31/12/2008
FC UNITED’S Tunji Moses is set to make his debut when the reds host Ossett Town at Gigg Lane today, Thursday, January 1, kick-off 3pm.
Moses, the son of ex-Manchester United star Remi, signed for FC in the summer but has not yet featured due to a suspension and an ankle injury.
But manager Karl Marginson is keen to get him involved as the 11th-placed reds look to bounce back from their 2-1 defeat at Ashton United on Saturday.
Marginson said: "Tunji has stepped up his training of late as his suspension comes to an end and I’m sure he will be raring to get out there and do it for real.
"I don’t think I’ll throw him in from the start but he will more than likely come off the bench at some point.
"He will give us that extra bit of bite in midfield – a trait he takes from his dad – but he can also play. Many of our fans will have forgotten we’d signed him but once he gets out there they will soon remember as he puts himself about."
Ossett lie just two places below the reds in the UniBond Premier League so it will be another stern test.
Margy added: "We beat Ossett comfortably earlier in the season but they’ve improved greatly since then so we’re expecting a hard game. Hopefully, a bumper crowd will roar us on and we can get back to winning ways."
Admission for the game costs £7.50 for adults, £5 for over-60s and £2 for under-18s.
Tommy Turner was FC’s consolation goal scorer at Ashton on Saturday.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Ossett Town travel to FC United of Manchester with 'score to settle'
Source: Wakefield Express
Published Date:
31 December 2008
By Nick Rigg
OSSETT Town boss Simon Collins will take his troops into their New Year's Day clash at FC United of Manchester with a 'score to settle'.
Town suffered their biggest home defeat of the season when Karl Marginson's men ran out 4-0 winners in the reverse fixture at Ingfield in September.
But Town can kick-start their 2009 by making amends for the defeat when they travel to Gigg Lane in front of what's sure to be a bumper crowd on Thursday (kick-off 3pm).
"Last time we played FC United they came and won 4-0 and it was well deserved so we've got a score to settle" said Collins.
"It should be a great atmosphere there and they like to play football the right way like we do so it should be a good match."
Town go into the game as one of the form teams of the UniBond Premier Division having won four of their last six league matches to fire them upto their highest league position since the end of August.
And Collins is hoping to start 2009 as Town ended 2008 - in impressive form.
"It's been a busy period for us, and all clubs, and to get through Christmas with some good results and with no new injuries is pretty much as good as we could have hoped for," he said.
"We're going in the right direction now and we need some consistency to carry our form into our next few games.
"We're on a three game winning run now and if we can make that four it'd be great, but if we could come away with a point at FC United then I think we'd be pleased with that."
Town go into the clash with FC United with no fresh injury or suspension concerns.
And although January is set to be a hectic month for Premier League and Football League clubs with the start of the transfer window, Collins insists that as things stand he won't be making any changes to his squad.
"The team hasn't changed much for a good while now and I think we're benefitting from that," he said.
"I've not been looking around for any new players to come in and won't be as things stand, the lads have been doing a great job."
Town are one of the few UniBond Premier League teams without a match on Saturday, with their next match coming at Bradford Park Avenue on Saturday, January 10.
For all the latest UniBond Premier League match previews and reports, see Friday's Wakefield Express Sport.
Published Date:
31 December 2008
By Nick Rigg
OSSETT Town boss Simon Collins will take his troops into their New Year's Day clash at FC United of Manchester with a 'score to settle'.
Town suffered their biggest home defeat of the season when Karl Marginson's men ran out 4-0 winners in the reverse fixture at Ingfield in September.
But Town can kick-start their 2009 by making amends for the defeat when they travel to Gigg Lane in front of what's sure to be a bumper crowd on Thursday (kick-off 3pm).
"Last time we played FC United they came and won 4-0 and it was well deserved so we've got a score to settle" said Collins.
"It should be a great atmosphere there and they like to play football the right way like we do so it should be a good match."
Town go into the game as one of the form teams of the UniBond Premier Division having won four of their last six league matches to fire them upto their highest league position since the end of August.
And Collins is hoping to start 2009 as Town ended 2008 - in impressive form.
"It's been a busy period for us, and all clubs, and to get through Christmas with some good results and with no new injuries is pretty much as good as we could have hoped for," he said.
"We're going in the right direction now and we need some consistency to carry our form into our next few games.
"We're on a three game winning run now and if we can make that four it'd be great, but if we could come away with a point at FC United then I think we'd be pleased with that."
Town go into the clash with FC United with no fresh injury or suspension concerns.
And although January is set to be a hectic month for Premier League and Football League clubs with the start of the transfer window, Collins insists that as things stand he won't be making any changes to his squad.
"The team hasn't changed much for a good while now and I think we're benefitting from that," he said.
"I've not been looking around for any new players to come in and won't be as things stand, the lads have been doing a great job."
Town are one of the few UniBond Premier League teams without a match on Saturday, with their next match coming at Bradford Park Avenue on Saturday, January 10.
For all the latest UniBond Premier League match previews and reports, see Friday's Wakefield Express Sport.
Rebels look to get play-off bid on track
5:30am Wednesday 31st December 2008
FC United will look to get their play-off hopes back on track when they entertain Ossett Albion in the UniBond Premier League tomorrow.
The Gigg Lane tenants will be keen to take maximum points after slipping up against Ashton United over Christmas.
Rebels boss Karl Marginson is waiting on the fitness of goalkeeper Sam Ashton, who was carried off at the end of Saturday’s 2-1 defeat with a knee injury, and defender Danny Warrender (shoulder).
The cold snap could hit Leigh Genesis fixture backlog with tomorrow’s game at Kendal under threat.
A decision on whether the game would be played is expected to be made today to allow both teams and supporters to make plans.
If the game goes ahead Leigh will be looking for at least a point after their disappointing 2-0 defeat to bottom club Witton Albion last weekend.
Meanwhile, Division One North outfit Radcliffe Borough have the ideal opportunity to end a run of six consecutive league defeats at basement club Salford City.
Director of football Gerry Luczka has ordered his side to increase their workrate on and off the field as they bid to end a goal drought.
He said: “We’ve got to keep going. The one thing we can’t do is start feeling sorry for ourselves because that will get us absolutely nowhere.
“What we have to be doing now, is be relentless about our work-rate both on the field and off it.
“Everybody has to be working their socks off. And it’s only with everybody doing that and trying to improve, working as hard as they possibly can, that we will turn it round.”
FC United will look to get their play-off hopes back on track when they entertain Ossett Albion in the UniBond Premier League tomorrow.
The Gigg Lane tenants will be keen to take maximum points after slipping up against Ashton United over Christmas.
Rebels boss Karl Marginson is waiting on the fitness of goalkeeper Sam Ashton, who was carried off at the end of Saturday’s 2-1 defeat with a knee injury, and defender Danny Warrender (shoulder).
The cold snap could hit Leigh Genesis fixture backlog with tomorrow’s game at Kendal under threat.
A decision on whether the game would be played is expected to be made today to allow both teams and supporters to make plans.
If the game goes ahead Leigh will be looking for at least a point after their disappointing 2-0 defeat to bottom club Witton Albion last weekend.
Meanwhile, Division One North outfit Radcliffe Borough have the ideal opportunity to end a run of six consecutive league defeats at basement club Salford City.
Director of football Gerry Luczka has ordered his side to increase their workrate on and off the field as they bid to end a goal drought.
He said: “We’ve got to keep going. The one thing we can’t do is start feeling sorry for ourselves because that will get us absolutely nowhere.
“What we have to be doing now, is be relentless about our work-rate both on the field and off it.
“Everybody has to be working their socks off. And it’s only with everybody doing that and trying to improve, working as hard as they possibly can, that we will turn it round.”
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Cox – Pressure is all on Kettering
Published Date: 02 January 2009
By Mark Duffy
EASTWOOD Town will have little fear and a fantastic run of form behind them as they go into the most exciting weekend in the club's history.
Kettering Town may not carry with them the glitz and glamour of some of the teams Eastwood could have faced, but their higher status means there is just as much expectancy and pressure on them as there would have been on Manchester United or Chelsea had they been hosting the Badgers.
And Eastwood boss Paul Cox believes that could, as in previous rounds, play into his side's hands.
"Whoever we faced we would have been underdogs as we're the lowest ranked team left in the competition, but we've revelled in that status up to now.
"Kettering have been underdogs in their games so far but now they face a different kind of challenge, and the pressure is definitely on them to beat us.
"Their fans will be expecting them to win and we have to be ready to capitalise if they're not on the ball."
For more of Cox's thoughts on the Kettering tie, click here.
The Boxing Day victory at Boston United made it 14 games unbeaten for Eastwood, and they have had a clear week to prepare for the cup tie with no match on New Year's Day.
Cox was delighted with the three points in Lincolnshire.
He said: "We started slowly and I felt we were off the pace for the first 25 minutes or so, but once we got going we made a real game of it.
"It would have been great to watch as a neutral as in the second half both sides created chances, and we missed some particularly good ones."
The introduction of Matt Rhead again made a difference, emphasising the embarassment of riches Cox has at his disposal when it comes to strikers.
"The formation and style we've been employing doesn't always suit players like Rheady, Peter Knox and Marc Smith, so they've been a bit unlucky in having to wait for their chance, but they're always effective when called upon as they add a different dimension to our game," said Cox.
"Tristram Whitman is another example of a really good quality player not being able to get a game, and in the end we've had to let him go out on loan to FC United of Manchester because he wants to play, and you can't blame him."
Boston will again be Eastwood's opponents next Tuesday when they visit in the UniBond League Challenge Cup fourth round.
With the league the main priority and the sideline of the FA Cup run, Cox is again likely to use the game as a chance to field some of his lesser used but still excellent quality players.
He said: "They did really well in the last round at Stocksbridge and deserve the chance to play against Boston.
"This kind of situation only emphasises the strength of squad we've got, which is necessary when there's the risk of injuries and suspensions.
Coping with Rebels
Bryan Marshall
30/12/2008
Ashton United 2 FC United 1
ASHTON survived a late onslaught to secure three points at Hurst Cross.
Overnight frost put the match in some doubt, but by kick-off time, the pitch was fine and both sides passed the ball around well.
The home side began well as Ian Bennett started and finished a move that spanned the length of the field, but his final shot flew just over the crossbar.
Chris Baguley replied with a shot off target from Jerome Wright’s lay-off before glancing a header just wide of the upright.
Wright brought a fine save from Terry Smith, who pushed the ball onto the post before Adam Carden’s low shot deflected off a defender’s heels for a corner.
It was Ashton who took the lead with a well-worked goal as Ben Smith won the ball before producing a perfect cross for Ben Deegan to head past Sam Ashton.
Soon after this, Carlos Roca was introduced as a substitute for The Rebels, a move that gave their attack greater impetus.
However, the Ashton defence and keeper coped well with everything that was thrown at them for the remainder of the half.
The visitors made a good start to the second half, playing some dangerous balls into the Ashton penalty area, but Terry Smith was in commanding form and claimed most of the high balls.
When the home side attacked, the two wide players, Matty O’Neill and Iain Howard, both caused problems, the latter firing a low shot that Ashton did well to hold.
Bennett almost increased the lead with a low shot that was deflected for a corner, while at the other end, Roca’s cross fell to Wright whose shot came back off the upright before being claimed by Terry Smith.
Ashton doubled their lead when Howard’s through ball to Callum Flanagan saw the striker initially denied by Ashton, only for the ball to squirm from his grasp and Flanagan to convert from close range.
Then, in the second minute of stoppage time, Tommy Turner turned in a Wilson shot from close range, to give the away side hope.
