FC United take on Trafford

Source: TheFA.com

Trafford v FC United of Manchester

The FA Cup
Preliminary Round
3pm, Sunday 2 September 2007

Few teams can expect a crowd of over 3,000 for their first ever game in The FA Cup, but few sides have crammed as much history into the two years of their existence as FC United of Manchester.

Formed by supporters of Manchester United in 2005, FC United face Trafford at Altrincham’s Moss Lane ground on Sunday.

The tie is a local derby between two teams who know each other well; they faced each other twice in the Northwest Counties League Division One last year and have already met during pre-season, with Trafford winning 2-1.

And with a support base that is used to winning The FA Cup while following Manchester United, the significance of FC United making their bow in the competition is not lost on the players or staff.

And boss Karl Marginson understands how much a return to The FA Cup means to those who will travel to Altrincham on Sunday.

“Manchester United obviously have a great tradition in The FA Cup, and everyone here at FC United has been looking forward to this game immensely,” Marginson said.

“The fact that it’s a local derby and there are no other games in the area on Sunday means that we’re expecting a bumper crowd and expectations are high at the moment.

“That was brought home on Thursday when FA Cup sponsors E.ON brought The FA Cup to training. We had 150 fans there for a training session – not many clubs at our level can boast that!”

United currently play in the Northern Premier League Division One North – the eighth tier of English football – but have won promotion in both of their seasons of league football.

And, says Board member Vasco Wackrill, a good Cup run would act as a superb boost to a league campaign that has stuttered so far, with two wins and two defeats in the opening four games:

“It’s an exciting time for everyone involved at the club,” Wackrill explained.

“We played in The FA Vase last season and the interest then was unbelievable – for The FA Cup it’s gone through the roof.

“We have a great relationship with Trafford as well, although of course we want to get through to the next round.

“And, as big Manchester United fans before we set up this club, there’s one scenario we would all love – getting to the First Round proper and knocking out Leeds United at Elland Road!

“Now that really would be something to celebrate!”