FC replenish squad losses

Published: 6th September 2007

FC UNITED have strengthened their ranks to make up for the temporary loss of top players Stuart Rudd and Rory Patterson.

Both strikers are serving suspensions and manager Karl Marginson has made the decision to bring in Liam George from Hyde United and former Burnley reserve Cayne Hanley.

Meanwhile, left back Alex Mortimer has left the club by mutual consent after impressive performances from Shaun Roscoe saw him struggle to hold down a place in the side.

The new signings arrived too late to take part in Sunday’s game with local rivals Trafford FC, when FC made a successful debut venture into the FA Cup to set up an historic tie in the next round.

The reds disposed of Trafford at Atrincham’s Moss Lane ground in a pulsating encounter and they now face a trip to the seaside to play Fleetwood Town in the first qualifying round on Saturday, September 15.

Fleetwood were the first side that Newton Heath, who later became Manchester United, played in the FA Cup and FC fans will be hoping that this historical quirk is a sign they are about to enjoy a good cup run.

And with the way that they started on Sunday, few would argue that a money-spinning cup run is a distinct possibility.

They came out fired up and it was not long before defender Robert Nugent headed the club’s first ever FA Cup goal.

It was fitting that Nugent should score the landmark goal. Not only is he the only survivor from FC United’s first ever starting XI, as a former MUFC season ticket holder he was also present at all of the protest meetings against the Glazer takeover before the formation of the club.

Soon after Nugent’s nodder, former Manchester United youth team winger Josh Howard doubled the lead with a great solo effort which nestled in the corner of the Trafford net.

It should have been all over at that stage but, in the greatest United tradition, FC could not give their fans an easy ride and they allowed the home side back into the game.

Chris Mackay took advantage of slack positioning from FC keeper Sam Ashton to make it 2-1 and the equaliser came via a superb chip from Andy Lundy.

The game was in the balance until Nicky Platt scored from the penalty spot following a foul on striker Stuart Rudd to give the reds the edge at the break.

It was effectively game over when makeshift forward Simon Carden turned and blasted home with 20 minutes to go to relieve the tension.

New boy Anthony Hargreaves came off the bench and put things beyond doubt with a tap in.

United host Harrogate Railway in a league game at Gigg Lane this Saturday, September 8, kick-off 3pm.

Tony Howard

First published by the Prestwich Advertiser