There was a long delay as Ashton defender Alex Frost received treatment for a head injury sustained in the lead up to the goal before being stretchered off unconscious.
When play resumed, the home side regrouped and played out the remaining time to secure a vital three points.
Attendance: 1,561
30/12/2008
Ashton United 2 FC United 1
ASHTON survived a late onslaught to secure three points at Hurst Cross.
Overnight frost put the match in some doubt, but by kick-off time, the pitch was fine and both sides passed the ball around well.
The home side began well as Ian Bennett started and finished a move that spanned the length of the field, but his final shot flew just over the crossbar.
Chris Baguley replied with a shot off target from Jerome Wright’s lay-off before glancing a header just wide of the upright.
Wright brought a fine save from Terry Smith, who pushed the ball onto the post before Adam Carden’s low shot deflected off a defender’s heels for a corner.
It was Ashton who took the lead with a well-worked goal as Ben Smith won the ball before producing a perfect cross for Ben Deegan to head past Sam Ashton.
Soon after this, Carlos Roca was introduced as a substitute for The Rebels, a move that gave their attack greater impetus.
However, the Ashton defence and keeper coped well with everything that was thrown at them for the remainder of the half.
The visitors made a good start to the second half, playing some dangerous balls into the Ashton penalty area, but Terry Smith was in commanding form and claimed most of the high balls.
When the home side attacked, the two wide players, Matty O’Neill and Iain Howard, both caused problems, the latter firing a low shot that Ashton did well to hold.
Bennett almost increased the lead with a low shot that was deflected for a corner, while at the other end, Roca’s cross fell to Wright whose shot came back off the upright before being claimed by Terry Smith.
Ashton doubled their lead when Howard’s through ball to Callum Flanagan saw the striker initially denied by Ashton, only for the ball to squirm from his grasp and Flanagan to convert from close range.
Then, in the second minute of stoppage time, Tommy Turner turned in a Wilson shot from close range, to give the away side hope.
There was a long delay as Ashton defender Alex Frost received treatment for a head injury sustained in the lead up to the goal before being stretchered off unconscious.
When play resumed, the home side regrouped and played out the remaining time to secure a vital three points.
Attendance: 1,561
FC look to get back on track
2:58pm Monday 29th December 2008
By Staff Sports Reporter
FC United have a great chance to get their play-off hopes back on track in 2009 when they take on two sides below them in the table in the space of three days.
The 11th-placed Rebels entertain Ossett Albion on New Year’s Day before travelling to struggling Worksop Town on Saturday in the UniBond Premier League.
And the Gigg Lane tenants will be keen to take maximum points after slipping up against Ashton United last weekend.
Karl Marginson’s side went down 2-1 at promotion rivals Ashton United in their only game over the Christmas period.
Ben Deegan headed the home side into the lead on 27 minutes after some sloppy defending from the Reds.
Chris Baguley went close for FC before Jerome Wright struck the post after the break.
But it was Ashton who stretched their lead through Callum Flanagan on 64 minutes.
Tommy Turner pulled one back in the dying seconds with his second goal in as many games, but it proved no more than a late consolation for the visitors.
By Staff Sports Reporter
FC United have a great chance to get their play-off hopes back on track in 2009 when they take on two sides below them in the table in the space of three days.
The 11th-placed Rebels entertain Ossett Albion on New Year’s Day before travelling to struggling Worksop Town on Saturday in the UniBond Premier League.
And the Gigg Lane tenants will be keen to take maximum points after slipping up against Ashton United last weekend.
Karl Marginson’s side went down 2-1 at promotion rivals Ashton United in their only game over the Christmas period.
Ben Deegan headed the home side into the lead on 27 minutes after some sloppy defending from the Reds.
Chris Baguley went close for FC before Jerome Wright struck the post after the break.
But it was Ashton who stretched their lead through Callum Flanagan on 64 minutes.
Tommy Turner pulled one back in the dying seconds with his second goal in as many games, but it proved no more than a late consolation for the visitors.
Monday, December 29, 2008
Ashton United 2 FC United 1
Unibond Premier League
8:53pm Sunday 28th December 2008
By Staff Sports Reporter
FC United’s hopes of shooting for a Unibond Premier Division play-off spot were dashed by a defeat in which the scoreline flattered them.
In fact it is Ashton who now find themselves in a play-off spot after a 27th minute strike from Ben Deegan and a 64th minute effort by Callum Flanagan gave them a comfortable 2-0 lead.
The Rebels’ 90th minute goal from Tommy Turner proved too little too late in a game in which they were distinctly second best.
8:53pm Sunday 28th December 2008
By Staff Sports Reporter
FC United’s hopes of shooting for a Unibond Premier Division play-off spot were dashed by a defeat in which the scoreline flattered them.
In fact it is Ashton who now find themselves in a play-off spot after a 27th minute strike from Ben Deegan and a 64th minute effort by Callum Flanagan gave them a comfortable 2-0 lead.
The Rebels’ 90th minute goal from Tommy Turner proved too little too late in a game in which they were distinctly second best.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Rebels snap up Radcliffe star
Source: The Bolton News
24th December 2008
FC United, who travel to Ashton United on Saturday, have signed Neil Chappell from Radcliffe Borough.
The 23-year-old left-sided player joined Boro midway through last season having scored 94 goals in 218 appearances for Maine Road.
“Neil has a very impressive goalscoring record from midfield and hopefully will be a very good addition to the squad,” said Rebels boss Karl Marginson.
Boro, meanwhile, go into their Boxing Day home clash with neighbours Rossendale United boosted by their Lancashire Cup win over Leigh Genesis.
Boro arrested a run of five Unibond Division One North defeats with a 3-2 home win on Monday night which lifted spirits at the Stainton Park club.
Ian Fitzpatrick gave Boro a flying start with goals in the sixth and 16th minute before Adam Roscoe gave them a three-goal cushion on 33 minutes.
It proved to be a vital contribution as Phil March and Chris Clements pulled goals back for Genesis in the 58th and 66th minutes respectively.
Boro director of football Gerry Luczka said: “We made hard work of the win, but the most important thing was we broke the sequence of defeats.”
Luczka was still hoping to strengthen his squad with possibly two additions in time for the United clash, and is in negoiations with Chorley captain Kieran Fletcher.
Once more Leigh Genesis have been hit by delays in moving into the new Leigh Sports Village Stadium, but hope to play there next month.
Fortunately Warrington Town have come to their rescue and will stage Leigh’s “home game” against Witton on Boxing Day.
But for manager Lee Merricks, just getting his team on the park is a relief after six weeks without a league game.
He said: “We lost to Radcliffe in the Lancashire Trophy but some of the lads had not played together before and it showed.
“But we have to take the positives out of the game and look ahead to Witton, which is a massive game for us.
“We will have three lads back who missed the Radcliffe game and as Witton are below us it is important we get points. We don’t want to be dragged into a relegation fight.”
24th December 2008
FC United, who travel to Ashton United on Saturday, have signed Neil Chappell from Radcliffe Borough.
The 23-year-old left-sided player joined Boro midway through last season having scored 94 goals in 218 appearances for Maine Road.
“Neil has a very impressive goalscoring record from midfield and hopefully will be a very good addition to the squad,” said Rebels boss Karl Marginson.
Boro, meanwhile, go into their Boxing Day home clash with neighbours Rossendale United boosted by their Lancashire Cup win over Leigh Genesis.
Boro arrested a run of five Unibond Division One North defeats with a 3-2 home win on Monday night which lifted spirits at the Stainton Park club.
Ian Fitzpatrick gave Boro a flying start with goals in the sixth and 16th minute before Adam Roscoe gave them a three-goal cushion on 33 minutes.
It proved to be a vital contribution as Phil March and Chris Clements pulled goals back for Genesis in the 58th and 66th minutes respectively.
Boro director of football Gerry Luczka said: “We made hard work of the win, but the most important thing was we broke the sequence of defeats.”
Luczka was still hoping to strengthen his squad with possibly two additions in time for the United clash, and is in negoiations with Chorley captain Kieran Fletcher.
Once more Leigh Genesis have been hit by delays in moving into the new Leigh Sports Village Stadium, but hope to play there next month.
Fortunately Warrington Town have come to their rescue and will stage Leigh’s “home game” against Witton on Boxing Day.
But for manager Lee Merricks, just getting his team on the park is a relief after six weeks without a league game.
He said: “We lost to Radcliffe in the Lancashire Trophy but some of the lads had not played together before and it showed.
“But we have to take the positives out of the game and look ahead to Witton, which is a massive game for us.
“We will have three lads back who missed the Radcliffe game and as Witton are below us it is important we get points. We don’t want to be dragged into a relegation fight.”
Monday, December 22, 2008
Football five take a step up
Source: Middleton Guardian
22/12/2008
FIVE local lads from last season’s highly successful Manchester Youth FC have signed non league forms with Unibond Northern Premier League team FC United of Manchester.
The five had been playing in the club’s youth team after following former Manchester Youth boss Peter Freakes who is now in charge of FC United’s youth system.
They will now get the chance to play first-team football in front of regular 2,000-plus crowds at Gigg Lane, Bury.
Goalkeeper Grant Shenton and left-winger Sam Freakes have already made their first-team debuts, in a cup tie at Woodley.
Striker Jamie Mack and midfielder John Buckley came off the bench to play in the same game.
Central midfielder Mark Reeves was on the bench.
FC United manager Karl Margison felt the lads had shown enough promise in the youth team to warrant a chance of playing higher up the ladder.
22/12/2008
FIVE local lads from last season’s highly successful Manchester Youth FC have signed non league forms with Unibond Northern Premier League team FC United of Manchester.
The five had been playing in the club’s youth team after following former Manchester Youth boss Peter Freakes who is now in charge of FC United’s youth system.
They will now get the chance to play first-team football in front of regular 2,000-plus crowds at Gigg Lane, Bury.
Goalkeeper Grant Shenton and left-winger Sam Freakes have already made their first-team debuts, in a cup tie at Woodley.
Striker Jamie Mack and midfielder John Buckley came off the bench to play in the same game.
Central midfielder Mark Reeves was on the bench.
FC United manager Karl Margison felt the lads had shown enough promise in the youth team to warrant a chance of playing higher up the ladder.
Peter’s perfect return shattered by United
Dec 22 2008 By Phil Kirkbride
FC United of Manchester 3-2 Marine
PETER Cumiskey was denied a dream return to first team action as a late FC United goal subjected Marine to their first defeat in six matches.
The experienced Marine striker started for the first time in six games and looked set to be the hero, delivering two equalising goals.
However with two minutes remaining and the game heading for a draw, FC United substitute Nick Robinson popped up to hit the winner to devastate the Crosby outfit.
Having seen Cumiskey sweep Marine level for the second time after 52 minutes, Alvin McDonald’s men took control of a match that at times threatened to boil over.
Yet a defensive lapse, not fitting of recent performances, allowed FC United to snatch an unlikely victory.
That Robinson’s goal came as such a blow tells a lot about the transformation that Marine undertook in the second half having clung on in the opening 45.
Marine had started brightly with John Lawless, a figure of hate for home supporters throughout the match, forcing Sam Ashton into an early save.
However FC United were quickly up to speed and buoyed on by a vocal backing, attacked Marine with menace.
The opening goal arrived after 19 minutes when Tommy Turner fed on the spoils in the Mariners’ area after Sean Lake had parried Phil Brazier’s miscued clearance.
Despite the intimidating atmosphere, Marine rallied and on 34 minutes Cumiskey spun his defender in the area before being felled.
The No 10 got up to send Ashton the wrong way from the penalty spot to make it 1-1 but his efforts were undone a minute later when Chris Baguley latched onto a cross from the right to slot in FC’s second.
