Thomson to make Rebels bow

Stuart Brennan
31/10/2007

PETER Thomson will get his first start for FC United as the Rebels take on Bamber Bridge in the President's Cup at Radcliffe tonight (7.45pm).

The powerful 6ft 3in striker, who used to play for NAC Breda in Holland and has League experience with Luton and Rushden and Diamonds, scored on his debut as a late substitute in the 3-1 win over Ossett Albion on Saturday.

And with last season's top scorer Stuart Rudd still awaiting the results of a scan on his knee injury, Thomson could become a crucial player, even if he faces a battle to dislodge current top scorer Rory Patterson and new boy Aaron Burns from the first-choice team.

"He's got a fantastic touch for a big fellow, his movement is excellent, and he has an eye for goal as we saw when he came on, on Saturday," said manager Karl Marginson, who has signed the Bury-born 29-year-old from Barrow.

"The first words out of his mouth when I spoke to him was that he just wanted to play for this club, and they weren't plastic words. He says he will come alive when he pulls the red shirt on, and we saw that when he scored against Ossett - he grabbed the badge, and thankfully he didn't kiss it!

"He also takes a bit of stopping - Ossett's centre half tried to block his run on Saturday and ended up like Tony Underwood when he got in Jonah Lomu's way."

Thomson is expected to partner Burns tonight. Marginson explained: "Aaron needs games, and Rory is just one booking away from a big suspension after picking up his ninth yellow card on Saturday."

Tonight's game will also see the debut of Colin Bell, who will replace injured Rob Nugent at the heart of defence.

Another FC new boy, midfielder Jamie Baguley, is also set for his first start, alongside brother Chris and Nicky Platt in midfield.