FC celebrate Burns' night

Source: The Bolton News

By Liam Chronnell

TWO-GOAL hero Aaron Burns fired his new club up to fourth in the table after enjoying a stunning debut in FC United's 3-0 victory at Clitheroe.

Last season's Manchester United reserves top-scorer struck in each half in the Unibond League Division One North clash on Tuesday night.

Rory Patterson was also on target from the penalty spot as the Rebels completed back-to-back league wins for the first time since August.
advertisement

But it is the remarkable arrival of Burns which has caused quite a stir at Gigg Lane.

The 19-year-old striker was released by Sir Alex Ferguson in the summer and joined Championship side Cardiff, only to be edged out by the signings of Robbie Fowler and Jimmy-Floyd Hasselbaink.

But a contractual restriction means Burns cannot play for a club above UniBond League level until the January transfer window, so FC have stepped in to pick him up until then. His arrival has provided a much needed boost to Karl Marginson's side, without a game this weekend, after injuries to key personnel.

Captain Dave Chadwick and prolific hitman Stuart Rudd both look set for lengthy spells on the sidelines after suffering knee ligament damage.

The Reds, who defeated Wakefield 2-1 on Saturday thanks to a Chris Baguley's second-half double, return to action at Droylsden in the Manchester Premier Cup on Tuesday night.

"We will just have to wait for the swelling to go down before we find out how long they will be out for," said Marginson, who is delighted with the impact Burns has made. "We knew Aaron has talent but the thing I've been most pleased about is his attitude and work rate have been first class. He's a great signing."

Marginson has also brought in Colin Bell, a 24-year-old former Rochdale trainee who has also played for Bury and Chester reserves.