But the second half was only seven minutes old when Tim Bigland crossed for Cumiskey’s eighth goal of the season and from then on, it was Marine who dictated play.
Spurred on by Joe Fowler and substitute Darren Brookfield in the middle, the Mariners almost grabbed the lead as Bigland swung in another teasing cross which deflected off an FC defender forcing Ashton into a fine save.
However United summoned one last surge and a deep cross from the left was missed by everyone in the Marine defence and fell kindly for Robinson to inflict the damage.
Marine’s misery was compounded after full-back Freddie Potter was taken to hospital with a suspected fractured ankle.
Mariner-of-the-Match: Darren Brookfield
FC United of Manchester 3-2 Marine
PETER Cumiskey was denied a dream return to first team action as a late FC United goal subjected Marine to their first defeat in six matches.
The experienced Marine striker started for the first time in six games and looked set to be the hero, delivering two equalising goals.
However with two minutes remaining and the game heading for a draw, FC United substitute Nick Robinson popped up to hit the winner to devastate the Crosby outfit.
Having seen Cumiskey sweep Marine level for the second time after 52 minutes, Alvin McDonald’s men took control of a match that at times threatened to boil over.
Yet a defensive lapse, not fitting of recent performances, allowed FC United to snatch an unlikely victory.
That Robinson’s goal came as such a blow tells a lot about the transformation that Marine undertook in the second half having clung on in the opening 45.
Marine had started brightly with John Lawless, a figure of hate for home supporters throughout the match, forcing Sam Ashton into an early save.
However FC United were quickly up to speed and buoyed on by a vocal backing, attacked Marine with menace.
The opening goal arrived after 19 minutes when Tommy Turner fed on the spoils in the Mariners’ area after Sean Lake had parried Phil Brazier’s miscued clearance.
Despite the intimidating atmosphere, Marine rallied and on 34 minutes Cumiskey spun his defender in the area before being felled.
The No 10 got up to send Ashton the wrong way from the penalty spot to make it 1-1 but his efforts were undone a minute later when Chris Baguley latched onto a cross from the right to slot in FC’s second.
But the second half was only seven minutes old when Tim Bigland crossed for Cumiskey’s eighth goal of the season and from then on, it was Marine who dictated play.
Spurred on by Joe Fowler and substitute Darren Brookfield in the middle, the Mariners almost grabbed the lead as Bigland swung in another teasing cross which deflected off an FC defender forcing Ashton into a fine save.
However United summoned one last surge and a deep cross from the left was missed by everyone in the Marine defence and fell kindly for Robinson to inflict the damage.
Marine’s misery was compounded after full-back Freddie Potter was taken to hospital with a suspected fractured ankle.
Mariner-of-the-Match: Darren Brookfield
Marine sunk by late strike
Dec 22 2008 by Philip Kirkbride,
Liverpool Daily Post
FC UNITED struck two minutes from time to break the heart of a resilient Marine side in this hostile UniBond Premier Division encounter.
Marine striker Peter Cumiskey had twice dragged his side level and following his second goal of the afternoon on 52 minutes, when he stroked home Tim Bigland's cross, the Crosby outfit were in control.
However, United substitute Nick Robinson popped up unmarked in the area on 88 minutes to fire past Sean Lake and make it 3-2 to the delight of many among the 2,122 attendance.
United had taken an early lead when Tommy Turner tapped in on 19 minutes, but Cumiskey won and then converted a penalty on 34 minutes.
Unfortunately, within a minute of the equaliser FC United had re-established their lead when Chris Baguley scored from close range.
Marine now drop to fourth in the league table and their afternoon was soured further when full-back Freddie Potter was taken to hospital with a serious ankle injury.
Liverpool Daily Post
FC UNITED struck two minutes from time to break the heart of a resilient Marine side in this hostile UniBond Premier Division encounter.
Marine striker Peter Cumiskey had twice dragged his side level and following his second goal of the afternoon on 52 minutes, when he stroked home Tim Bigland's cross, the Crosby outfit were in control.
However, United substitute Nick Robinson popped up unmarked in the area on 88 minutes to fire past Sean Lake and make it 3-2 to the delight of many among the 2,122 attendance.
United had taken an early lead when Tommy Turner tapped in on 19 minutes, but Cumiskey won and then converted a penalty on 34 minutes.
Unfortunately, within a minute of the equaliser FC United had re-established their lead when Chris Baguley scored from close range.
Marine now drop to fourth in the league table and their afternoon was soured further when full-back Freddie Potter was taken to hospital with a serious ankle injury.
Football five take a step up
22/12/2008
FIVE local lads from last season’s highly successful Manchester Youth FC have signed non league forms with Unibond Northern Premier League team FC United of Manchester.
The five had been playing in the club’s youth team after following former Manchester Youth boss Peter Freakes who is now in charge of FC United’s youth system.
They will now get the chance to play first-team football in front of regular 2,000-plus crowds at Gigg Lane, Bury.
Goalkeeper Grant Shenton and left-winger Sam Freakes have already made their first-team debuts, in a cup tie at Woodley.
Striker Jamie Mack and midfielder John Buckley came off the bench to play in the same game.
Central midfielder Mark Reeves was on the bench.
FC United manager Karl Margison felt the lads had shown enough promise in the youth team to warrant a chance of playing higher up the ladder.
FIVE local lads from last season’s highly successful Manchester Youth FC have signed non league forms with Unibond Northern Premier League team FC United of Manchester.
The five had been playing in the club’s youth team after following former Manchester Youth boss Peter Freakes who is now in charge of FC United’s youth system.
They will now get the chance to play first-team football in front of regular 2,000-plus crowds at Gigg Lane, Bury.
Goalkeeper Grant Shenton and left-winger Sam Freakes have already made their first-team debuts, in a cup tie at Woodley.
Striker Jamie Mack and midfielder John Buckley came off the bench to play in the same game.
Central midfielder Mark Reeves was on the bench.
FC United manager Karl Margison felt the lads had shown enough promise in the youth team to warrant a chance of playing higher up the ladder.
FC United 3 Marine 2
Unibond Premier Division
11:46am Monday 22nd December 2008
By Liam Chronnell
SUPER sub Nick Robinson gave FC United the perfect Christmas present with a last-gasp winner against in-form Marine.
The Rebels striker struck in the 88th minute to seal three valuable points at Gigg Lane.
Tommy Turner bagged his first goal for the club to put the Reds in front on 20 minutes, but Peter Cumiskey grabbed a 35th-minute equaliser from the penalty spot.
But fourth-placed Marine were level for less than 60 seconds as Chris Baguley restored their advantage.
The Merseysiders equalised for a second time through Cumiskey seven minutes after the restart.
And the game looked to be heading for a draw before Robinson came off the bench to score with just two minutes left.
FC, who are seven points off the play-off places in 11th, will hope to boost their promotion chances against Ashton United at Hurst Cross on Saturday, before facing Ossett Town at Gigg Lane on New Year’s Day.
11:46am Monday 22nd December 2008
By Liam Chronnell
SUPER sub Nick Robinson gave FC United the perfect Christmas present with a last-gasp winner against in-form Marine.
The Rebels striker struck in the 88th minute to seal three valuable points at Gigg Lane.
Tommy Turner bagged his first goal for the club to put the Reds in front on 20 minutes, but Peter Cumiskey grabbed a 35th-minute equaliser from the penalty spot.
But fourth-placed Marine were level for less than 60 seconds as Chris Baguley restored their advantage.
The Merseysiders equalised for a second time through Cumiskey seven minutes after the restart.
And the game looked to be heading for a draw before Robinson came off the bench to score with just two minutes left.
FC, who are seven points off the play-off places in 11th, will hope to boost their promotion chances against Ashton United at Hurst Cross on Saturday, before facing Ossett Town at Gigg Lane on New Year’s Day.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Last gasp win for rebels
6:17pm Sunday 21st December 2008
Unibond Premier Division FC United 3 Marine 2 Nicky Robinson delivered the perfect present as FC United celebrated Christmas in style with a last gasp win.
Tommy Turner bagged his first goal for the club after 20 minutes to get the Reds on their way and Chris Baguley struck again to regain the lead after Peter Cumiskey levelled with a penalty.
And the Merseysiders equalised for a second time through the big number 10 seven minutes after the restart but as the game looked like it might peter out for a draw, substitute Robinson scored a cracker to gift the Reds all three points.
Friday, December 19, 2008
Marine hunt for fourth straight win
Dec 19 2008
David Bassett
Liverpool Echo
MARINE seek a fourth consecutive league win tomorrow to keep their UniBond Premier Division title challenge on track.
But the Mariners face a tough test at FC United of Manchester’s Bury home in their first ever meeting with the club formed by disillusioned Manchester United fans three years ago.
Third-placed Marine, beaten only once in 11 league games since mid-September, are two points behind leaders Hednesford Town and trail second in the table Guiseley on goal difference.
David Bassett
Liverpool Echo
MARINE seek a fourth consecutive league win tomorrow to keep their UniBond Premier Division title challenge on track.
But the Mariners face a tough test at FC United of Manchester’s Bury home in their first ever meeting with the club formed by disillusioned Manchester United fans three years ago.
Third-placed Marine, beaten only once in 11 league games since mid-September, are two points behind leaders Hednesford Town and trail second in the table Guiseley on goal difference.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Rebels facing a tough test
2:56pm Wednesday 17th December 2008
By Marc Higginson
FC United manager Karl Marginson is anticipating a tough battle for his side against high-flying Marine on Saturday.
Marine are currently third in the UniBond Premier League and, like FC, have not played since the first weekend of December.
Both teams will be fresh for the fight and Marginson said: “We are disappointed that Saturday’s game against North Ferriby was cancelled, but we must now focus on getting the lads ready for the visit of Marine.
“Marine are a quality side and have been up near the top of the table all season so they will pose a stern test.”
By Marc Higginson
FC United manager Karl Marginson is anticipating a tough battle for his side against high-flying Marine on Saturday.
Marine are currently third in the UniBond Premier League and, like FC, have not played since the first weekend of December.
Both teams will be fresh for the fight and Marginson said: “We are disappointed that Saturday’s game against North Ferriby was cancelled, but we must now focus on getting the lads ready for the visit of Marine.
“Marine are a quality side and have been up near the top of the table all season so they will pose a stern test.”
Hard work will pay off for reds
18/12/2008
FC UNITED manager Karl Marginson has taken advantage of the recent run of postponed games to work on his players’ fitness.
The reds have not played since they lost 4-2 at Eastwood Town two weeks ago due to bad weather but Margy says that the squad will be fighting fit for the visit of Marine on Saturday, December 20, kick-off 3pm.
He said: "With having no games recently we have worked the players very hard in training. Usually we train on a Tuesday if we play on a Wednesday so we can’t work them too much but there’s been nothing to stop us putting them through their paces this week.
"There is a really good buzz about the place at the moment and the lads seemed to enjoy the hard work. They have all reacted well.
"They had their Christmas do last weekend and the team spirit is very high. Marine will provide a tough challenge, as they are third in the league, but we beat the top team in Hednesford the last time we played at Gigg Lane so we’re confident of taking something from Saturday."
Full backs Simon Garner and Danny Warrender are available for the Gigg Lane clash. Garner has shaken off the flu and Warrender has recovered from the injury that he suffered during a night out.
Margy revealed that long-term absentee Jamie Baguley has started running again following a knee injury and should be available for selection within two weeks. And Danny Williams, who broke his leg at Whitby in October, has had his cast removed and is expected to be back in training at the start of the New Year.
The admission price for the Marine game is £7.50 for adults while under-18s can get in for free.
