Rebels boss frustrated over Rudd suspension

By Staff Sports Reporter

FC United boss Karl Marginson admitted he was "very frustrated" at the abandonment of Tuesday's match at Clitheroe.

He is now hoping that it will not adversely affect his side's preparations for their game at Fleetwood on Saturday.

Floodlight failure after 60 minutes forced Tuesday's game to be called off with score at 1-1, and the match will have to be replayed, posing concerns about fixture congestion.

But, disappointingly for Marginson, the abandonment also means that prolific striker Stuart Rudd will not now be available for the cup tie because of a quirk of the disciplinary system.

Rudd sat out Tuesday's game as the third of a three-match suspension, but will now also miss the trip to Fleetwood, as any game abandoned inside 70 minutes is deemed by the FA not to count towards suspensions.

Marginson admitted the news was a setback. "Fleetwood are a good side and it's going to be doubly difficult now.

"We had been preparing for the game with Stuart, but now our plans will have to change."

Fleetwood are currently fourth in the Unibond Premier Division One North, one level up the football pyramid from United, and Marginson rates his side as underdogs for the clash.

"It's a new situation for us. We are used to going into games as favourites, but we are definitley underdogs for this one. They are a good side and favourites for promotion in the division above."

United's focus remains on maintaining their impressive league form. The rebels have won their last three completed games, but the manager is aware that a good FA Cup run can make a real difference to a club at United's level.

Marginson added: "Our main concern is the league, but for any non-league club the Cup can make a difference."

4:10pm Wednesday 12th September 2007