they dispose of either Atherton LR or Trafford in the preliminary round a fortnight earlier - an outcome which Town chairman Andy Pilley fully expects.
He said: "It's a very exciting prospect.
"FC United have a good following. They attract a couple of thousand for their home games and we should be looking at a sell-out." FC United were formed in 2005 and achieved two straight promotions.
They now play in the Unibond League division One North: one rung below Fleetwood. their attendances are among the highest in non-league soccer.
The potential clash comes as Town prepare for a pre-season match against an team from the original Manchester United at Highbury Avenue on July 21. Tickets are selling like hot-cakes and a full house is expected.
FC United visit Blackpool Mechanics for a friendly on July 22.
Copyright 2007 Johnston Press Plc, Source: The Financial Times Limited
Rebel Reds hoping for cup cheer
Source: MEN
Stuart Brennan 3/ 7/2007
FC UNITED will be on familiar territory when they play their first FA Cup game after drawing an away tie at either Trafford or Atherton LR.
The Rebels faced both teams in the North West Counties League last season, putting 14 goals past Atherton in their two fixtures but only squeaking a 1-0 draw at Trafford and being held 4-4 at Gigg Lane. Those two clubs meet in the extra preliminary round on August 18.
And if FC, playing in the competition for the first time, come through the preliminary round, on September 1, they face a big task in the first round qualifying - a trip to play upwardly-mobile Fleetwood Town, who finished fifth in the UniBond League premier division last season after two successive promotions.
Says FC manager Karl Marginson: "It's a good draw for us. Trafford are no pushovers as they showed last season when they came back from 4-1 down with 15 minutes left at our place to draw. They have lost manager Danny Johnson to Ashton United, but one of our former players Tony Coyne has gone there as assistant to Ged Kielty.
"The only problem is we are supposed to have a pre-season friendly against them. We might have to bin that, because we don't want to give them any money to spend on players they can use against us!"
Marginson says there will be minimal comings and goings this summer, the only possible additions being former Radcliffe defender Dave Luker and Salford City's ex-Bolton youth team defender Dale Whitehead.
Meanwhile, a trip into football history awaits FC United in their first FA Trophy campaign, with a preliminary round draw away to one of the world's oldest clubs, Bradford Park Avenue, founded in 1863. A win in that tie, against fellow UniBond first division north opponents, would line up a home game against the oldest club in the world, Sheffield FC.
FA CUP DRAW (local clubs only) Preliminary round (Sept 1): Cheadle Town v Ashton Town or Ramsbottom; Chorley v Warrington Town; Rossington Main or Atherton Colls v Abbey Hey or Bacup Boro; Colwyn Bay v Daisy Hill or Congleton; Blackpool Mechs or Maine Road v Skelmersdale; Chadderton or Winsford v Squires Gate or Penrith Radcliffe v Lancaster City; Trafford or Atherton LR v FC United;Woodley Sports v Mossley; Flixton or Bootle v Salford City or Padiham; Bamber BRidge v Formby or Oldham Town; Stocksbridge PS v Curzon Ashton.
First round qualifying (Sept 15): Rossendale United or Dinnington Town or Maltby Main v Chadderton or Winsford United or Squires Gate or Penrith; Flixton or Bootle or Salford City or Padiham v Bamber Bridge or Formby or Oldham Town; Fleetwood Town v Trafford or Atherton LR or FC United; Witton Albion v Prescot Cables; Hallam or Nelson or AFC Emley or Darwen v Woodley Sports or Mossley; Frickley Athletic v Stocksbridge PS or Curzon Ashton; Colne or Nantwich Town v Ashton United; Chorley Town or Warrington Town v Clitheroe or Holker Old Boys or St Helens; Colwyn Bay or Daisy Hill or Congleton Town v Brodsworth MW or Parkgate or Alsager Town; Blackpool Mechanics or Maine Road or Skelmersdale United v Marine; Radcliffe Borough or Lancaster City v Cammell Laird or Sheffield; Rossington Main or Atherton Collieries or Abbey Hey or Bacup Borough v Cheadle Town or Ashton Town or Ramsbottom Utd.
FA TROPHY DRAW Preliminary round (Oct 6): Bradford PA v FC United; Cammell Laird v Curzon Ashton; Warrington Town v Rossendale United; Woodley Sports v Newcastle BS; Sutton Coldfield v Radcliffe. First round qualifying (Oct 20): Spalding Utd or Romulus v Warrington or Rossendale; Harrogate Railway v Sutton Coldfield or Radcliffe; Mossley v Rushall Olympic or Carlton Town; Colwyn Bay v Woodley or Newcastle BS; Witton Albion v Ashton Utd; Chorley v Cammell Laird or Curzon; Bradford PA or FC United v Sheffield.
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