FC UNITED manager Karl Marginson has taken advantage of the recent run of postponed games to work on his players’ fitness.
The reds have not played since they lost 4-2 at Eastwood Town two weeks ago due to bad weather but Margy says that the squad will be fighting fit for the visit of Marine on Saturday, December 20, kick-off 3pm.
He said: "With having no games recently we have worked the players very hard in training. Usually we train on a Tuesday if we play on a Wednesday so we can’t work them too much but there’s been nothing to stop us putting them through their paces this week.
"There is a really good buzz about the place at the moment and the lads seemed to enjoy the hard work. They have all reacted well.
"They had their Christmas do last weekend and the team spirit is very high. Marine will provide a tough challenge, as they are third in the league, but we beat the top team in Hednesford the last time we played at Gigg Lane so we’re confident of taking something from Saturday."
Full backs Simon Garner and Danny Warrender are available for the Gigg Lane clash. Garner has shaken off the flu and Warrender has recovered from the injury that he suffered during a night out.
Margy revealed that long-term absentee Jamie Baguley has started running again following a knee injury and should be available for selection within two weeks. And Danny Williams, who broke his leg at Whitby in October, has had his cast removed and is expected to be back in training at the start of the New Year.
The admission price for the Marine game is £7.50 for adults while under-18s can get in for free.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Warrender returns for FC
11/12/2008
FC UNITED ace Danny Warrender is ready to play again – less than two weeks after suffering a “mini-heart attack”.
The former Manchester City youth player was stabbed, along with his brother, outside a city centre nightclub following the Manchester derby.
He was kept in hospital overnight, and missed last weekend’s 4-2 defeat at Eastwood Town, along with fellow defender Simon Garner, who was ill.
Warrender’s stab wound was minor, but doctors told Warrender the shock of the incident had brought on a heart problem and he was advised to rest. He would probably have missed the midweek clash with Ashton United, which was postponed due to the Gigg Lane pitch being unfit.
But Warrender, who has been a key player since arriving at FC in August, is back in training and is expected to turn out at North Ferriby United tomorrow.
“Losing Danny and Simon was a blow at Eastwood,” says manager Karl Marginson (pictured).
“I’m not saying we would have beaten them if those two had played, but it meant we had to change the entire shape of the team.
“Having them back is massive for us, and the lads are raring to go.”
The Rebels will also welcome back fans’ favourite Jerome Wright, who missed the Eastwood clash after totting up five yellow cards, while midfielder Dave Neville is another player available again after suspension.
The Humberside outfit pose a major threat, with hulking former Scunthorpe centre forward Steve Torpey – not to be confuded with the former FC winger of the same name – forming a formidable partnership with Alex Davidson up front.
FC UNITED ace Danny Warrender is ready to play again – less than two weeks after suffering a “mini-heart attack”.
The former Manchester City youth player was stabbed, along with his brother, outside a city centre nightclub following the Manchester derby.
He was kept in hospital overnight, and missed last weekend’s 4-2 defeat at Eastwood Town, along with fellow defender Simon Garner, who was ill.
Warrender’s stab wound was minor, but doctors told Warrender the shock of the incident had brought on a heart problem and he was advised to rest. He would probably have missed the midweek clash with Ashton United, which was postponed due to the Gigg Lane pitch being unfit.
But Warrender, who has been a key player since arriving at FC in August, is back in training and is expected to turn out at North Ferriby United tomorrow.
“Losing Danny and Simon was a blow at Eastwood,” says manager Karl Marginson (pictured).
“I’m not saying we would have beaten them if those two had played, but it meant we had to change the entire shape of the team.
“Having them back is massive for us, and the lads are raring to go.”
The Rebels will also welcome back fans’ favourite Jerome Wright, who missed the Eastwood clash after totting up five yellow cards, while midfielder Dave Neville is another player available again after suspension.
The Humberside outfit pose a major threat, with hulking former Scunthorpe centre forward Steve Torpey – not to be confuded with the former FC winger of the same name – forming a formidable partnership with Alex Davidson up front.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
FC v Ashton postponed
10/12/2008
FC United's derby clash with Ashton United has been called off because of a frozen pitch at Gigg Lane.
Full-backs Danny Warrender and Simon Garner were hoping to make a return from injury and illness respectively but will now have to wait.
FC United's derby clash with Ashton United has been called off because of a frozen pitch at Gigg Lane.
Full-backs Danny Warrender and Simon Garner were hoping to make a return from injury and illness respectively but will now have to wait.
Rebels aim to bounce back
9:50am Wednesday 10th December 2008
By Staff Sports Reporter
FC United are in UniBond Premier League action on Wednesday night.
The mid-table Rebels, who suffered a 4-2 defeat against FA Cup giantkillers Eastwood Town on Saturday, take on sixth-placed Ashton United at Gigg Lane.
Leigh Genesis hope to play their first game since mid-November when they take on Atherton Colls at Radcliffe Borough’s Stainton Park in the first round of the Lancashire Trophy.
Last night’s Daisy Hill-Ramsbottom United tie, which has also been delayed by weather problems, was again postponed. It has been rescheduled for next Tuesday, December 16, at Ramsbottom.
By Staff Sports Reporter
FC United are in UniBond Premier League action on Wednesday night.
The mid-table Rebels, who suffered a 4-2 defeat against FA Cup giantkillers Eastwood Town on Saturday, take on sixth-placed Ashton United at Gigg Lane.
Leigh Genesis hope to play their first game since mid-November when they take on Atherton Colls at Radcliffe Borough’s Stainton Park in the first round of the Lancashire Trophy.
Last night’s Daisy Hill-Ramsbottom United tie, which has also been delayed by weather problems, was again postponed. It has been rescheduled for next Tuesday, December 16, at Ramsbottom.
Monday, December 08, 2008
Eastwood too strong for Rebels
9:35pm Sunday 7th December 2008
FC United could not handle FA Cup giantkillers Eastwood Town as they went down 4-2 in the UniBond Premier League at Coronation Park.
The Badgers, who shocked Wycombe out of the competition in the secound round of the famous trophy, were 2-0 up after 20 minutes through an Ian Holmes penalty and an Andrew Todd goal. Holmes added a third on 75 minutes before Todd struck again five minutes later.
Simon Carden’s superb volley and Kyle Wilson’s 23rd goal of the season proved no more than late consolation for Karl Marginson’s side.
FC United could not handle FA Cup giantkillers Eastwood Town as they went down 4-2 in the UniBond Premier League at Coronation Park.
The Badgers, who shocked Wycombe out of the competition in the secound round of the famous trophy, were 2-0 up after 20 minutes through an Ian Holmes penalty and an Andrew Todd goal. Holmes added a third on 75 minutes before Todd struck again five minutes later.
Simon Carden’s superb volley and Kyle Wilson’s 23rd goal of the season proved no more than late consolation for Karl Marginson’s side.
Sunday, December 07, 2008
Four-goal Eastwood Town blow United away
Published Date: 06 December 2008
UniBond League Premier Division
EASTWOOD TOWN 4
FC UNITED OF MANCHESTER 2
Eastwood Town continued their winning ways with a 4-2 home win over FC United on Saturday.
Eastwood blitzed their way to three more valuable league points with both Ian Holmes (13 minutes (penalty] and 74 minutes) and Andy Todd (20 minutes and 80 minutes)firing a brace apiece.
In front of 820, United's reply goals only came in the last five minutes through Simon Carden on 85 and Roca on 90 minutes.
Eastwood are next in action on Saturday, December 13 when they are home to Buxton in the league (3pm).
UniBond League Premier Division
EASTWOOD TOWN 4
FC UNITED OF MANCHESTER 2
Eastwood Town continued their winning ways with a 4-2 home win over FC United on Saturday.
Eastwood blitzed their way to three more valuable league points with both Ian Holmes (13 minutes (penalty] and 74 minutes) and Andy Todd (20 minutes and 80 minutes)firing a brace apiece.
In front of 820, United's reply goals only came in the last five minutes through Simon Carden on 85 and Roca on 90 minutes.
Eastwood are next in action on Saturday, December 13 when they are home to Buxton in the league (3pm).
Saturday, December 06, 2008
Pitmen fail to find victory through the Manchester fog
Thursday, December 04, 2008, 08:00
Chris Philpotts
Unibond Premier Division
FC United of Manchester 3
Hednesford Town 0
PITMEN boss Dean Edwards will be hoping the memory of this defeat will disappear as quickly as his Hednesford side did in the thick fog on Saturday.
Looking a completely different outfit to the one that comprehensively beat Hyde United in the FA Trophy only four days earlier, Hednesford never got going and could have no complaints with the 3-0 scoreline on the day.
In front of the largest crowd they had seen all season, Hednesford seemed almost overawed by the surroundings of Gigg Lane.
They started brightly, though, and were the first side to make either keeper work when Ross Dyer turned sharply in the area and sent a drive straight at Sam Ashton.
Hednesford came even closer to scoring moments later as a Chad Sheppard ball into the area was nearly sliced into the back of his own net by Rob Nugent.
That chance seemed to sum up the visitors' luck on the day as less than three minutes after Nugent's miskick had bounced harmlessly wide of the post, FC United of Manchester had taken the lead.
A passing move from the home side ended well as Jerome Wright took on and beat Sam Hall down the left before cutting the ball back for hot-shot Kyle Wilson to slot home.
Hednesford had the chance to cancel out the opening goal almost straight from the kick off as a long ball from back to front was flicked on by Tyrone Barnett to Dyer who slid it under the onrushing keeper.
A lack of pace on the effort gave the covering United defence the chance to clear, though.
Things were not panning out the way Edwards would have planned at this stage – and they were to get even worse before the break.
Already missing regular centre-back Tom Marshall through suspension Edwards then had to make do without his replacement Scott Stamps who was forced to leave the field through injury in the 33rd minute.
Stamps' withdrawal forced the Pitmen to change from their usual 5-3-2 formation to an unfamiliar 4-3-3 – a factor that contributed to what was to be a poor second half showing.
The half started, much like the first had – brightly for Hednesford.
The visitors showed more hunger than they had in the first period and United were for the first time pushed onto the back foot.
Hednesford then proved true the saying you have to score when on top as any chance of them taking anything from the game was taken away from them against the run of play with only 20 minutes remaining.
The usually infallible Decio Gomes was caught out by the impressive Tommy Turner who then in turn gave Wilson an easy tap-in for his second of the game.
The large United fan base duly celebrated what was obviously going to be the match winning goal – but they were to have more to cheer before the end.
With only five minutes remaining, Hednesford were understandably caught on the break in a move that ended with Wright smashing the ball past Brock from just outside the area.
Hednesford will be looking to improve on their showing when they entertain second-placed Guiseley this weekend.
Match Stats
HEDNESFORD TOWN: Brock, Hall, Burley, Gomes, Harvey, Stamps (Briggs 23), Sheppard (Platt 57), Robinson (Durrell 57), Barnett, Dyer, Draper. Sun not used; Maguire
Chris Philpotts
Unibond Premier Division
FC United of Manchester 3
Hednesford Town 0
PITMEN boss Dean Edwards will be hoping the memory of this defeat will disappear as quickly as his Hednesford side did in the thick fog on Saturday.
Looking a completely different outfit to the one that comprehensively beat Hyde United in the FA Trophy only four days earlier, Hednesford never got going and could have no complaints with the 3-0 scoreline on the day.
In front of the largest crowd they had seen all season, Hednesford seemed almost overawed by the surroundings of Gigg Lane.
They started brightly, though, and were the first side to make either keeper work when Ross Dyer turned sharply in the area and sent a drive straight at Sam Ashton.
Hednesford came even closer to scoring moments later as a Chad Sheppard ball into the area was nearly sliced into the back of his own net by Rob Nugent.
That chance seemed to sum up the visitors' luck on the day as less than three minutes after Nugent's miskick had bounced harmlessly wide of the post, FC United of Manchester had taken the lead.
A passing move from the home side ended well as Jerome Wright took on and beat Sam Hall down the left before cutting the ball back for hot-shot Kyle Wilson to slot home.
Hednesford had the chance to cancel out the opening goal almost straight from the kick off as a long ball from back to front was flicked on by Tyrone Barnett to Dyer who slid it under the onrushing keeper.
A lack of pace on the effort gave the covering United defence the chance to clear, though.
Things were not panning out the way Edwards would have planned at this stage – and they were to get even worse before the break.
Already missing regular centre-back Tom Marshall through suspension Edwards then had to make do without his replacement Scott Stamps who was forced to leave the field through injury in the 33rd minute.
Stamps' withdrawal forced the Pitmen to change from their usual 5-3-2 formation to an unfamiliar 4-3-3 – a factor that contributed to what was to be a poor second half showing.
The half started, much like the first had – brightly for Hednesford.
The visitors showed more hunger than they had in the first period and United were for the first time pushed onto the back foot.
Hednesford then proved true the saying you have to score when on top as any chance of them taking anything from the game was taken away from them against the run of play with only 20 minutes remaining.
The usually infallible Decio Gomes was caught out by the impressive Tommy Turner who then in turn gave Wilson an easy tap-in for his second of the game.
The large United fan base duly celebrated what was obviously going to be the match winning goal – but they were to have more to cheer before the end.
With only five minutes remaining, Hednesford were understandably caught on the break in a move that ended with Wright smashing the ball past Brock from just outside the area.
Hednesford will be looking to improve on their showing when they entertain second-placed Guiseley this weekend.
Match Stats
HEDNESFORD TOWN: Brock, Hall, Burley, Gomes, Harvey, Stamps (Briggs 23), Sheppard (Platt 57), Robinson (Durrell 57), Barnett, Dyer, Draper. Sun not used; Maguire
Friday, December 05, 2008
Marginson predicts tough test
11:30am Friday 5th December 2008
By Staff Sports Reporter
Karl Marginson admits FC United face a tough test as they pit their wits against this season’s FA Cup giantkillers.
The Rebels travel to big-spending Eastwood Town, who dumped unbeaten League Two leaders Wycombe Wanderers out of the competition on Saturday. But the Gigg Lane tenants make the trip to Nottingham full of confidence after defeating UniBond Premier League table-toppers Hednesford Town 3-0 seven days ago.
“They are a really well-organised, physical side and they’ve shown that by how well they’ve done in the FA Cup,” said Marginson, whose 11th-placed team suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Eastwood last month. “But we had a great result against Hednesford and we want to build on that now.”
By Staff Sports Reporter
Karl Marginson admits FC United face a tough test as they pit their wits against this season’s FA Cup giantkillers.
The Rebels travel to big-spending Eastwood Town, who dumped unbeaten League Two leaders Wycombe Wanderers out of the competition on Saturday. But the Gigg Lane tenants make the trip to Nottingham full of confidence after defeating UniBond Premier League table-toppers Hednesford Town 3-0 seven days ago.
“They are a really well-organised, physical side and they’ve shown that by how well they’ve done in the FA Cup,” said Marginson, whose 11th-placed team suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Eastwood last month. “But we had a great result against Hednesford and we want to build on that now.”
FC United 3 Hednesford Town 0
Unibond Premier League
3:06pm Wednesday 3rd December 2008
By Liam Chronnell
FC United fired out a title warning to their rivals after returning to winning ways with a convincing victory over leaders Hednesford Town.
The Rebels ended a run of the three UniBond Premier League games without a win in style at Gigg Lane on Saturday.
The prolific Kyle Wilson struck twice and Jerome Wright once as the Reds sealed the points.
Karl Marginson’s 11th-placed side trail Hednesford by 14 points but have two games in hand.
And the Reds boss has now urged the breakaway club to climb the table.
“I couldn’t have asked for any more from the lads and they’ve given themselves a massive confidence boost with that result,” he said.
“Our challenge now is to build on it.”
Wilson put the home side ahead on 13 minutes, but the near 2,000 crowd had to wait until the 70th minute for the league’s top scorer to add FC’s second – and his 22nd of the season – before Wright added a third five minutes from time.
Marginson also has high hopes for new boy Tommy Turner, who made his debut at the weekend.
FC signed the North West Counties League top-scorer, who struck 17 goals in 14 appearances, from Bacup Borough.
“Tommy is a hard worker and a good finisher,” said the manager.
“He played against us for Salford City a couple of seasons ago and scored in both games. We were pretty impressed with him then. He drifted away from the game a bit, but has made an impact at Bacup.”
But, while league form is on the up, United have tumbled out of two competitions in the last week.
Hopes of Wembley glory were shattered when they lost 3-1 in their FA Trophy third qualifying round tie against managerless Boston United last Wednesday at Gigg Lane. Papis Deytte’s late goal proved no more than a consolation.
And United crashed out of the League Challenge Cup 3-0 at Woodley Sports on Tuesday night. Injuries and illness forced Marginson to blood a number of youth team players, and the UniBond Division One North outfit proved too strong for inexperienced Reds as goals from Paul Collins (2) and Gavin Salmon eased the hosts into the fourth round.
The Gigg Lane tenants face a trip to Eastwood Town on Saturday followed by a home clash with Ashton United on Wednesday.
3:06pm Wednesday 3rd December 2008
By Liam Chronnell
FC United fired out a title warning to their rivals after returning to winning ways with a convincing victory over leaders Hednesford Town.
The Rebels ended a run of the three UniBond Premier League games without a win in style at Gigg Lane on Saturday.
The prolific Kyle Wilson struck twice and Jerome Wright once as the Reds sealed the points.
Karl Marginson’s 11th-placed side trail Hednesford by 14 points but have two games in hand.
And the Reds boss has now urged the breakaway club to climb the table.
“I couldn’t have asked for any more from the lads and they’ve given themselves a massive confidence boost with that result,” he said.
“Our challenge now is to build on it.”
Wilson put the home side ahead on 13 minutes, but the near 2,000 crowd had to wait until the 70th minute for the league’s top scorer to add FC’s second – and his 22nd of the season – before Wright added a third five minutes from time.
Marginson also has high hopes for new boy Tommy Turner, who made his debut at the weekend.
FC signed the North West Counties League top-scorer, who struck 17 goals in 14 appearances, from Bacup Borough.
“Tommy is a hard worker and a good finisher,” said the manager.
“He played against us for Salford City a couple of seasons ago and scored in both games. We were pretty impressed with him then. He drifted away from the game a bit, but has made an impact at Bacup.”
But, while league form is on the up, United have tumbled out of two competitions in the last week.
Hopes of Wembley glory were shattered when they lost 3-1 in their FA Trophy third qualifying round tie against managerless Boston United last Wednesday at Gigg Lane. Papis Deytte’s late goal proved no more than a consolation.
And United crashed out of the League Challenge Cup 3-0 at Woodley Sports on Tuesday night. Injuries and illness forced Marginson to blood a number of youth team players, and the UniBond Division One North outfit proved too strong for inexperienced Reds as goals from Paul Collins (2) and Gavin Salmon eased the hosts into the fourth round.
The Gigg Lane tenants face a trip to Eastwood Town on Saturday followed by a home clash with Ashton United on Wednesday.
Thursday, December 04, 2008
Kyle attracts Macc interest
Stuart Brennan 4/12/2008
KYLE Wilson is under the scrutiny of Macclesfield Town after becoming the top scorer in the top seven divisions of English football.
The FC United striker has netted 22 times in 24 appearances this season, the highest total of any player from Premier League down to UniBond premier division level.
Macc head a list of lower league and Conference sides taking a keen interest in the 22-year-old former England youth star, who left Crewe without making a first-team appearance and also had a spell on loan at Altrincham.
Wilson, the son of former Stalybridge manager Phil, is set to lead the Rebels’ line against FA Cup giant-killers and promotion favourites Eastwood Town in Nottinghamshire tomorrow, and scouts are again expected to check out his progress.
Wilson, keen to get back to a league club, has refused to sign a contract with FC, and manager Karl Marginson is simply hoping his club can hold on to him.
“I have heard nothing from any club about Kyle, but it wouldn’t surprise me if there are clubs taking a careful look at him, because he has been magnificent,” said Marginson, whose side bolstered their own outside promtoion chances by beating leaders Hednesford 3-0 last week – with Wilson bagging two.
“As far as a contract goes, we left that in Kyle’s hands, because we don’t want to hold the lad back. I would love him to sign a contract with us, but his ultimate ambition is to get back in the League.”
Liam Foster is a doubt for tomorrow after picking up an ankle injury in a second-string team’s midweek League Challenge Cup defeat by Woodley, but Danny Warrender is fit to play despite being slightly wounded in a stabbing incident in Manchester on Sunday night.
FC go into the game, against a side which has already seen off Conference side Wrexham and League Two leaders Wycombe on their own turf this season, cock-a-hoop after last week’s win.
Says Marginson: “The performance against Hednesford was magnificent – the result was great but it’s the manner in which we played that really pleased me.
“We lost to Eastwood at home a couple of weeks ago, but I have learned from that. I should have changed our system a bit earlier once I saw the way they had set up, and that will be in my mind this time.”
KYLE Wilson is under the scrutiny of Macclesfield Town after becoming the top scorer in the top seven divisions of English football.
The FC United striker has netted 22 times in 24 appearances this season, the highest total of any player from Premier League down to UniBond premier division level.
Macc head a list of lower league and Conference sides taking a keen interest in the 22-year-old former England youth star, who left Crewe without making a first-team appearance and also had a spell on loan at Altrincham.
Wilson, the son of former Stalybridge manager Phil, is set to lead the Rebels’ line against FA Cup giant-killers and promotion favourites Eastwood Town in Nottinghamshire tomorrow, and scouts are again expected to check out his progress.
Wilson, keen to get back to a league club, has refused to sign a contract with FC, and manager Karl Marginson is simply hoping his club can hold on to him.
“I have heard nothing from any club about Kyle, but it wouldn’t surprise me if there are clubs taking a careful look at him, because he has been magnificent,” said Marginson, whose side bolstered their own outside promtoion chances by beating leaders Hednesford 3-0 last week – with Wilson bagging two.
“As far as a contract goes, we left that in Kyle’s hands, because we don’t want to hold the lad back. I would love him to sign a contract with us, but his ultimate ambition is to get back in the League.”
Liam Foster is a doubt for tomorrow after picking up an ankle injury in a second-string team’s midweek League Challenge Cup defeat by Woodley, but Danny Warrender is fit to play despite being slightly wounded in a stabbing incident in Manchester on Sunday night.
FC go into the game, against a side which has already seen off Conference side Wrexham and League Two leaders Wycombe on their own turf this season, cock-a-hoop after last week’s win.
Says Marginson: “The performance against Hednesford was magnificent – the result was great but it’s the manner in which we played that really pleased me.
“We lost to Eastwood at home a couple of weeks ago, but I have learned from that. I should have changed our system a bit earlier once I saw the way they had set up, and that will be in my mind this time.”
The Challenge is over
4/12/2008
FC UNITED crashed out of the UniBond Challenge Cup on Tuesday night as their second string side were beaten 3-0 at Woodley Sports.
The reds handed debuts to many youth team players and even coach Darren Lyons had a run out as they lost to a brace of goals from Paul Collins and a strike by former Droylsden forward Gavin Salmon.
United will not be too disheartened by the result as their first team chalked up a fantastic scalp on Saturday, beating the UniBond Premier League’s top side Hednesford Town 3-0.
The goals were scored by Kyle Wilson (2) and Jerome Wright.
Eleventh-placed FC now face a tricky trip to fifth-placed Eastwood Town this Saturday, December 6, kick-off 3pm.
FC UNITED crashed out of the UniBond Challenge Cup on Tuesday night as their second string side were beaten 3-0 at Woodley Sports.
The reds handed debuts to many youth team players and even coach Darren Lyons had a run out as they lost to a brace of goals from Paul Collins and a strike by former Droylsden forward Gavin Salmon.
United will not be too disheartened by the result as their first team chalked up a fantastic scalp on Saturday, beating the UniBond Premier League’s top side Hednesford Town 3-0.
The goals were scored by Kyle Wilson (2) and Jerome Wright.
Eleventh-placed FC now face a tricky trip to fifth-placed Eastwood Town this Saturday, December 6, kick-off 3pm.
Monday, December 01, 2008
Bacup Borough lose top goalscorer to FC United
11:57am Monday 1st December 2008
BACUP Borough have lost Tommy Turner to FC United despite seven days of intense talks between the star striker and manager Brent Peters.
The Bacup boss had attempted to keep the striker at the club but had to admit defeat on Friday afternoon, as the lure of playing in front of large crowds for FC United of Manchester proved too great.
Turner, who leads the Lancashire Telegraph’s golden boot standings for the top non-league goalscorer in East Lancashire after finding the net 17 times this season, said: “This has probably been one of my hardest weeks in terms of the decision I have had to make.
“I can’t get away from the fact that I have always fancied the chance to play for FC United of Manchester.
“I just could not let this opportunity pass me by.
“Brent and myself have had several in-depth talks over the week and it really has been very difficult for me.
“I realise there is unfinished business at Bacup. I am sure that it will not be the last you will see of me in a Bacup Borough shirt.”
Peters said: “Almost every week there has been interest in Tommy from various other clubs.
“The most disappointing aspect for me is the fact that I firmly believe that there was a bigger and better move on the horizon for Tommy the way that he was going.
“I genuinely do hope that this move does not scupper his chances of a career-changing move because he is a top lad with bags of ability and obviously his goalscoring record does speak for itself.
“Bacup Borough will hold on to his North West Counties League registration. Should things not work out, then he will return.
“Situations like this can, but hopefully won’t, have an adverse effect on a season which we still have everything to play for.”
BACUP Borough have lost Tommy Turner to FC United despite seven days of intense talks between the star striker and manager Brent Peters.
The Bacup boss had attempted to keep the striker at the club but had to admit defeat on Friday afternoon, as the lure of playing in front of large crowds for FC United of Manchester proved too great.
Turner, who leads the Lancashire Telegraph’s golden boot standings for the top non-league goalscorer in East Lancashire after finding the net 17 times this season, said: “This has probably been one of my hardest weeks in terms of the decision I have had to make.
“I can’t get away from the fact that I have always fancied the chance to play for FC United of Manchester.
“I just could not let this opportunity pass me by.
“Brent and myself have had several in-depth talks over the week and it really has been very difficult for me.
“I realise there is unfinished business at Bacup. I am sure that it will not be the last you will see of me in a Bacup Borough shirt.”
Peters said: “Almost every week there has been interest in Tommy from various other clubs.
“The most disappointing aspect for me is the fact that I firmly believe that there was a bigger and better move on the horizon for Tommy the way that he was going.
“I genuinely do hope that this move does not scupper his chances of a career-changing move because he is a top lad with bags of ability and obviously his goalscoring record does speak for itself.
“Bacup Borough will hold on to his North West Counties League registration. Should things not work out, then he will return.
“Situations like this can, but hopefully won’t, have an adverse effect on a season which we still have everything to play for.”
Rebels race back to form
1/12/2008
FC UNITED boss Karl Marginson saluted his red-hot Rebels after they'd emphatically returned to form with a stunning 3-0 home victory over UniBond premier division leaders Hednesford.
Two goals from ace marksman Kyle Wilson, taking his season's tally to 22, followed by a late Jerome Wright strike earned FC a resounding triumph over a Hednesford side who'd arrived at Gigg Lane cock-a-hoop from thrashing Hyde United 5-0 in the FA Trophy.
It was just the tonic Marginson's men had been looking for after going three games without a win in the league.
And it's a victory the Rebels manager will now expect his players to add to when they visit Woodley Sports for a rearranged UniBond Challenge Cup third-round clash tomorrow (7.45pm).
Marginson said: "I couldn't have asked for any more from the lads and they've given themselves a massive confidence boost with that result.
"Our challenge now is to build on it."
Wilson gave FC a 14th minute lead when he seized on Wright's inch-perfect cross to fire home.
Prolific
But the prolific front man then had to wait until 20 minutes from time before adding his and United's second goal after being set up by his debut-making co-striker Tommy Turner, who made an impressive bow following his midweek switch from Bacup.
There was no way back for Hednesford after that and Wright duly capped FC's best win of the season with a fierce left-footed drive from the edge of the box.
FC UNITED boss Karl Marginson saluted his red-hot Rebels after they'd emphatically returned to form with a stunning 3-0 home victory over UniBond premier division leaders Hednesford.
Two goals from ace marksman Kyle Wilson, taking his season's tally to 22, followed by a late Jerome Wright strike earned FC a resounding triumph over a Hednesford side who'd arrived at Gigg Lane cock-a-hoop from thrashing Hyde United 5-0 in the FA Trophy.
It was just the tonic Marginson's men had been looking for after going three games without a win in the league.
And it's a victory the Rebels manager will now expect his players to add to when they visit Woodley Sports for a rearranged UniBond Challenge Cup third-round clash tomorrow (7.45pm).
Marginson said: "I couldn't have asked for any more from the lads and they've given themselves a massive confidence boost with that result.
"Our challenge now is to build on it."
Wilson gave FC a 14th minute lead when he seized on Wright's inch-perfect cross to fire home.
Prolific
But the prolific front man then had to wait until 20 minutes from time before adding his and United's second goal after being set up by his debut-making co-striker Tommy Turner, who made an impressive bow following his midweek switch from Bacup.
There was no way back for Hednesford after that and Wright duly capped FC's best win of the season with a fierce left-footed drive from the edge of the box.
FC bounce back in the league
9:15am Monday 1st December 2008
FC United returned to winning ways with a convincing 3-0 win over Premier League leaders Hednesford Town at Gigg Lane.
Kyle Wilson put the Rebels ahead on 13 minutes, but the near 2,000 crowd had to wait until the 70th minute for the front man to add his and FC’s second.
Jerome Wright put the game to bed with a strike five minutes from time.
FC United returned to winning ways with a convincing 3-0 win over Premier League leaders Hednesford Town at Gigg Lane.
Kyle Wilson put the Rebels ahead on 13 minutes, but the near 2,000 crowd had to wait until the 70th minute for the front man to add his and FC’s second.
Jerome Wright put the game to bed with a strike five minutes from time.
Hednesford Town stay top, despite defeat
Dec 1 2008 by Colin Stoner
HEDNESFORD TOWN suffered their fourth league defeat of the season but remain top of the UniBond Premier table.
Despite a promising early start at Gigg Lane, the Pitmen lost 3-0 at FC United of Manchester.
Kyle Wilson hit the first for United on 13 minutes and added the second on 70, before Jerome Wright added the third five minutes from time.
With Guiseley – the Pitmen’s opponents next Saturday – drawing with Kendal, Hednesford stay two points clear.
HEDNESFORD TOWN suffered their fourth league defeat of the season but remain top of the UniBond Premier table.
Despite a promising early start at Gigg Lane, the Pitmen lost 3-0 at FC United of Manchester.
Kyle Wilson hit the first for United on 13 minutes and added the second on 70, before Jerome Wright added the third five minutes from time.
With Guiseley – the Pitmen’s opponents next Saturday – drawing with Kendal, Hednesford stay two points clear.
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Bacup Borough boss blasts FC United over striker affair
1:41pm Friday 28th November 2008
BACUP Borough boss Brent Peters has blasted FC United after their attempted transfer of leading scorer Tommy Turner.
The Rebels put in a seven-day notice on Turner last Saturday and, after Peters gave the UniBond Premier Division side early permission to speak Turner, a story claiming they had signed Turner appeared in the press despite no deal being done.
Peters said: “I allowed Karl Marginson to speak to Tommy last week so we knew where we stood.
“Then I was bombarded with calls from our fans on Wednesday asking why we had let our best player go because there was a story in their paper.
"It was on the night when we had an important cup game so I was furious.
“The fact of the matter is that Tommy hasn’t signed for FC United yet, and he hasn't let me know his decision either way.”
BACUP Borough boss Brent Peters has blasted FC United after their attempted transfer of leading scorer Tommy Turner.
The Rebels put in a seven-day notice on Turner last Saturday and, after Peters gave the UniBond Premier Division side early permission to speak Turner, a story claiming they had signed Turner appeared in the press despite no deal being done.
Peters said: “I allowed Karl Marginson to speak to Tommy last week so we knew where we stood.
“Then I was bombarded with calls from our fans on Wednesday asking why we had let our best player go because there was a story in their paper.
"It was on the night when we had an important cup game so I was furious.
“The fact of the matter is that Tommy hasn’t signed for FC United yet, and he hasn't let me know his decision either way.”
Friday, November 28, 2008
Heds up for Reds
Stuart Brennan
27/11/2008
KARL Marginson has challenged his FC United players to prove their worth against league leaders Hednesford Town.
The Rebels have gone three games without a win in the UniBond premier and in midweek a poor defensive display saw them shunted out of the FA Trophy at home by Boston United.
But Marginson thinks a Gigg Lane clash with the table-topping Stafforshire outfit may be the perfect remedy to his side’s ills: “You have to see it as the perfect game to put things right. They are top and in midweek smashed Hyde United 5-0 in the Trophy.
“We have to start keeping clean sheets, or at least make sure that if someone does score against us, it is a goal like the one Guiseley scored in the last minute, an unstoppable one.”
Marginson said that one of his defenders, believed to be skipper Dave Chadwick, had “held up his hands” for two errors which handed Boston goals on Wednesday night.
Hednesford, like many teams at premier level, offer a big, strong physical threat, but Marginson is confident his side can cope: “Ilkeston were similar and we beat them 3-1,” he said. “We have to keep the ball when going forward, because on song we create chances for fun. Defensively we need to keep our concentration – we are not being done by fantastic skill or brilliant movement.
“For the first 35 minutes against Boston we were magnificent going forward, and their keeper pulled off two world-class saves, and we had three cleared off the line.
“But then we lost it and tried too hard to force things instead of keeping the ball and moving it.”
The old central defence pairing of Chadwick and Rob Nugent is set to play together for the first time this season, with youngster Adam Turner suffering a recurrence of a deadleg problem which has troubled him of late.
Nugent, the club’s longest-serving player, is fit again after months of knee problems.”
27/11/2008
KARL Marginson has challenged his FC United players to prove their worth against league leaders Hednesford Town.
The Rebels have gone three games without a win in the UniBond premier and in midweek a poor defensive display saw them shunted out of the FA Trophy at home by Boston United.
But Marginson thinks a Gigg Lane clash with the table-topping Stafforshire outfit may be the perfect remedy to his side’s ills: “You have to see it as the perfect game to put things right. They are top and in midweek smashed Hyde United 5-0 in the Trophy.
“We have to start keeping clean sheets, or at least make sure that if someone does score against us, it is a goal like the one Guiseley scored in the last minute, an unstoppable one.”
Marginson said that one of his defenders, believed to be skipper Dave Chadwick, had “held up his hands” for two errors which handed Boston goals on Wednesday night.
Hednesford, like many teams at premier level, offer a big, strong physical threat, but Marginson is confident his side can cope: “Ilkeston were similar and we beat them 3-1,” he said. “We have to keep the ball when going forward, because on song we create chances for fun. Defensively we need to keep our concentration – we are not being done by fantastic skill or brilliant movement.
“For the first 35 minutes against Boston we were magnificent going forward, and their keeper pulled off two world-class saves, and we had three cleared off the line.
“But then we lost it and tried too hard to force things instead of keeping the ball and moving it.”
The old central defence pairing of Chadwick and Rob Nugent is set to play together for the first time this season, with youngster Adam Turner suffering a recurrence of a deadleg problem which has troubled him of late.
Nugent, the club’s longest-serving player, is fit again after months of knee problems.”
Thursday, November 27, 2008
FC's Tommy eyes a debut
27/11/2008
FC UNITED new-boy Tommy Turner could be set for a debut as the reds take on Hednesford Town on Saturday, November 29.
Turner is the top scorer in the North West Counties League and joins from Bacup to bolster United’s forward line as they take on the UniBond Premier League’s current top side.
Manager Karl Marginson said: "Tommy is a hard worker and a good finisher.
"He played against us for Salford City a couple of seasons back and scored both times.
"We were pretty impressed with him, but he seemed to drift away from football for a while, though he has come back and made a real impact at Bacup this season."
FC go into the match on the back of a disappointing exit from the FA Trophy at the hands of Boston United last night (Wednesday).
The reds were beaten 3-1 after squandering several early chances and putting on another defensive horror show.
Boston went one up after the half hour, then doubled their lead on the stroke of half time.
The deficit was three on the hour and Papis Dieyte’s first goal for the club was a mere consolation.
Admission to Saturday’s game at Gigg Lane is £7.50 adults, £5 over-60s and £2 under-18s on the turnstiles.
FC UNITED new-boy Tommy Turner could be set for a debut as the reds take on Hednesford Town on Saturday, November 29.
Turner is the top scorer in the North West Counties League and joins from Bacup to bolster United’s forward line as they take on the UniBond Premier League’s current top side.
Manager Karl Marginson said: "Tommy is a hard worker and a good finisher.
"He played against us for Salford City a couple of seasons back and scored both times.
"We were pretty impressed with him, but he seemed to drift away from football for a while, though he has come back and made a real impact at Bacup this season."
FC go into the match on the back of a disappointing exit from the FA Trophy at the hands of Boston United last night (Wednesday).
The reds were beaten 3-1 after squandering several early chances and putting on another defensive horror show.
Boston went one up after the half hour, then doubled their lead on the stroke of half time.
The deficit was three on the hour and Papis Dieyte’s first goal for the club was a mere consolation.
Admission to Saturday’s game at Gigg Lane is £7.50 adults, £5 over-60s and £2 under-18s on the turnstiles.
FC United 1 Boston United 3
Stuart Brennan
26/11/2008
THERE was no stirring fightback for FC United this time as the Rebels crashed out of the FA Trophy.
Karl Marginson’s men, who have made a habit out of heroic failure, paid the price for missing early chances, making basic defensive errors and coming up against some inspired goalkeeping.
Opponents Boston won at Gigg Lane in the league in August but since then have slumped down into the relegations places before sacking their manager recently.
FC looked like piling on the misery as they began brightly but young goalkeeper Martyn Margarson produced superb instinctive saves to deny both Kyle Wilson and Carlos Roca.
But the visitors were out to impress caretaker boss Steve Welsh and on 33 minutes they went ahead. FC defender Simon Garner’s error let in Adam Millson and his far post cross was headed back across goal to present top scorer Ollie Ryan with a tap-in.
FC pressed hard for an equaliser but on the stroke of half-time, sloppy marking at a corner allowed big central defender Liam Parker to power home a header and make it 2-0.
The game seemed to be up after 62 minutes when Parker repeated the dose from another corner, leading to an inquest on the home bench.
When the home side eventually did get back in it, they did so thanks to a huge slice of luck.
Midfielder Papis Dieyte’s 35-yard drive was hopeful rather than menacing but it took a big deflection off a defender and looped over Margarson to give the Senegalese his first goal for the club.
Sub Nick Robinson, often a saviour of lost causes, almost did it again smashing a shot agonisingly across the face of goal as FC camped in the Boston half without any success.
Liam at the double for Pilgrims
27 November 2008
Thursday, 8.55am
BOSTON United have booked themselves a place in the first round of the FA Trophy after recording a 3-1 victory against FC United of Manchester last night.
Liam Parker netted a double and Ollie Ryan was also on target at Gigg Lane.
United now host Blue Square North team AFC Telford United on December 13 at York Street.
Last night's victory was Steve Welsh's first victory since becoming caretaker boss.
He had a depleted team to pick from and Liam Parker and Steve Melton were both drafted in as Jon Rowan and Ryan Clarke were unavailable.
Papis Dieyte netted a consolation goal for FCUM.
However, United were also met with the news that Danny Matson will be out for the remainder of the season after a scan revealed ligament damage to his knee.
Trophy joy for Pilgrims
07:00 - 27 November 2008
Boston United caretaker boss Steve Welsh heaped praise on his players after the Pilgrims stormed into the first round proper of the FA Trophy.
A brace from defender Liam Parker following Ollie Ryan's opener secured Boston a 3-1 win at FC United of Manchester last night.
The third qualifying round victory, their first since former manager Tommy Taylor's departure earlier this month, secured the Pilgrims a date with AFC Telford at York Street on December 13.
"I thought it was a deserved victory" said a delighted Welsh, who boldly switched to a 3-5-2 formation last night.
"We had to weather a storm in the first 20-25 minutes and Martin Margarson had to make a couple of fine saves.
"But as the players got used to the system, we became more comfortable.
"This has nothing to do with me, it's about the players. They were magnificent."
Welsh has made it clear he wants the job on a full-time basis, but insists he is focusing on Saturday's home game with Whitby in the UniBond League Premier Division.
"I'm just going to carry on until I'm told otherwise by the chairman" said Welsh.
"All that will take care of itself. The only thing I'm focusing on is Saturday's game.
We're looking forward to playing Telford in the next round. It will be a great day.
"But the league is our bread and butter and the Whitby game is the most important one. We need a win."
Boston United caretaker boss Steve Welsh heaped praise on his players after the Pilgrims stormed into the first round proper of the FA Trophy.
A brace from defender Liam Parker following Ollie Ryan's opener secured Boston a 3-1 win at FC United of Manchester last night.
The third qualifying round victory, their first since former manager Tommy Taylor's departure earlier this month, secured the Pilgrims a date with AFC Telford at York Street on December 13.
"I thought it was a deserved victory" said a delighted Welsh, who boldly switched to a 3-5-2 formation last night.
"We had to weather a storm in the first 20-25 minutes and Martin Margarson had to make a couple of fine saves.
"But as the players got used to the system, we became more comfortable.
"This has nothing to do with me, it's about the players. They were magnificent."
Welsh has made it clear he wants the job on a full-time basis, but insists he is focusing on Saturday's home game with Whitby in the UniBond League Premier Division.
"I'm just going to carry on until I'm told otherwise by the chairman" said Welsh.
"All that will take care of itself. The only thing I'm focusing on is Saturday's game.
We're looking forward to playing Telford in the next round. It will be a great day.
"But the league is our bread and butter and the Whitby game is the most important one. We need a win."
Knockout blow for Rebel Reds
6:50am Thursday 27th November 2008
By Staff Sports Reporter
FC United 1 Boston United 3
FC UNITED’S hopes of knockout glory were shattered when they lost their FA Trophy third qualifying round tie against Boston United at Gigg Lane.
Karl Marginson’s Reds were hoping to take the next step on the Wembley trail by overcoming their managerless UniBond Premier League rivals but the dream was shattered as the visitors romped to a 3-0 lead.
Papis Deytte pulled a goal back for the Rebels but it proved no more than a consolation.
By Staff Sports Reporter
FC United 1 Boston United 3
FC UNITED’S hopes of knockout glory were shattered when they lost their FA Trophy third qualifying round tie against Boston United at Gigg Lane.
Karl Marginson’s Reds were hoping to take the next step on the Wembley trail by overcoming their managerless UniBond Premier League rivals but the dream was shattered as the visitors romped to a 3-0 lead.
Papis Deytte pulled a goal back for the Rebels but it proved no more than a consolation.
Rebels facing a crucial test
3:52pm Wednesday 26th November 2008
By Liam Chronnell
FC United face their toughest test of the season when they take on UniBond Premier League leaders Hednesford Town.
The newly-promoted Rebels’ eight-game unbeaten run came to an end at high-flying Eastwood Town last Wednesday.
The breakaway club, who were sunk by Ian Holmes’ 44th-minute penalty, will hope to bounce back at Gigg Lane on Saturday.
By then, United will know whether they are through to the first round proper of the FA Trophy.
Karl Marginson’s side took on Boston in last night’s rearranged clash in a game which was called off on Sunday due to a waterlogged pitch. Fellow supporter-owned club AFC Telford United, from the Conference North, await the winners in a tie which is likely to be moved back to Sunday, December 14 due to Bury’s home game with Port Vale the day before.
By Liam Chronnell
FC United face their toughest test of the season when they take on UniBond Premier League leaders Hednesford Town.
The newly-promoted Rebels’ eight-game unbeaten run came to an end at high-flying Eastwood Town last Wednesday.
The breakaway club, who were sunk by Ian Holmes’ 44th-minute penalty, will hope to bounce back at Gigg Lane on Saturday.
By then, United will know whether they are through to the first round proper of the FA Trophy.
Karl Marginson’s side took on Boston in last night’s rearranged clash in a game which was called off on Sunday due to a waterlogged pitch. Fellow supporter-owned club AFC Telford United, from the Conference North, await the winners in a tie which is likely to be moved back to Sunday, December 14 due to Bury’s home game with Port Vale the day before.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
FC United v Boston United
6:10am Wednesday 26th November 2008
By Liam Chronnell
FC United boss Karl Marginson is hoping for a day out by the seaside if his side can keep their Wembley dream alive and overcome Boston United in the FA Trophy.
The Rebels take on their managerless UniBond Premier League rivals in tonight’s rearranged third-round qualifying tie at Gigg Lane, which was postponed on Sunday due to a waterlogged pitch.
A place in the first round proper awaits the winners as the competition goes national and is opened up to non-league clubs from across the country.
And the FC manager believes an away day at Torquay would be a great reward for the fans.
“If we get through to the first round proper the fans will be desperate to get a plum tie and I’d love us to draw a southern team to give everyone a day out,” said Marginson.
“But first things first, we’ve got to overcome a tough Boston side who have already beaten us this season.”
FC move in on striker
Stuart Brennan
26/11/2008
FC UNITED are expected to sign the top goalscorer in the North West Counties League.
But Bacup Borough striker Tommy Turner, who has netted 17 times in 14 appearances for the mid-table team, won't be signed for tonight's re-arranged FA Trophy clash with Boston United at Gigg Lane (7.45) but could make his debut against Hednesford on Saturday if things are completed in time.
Manager Karl Marginson said: "Tommy is a hard worker and a good finisher.
"He played against us for Salford City a couple of seasons ago, and scored in both games. We were pretty impressed with him then. He drifted away from the game a bit, but has made an impact at Bacup this season."
Tonight's game was scheduled for Sunday but called off due to a waterlogged pitch, and the winners will be pitched in to a first round proper tie against Conference North promotion chasers AFC Telford United. Telford also have the second biggest support below Blue Square Premier level, apart from the Rebels and AFC Wimbledon, attracting nearly 2,000 on average this season.
Says Marginson, who will have skipper Dave Chadwick back after flu: "We wanted an away tie if we get through, but if it had to be a home game Telford is a good draw."
26/11/2008
FC UNITED are expected to sign the top goalscorer in the North West Counties League.
But Bacup Borough striker Tommy Turner, who has netted 17 times in 14 appearances for the mid-table team, won't be signed for tonight's re-arranged FA Trophy clash with Boston United at Gigg Lane (7.45) but could make his debut against Hednesford on Saturday if things are completed in time.
Manager Karl Marginson said: "Tommy is a hard worker and a good finisher.
"He played against us for Salford City a couple of seasons ago, and scored in both games. We were pretty impressed with him then. He drifted away from the game a bit, but has made an impact at Bacup this season."
Tonight's game was scheduled for Sunday but called off due to a waterlogged pitch, and the winners will be pitched in to a first round proper tie against Conference North promotion chasers AFC Telford United. Telford also have the second biggest support below Blue Square Premier level, apart from the Rebels and AFC Wimbledon, attracting nearly 2,000 on average this season.
Says Marginson, who will have skipper Dave Chadwick back after flu: "We wanted an away tie if we get through, but if it had to be a home game Telford is a good draw."
Monday, November 24, 2008
Telford await Rebels
Stuart Brennan
24/11/2008
FC UNITED will face fellow supporter-owned club AFC Telford in the first round of the FA Trophy – if they can win through Wednesday's re-arranged qualifier against Boston.
The two clubs, both run by supporters trusts, were paired with each other in Monday's first round proper draw, subject to the Rebels beating Boston in a game which was called off on Sunday due to a waterlogged Gigg Lane pitch.
In other ties, Altrincham have a home draw against the winner of Tuesday's replay between Vauxhall Motors and Southport, Northwich have an all-Conference Premier tie against York City, Hyde will play Nantwich if they overcome Hednesford in a Tuesday replay and Stalybridge's prize if they can beat Whitby in a Wednesday replay will be a trip to Stourbridge.
Ties will take place on December 13, but the possible FC United fixture would take place the following day to avoid a clash with Bury's league programme
24/11/2008
FC UNITED will face fellow supporter-owned club AFC Telford in the first round of the FA Trophy – if they can win through Wednesday's re-arranged qualifier against Boston.
The two clubs, both run by supporters trusts, were paired with each other in Monday's first round proper draw, subject to the Rebels beating Boston in a game which was called off on Sunday due to a waterlogged Gigg Lane pitch.
In other ties, Altrincham have a home draw against the winner of Tuesday's replay between Vauxhall Motors and Southport, Northwich have an all-Conference Premier tie against York City, Hyde will play Nantwich if they overcome Hednesford in a Tuesday replay and Stalybridge's prize if they can beat Whitby in a Wednesday replay will be a trip to Stourbridge.
Ties will take place on December 13, but the possible FC United fixture would take place the following day to avoid a clash with Bury's league programme
Fitness race for Chadwick
Stuart Brennan
22/11/2008
FC UNITED skipper Dave Chadwick is struggling to shake off a flu bug ahead of Sunday's FA Trophy clash with Boston United at Gigg Lane (3pm).
The Rebels stalwart was sent home from work on Friday after feeling the effects of the illness in Wednesday's home defeat by Eastwood Town.
Chris Baguley faces a late test on a tight hamstring, and Adam Turner is trying to shake off a dead leg, as FC seek to progress into the first round proper, when the non-league big guns join the draw.
"We want an FA Trophy run for our fans," says manager Karl Marginson. "But Boston will be a difficult game. They have beaten us at home in the league, although since then they have been on a bad run.
"It's surprising what playing at Gigg Lane in front of a couple of thousand fans can do for a visiting team.
"They sacked their manager last week, so hopefully they will be in a bit of turmoil."
22/11/2008
FC UNITED skipper Dave Chadwick is struggling to shake off a flu bug ahead of Sunday's FA Trophy clash with Boston United at Gigg Lane (3pm).
The Rebels stalwart was sent home from work on Friday after feeling the effects of the illness in Wednesday's home defeat by Eastwood Town.
Chris Baguley faces a late test on a tight hamstring, and Adam Turner is trying to shake off a dead leg, as FC seek to progress into the first round proper, when the non-league big guns join the draw.
"We want an FA Trophy run for our fans," says manager Karl Marginson. "But Boston will be a difficult game. They have beaten us at home in the league, although since then they have been on a bad run.
"It's surprising what playing at Gigg Lane in front of a couple of thousand fans can do for a visiting team.
"They sacked their manager last week, so hopefully they will be in a bit of turmoil."
Friday, November 21, 2008
Eastwood boss pleased with four-point haul
20 November 2008
By Mark Duffy
A COMBINATION of fatigued players, big crowds and a local derby challenged Eastwood Town's squad over the last week but four points from two games left boss Paul Cox highly satisfied.
Late goals against Ilkeston Town on Saturday rescued a point from a largely disappointing performance, before a fine win at FC United of Manchester on Wednesday saw the Badgers leap to sixth place in the league table.
Cox was pleased with the points haul, particularly given the circumstances his players currently face.
He said: "When you look at these two games four points is a good tally. If we'd beaten Ilkeston and drawn on Wednesday I'd have been equally pleased, because these were both tough encounters.
"The players have had to cope with so many big games in the last few weeks and they were dead on their feet for the last 20 minutes at FC United, but they're getting the results."
Cox felt Saturday's performance against Ilkeston wasn't the best, but that was partly down to who they were playing.
"Ilkeston are a very difficult side to play against as every time they lose the ball they've suddenly got ten players behind it again," said Cox.
"We've been trying to play football recently but in the end we had to resort to bringing a big man on up front and playing over them, as we'd struggled to play through them!"
"I felt their first goal came after a foul on our keeper, and altogether I don't think they created too many chances."
The win at FC United came thanks to Ian Holmes' penalty, though Eastwood had created several good chances beforehand to have scored in open play.
Cox added: "We played some fabulous stuff in the first-half against a very good footballing side, and I don't think anybody could have complained if we'd scored four or five.
"Despite being so tired towards the end we still restricted their efforts on goal and it says so much about this team that we were able to grind out the win."
Eastwood spot on at United
Thursday, November 20, 2008, 07:22
A DOMINANT first half performance was enough to earn Eastwood Town a 1-0 win at FC United of Manchester last night.
Victory for the Badgers moved them up to sixth in the UniBond Premier Division table and ended United's 11-game unbeaten run.
Eastwood dominated the first half with at least seven or eight clear-cut chances. Ian Holmes, Lindon Meikle and Andy Todd could have put the game to bed but it took a controversial penalty in the 43rd minute for Eastwood to open their account.
Todd was one-on-one with the keeper but a push from behind gave Holmes the opportunity to slot home the penalty.
Manager Paul Cox said: "I thought we deserved to win purely off the back of our first-half performance. We totally dominated and should have scored more."
A DOMINANT first half performance was enough to earn Eastwood Town a 1-0 win at FC United of Manchester last night.
Victory for the Badgers moved them up to sixth in the UniBond Premier Division table and ended United's 11-game unbeaten run.
Eastwood dominated the first half with at least seven or eight clear-cut chances. Ian Holmes, Lindon Meikle and Andy Todd could have put the game to bed but it took a controversial penalty in the 43rd minute for Eastwood to open their account.
Todd was one-on-one with the keeper but a push from behind gave Holmes the opportunity to slot home the penalty.
Manager Paul Cox said: "I thought we deserved to win purely off the back of our first-half performance. We totally dominated and should have scored more."
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Holmes is spot-on to secure victory
Holmes is spot-on to secure victory
Published Date: 21 November 2008
By Paddy Farrell
UniBond Premier League
FC United of Manchester 0Eastwood Town 1
IAN Holmes' penalty on the stroke of half-time secured the points for Eastwood Town in Lancashire on Tuesday night.
An unchanged Eastwood line-up started promisingly on a Gigg Lane pitch which bore no resemblance to the 'cabbage patch' I recall from my only previous visit many years ago.
On a beautifully tended surface, the visiting attack created early chances and Holmes twice failed to capitalise on direct confrontations with Sam Ashton.
The Eastwood striker first lost control as Ashton challenged and then saw the ball smothered when he attempted to round the keeper.
Chris Baguley led United's riposte but Shane Redmond got squarely behind the flanker's viciously skidding shot and blocked the ball untidily but effectively out for a corner.
Lindon Meikle missed out when released by Ross Gardner and Ashton breathed again when Andy Todd ended a good solo run with a shot across and just behind his exposed goal.
Meikle simply ran away from two opponents and claimed a spectacular diving save from Ashton.
As the half threatened to end with a dominant Eastwood side frustrated, Northwich-based referee Mr Smallwood enraged the sizeable home crowd by spotting a trip and awarding Eastwood a penalty.
Significantly there was little on-field protest and Holmes confidently converted for an interval 0-1 lead.
In a fast, furious second period, Eastwood's defence was regularly extended and Redmond had, once or twice, to show his undoubted class to resist efforts from Kyle Wilson and Jerome Wright.
Around Ashton, an Eastwood attack, with Tris Whitman on for Holmes, buzzed menacingly and the newcomer's forays down the left created nervous moments for the home fans.
Vociferous appeals for a spot-kick as Mark Hume and Wilson clashed, were waved aside and Eastwood, sometimes nervously, held on, through seemingly endless added time, for a very important away win.
The value of Eastwood's strong midfield has rarely mattered more and all four from that division performed well.
Richard Dunning has absolutely no right to win his huge share of balls in the air against taller opponents but he does so and was my 'Best Badger'.
Published Date: 21 November 2008
By Paddy Farrell
UniBond Premier League
FC United of Manchester 0Eastwood Town 1
IAN Holmes' penalty on the stroke of half-time secured the points for Eastwood Town in Lancashire on Tuesday night.
An unchanged Eastwood line-up started promisingly on a Gigg Lane pitch which bore no resemblance to the 'cabbage patch' I recall from my only previous visit many years ago.
On a beautifully tended surface, the visiting attack created early chances and Holmes twice failed to capitalise on direct confrontations with Sam Ashton.
The Eastwood striker first lost control as Ashton challenged and then saw the ball smothered when he attempted to round the keeper.
Chris Baguley led United's riposte but Shane Redmond got squarely behind the flanker's viciously skidding shot and blocked the ball untidily but effectively out for a corner.
Lindon Meikle missed out when released by Ross Gardner and Ashton breathed again when Andy Todd ended a good solo run with a shot across and just behind his exposed goal.
Meikle simply ran away from two opponents and claimed a spectacular diving save from Ashton.
As the half threatened to end with a dominant Eastwood side frustrated, Northwich-based referee Mr Smallwood enraged the sizeable home crowd by spotting a trip and awarding Eastwood a penalty.
Significantly there was little on-field protest and Holmes confidently converted for an interval 0-1 lead.
In a fast, furious second period, Eastwood's defence was regularly extended and Redmond had, once or twice, to show his undoubted class to resist efforts from Kyle Wilson and Jerome Wright.
Around Ashton, an Eastwood attack, with Tris Whitman on for Holmes, buzzed menacingly and the newcomer's forays down the left created nervous moments for the home fans.
Vociferous appeals for a spot-kick as Mark Hume and Wilson clashed, were waved aside and Eastwood, sometimes nervously, held on, through seemingly endless added time, for a very important away win.
The value of Eastwood's strong midfield has rarely mattered more and all four from that division performed well.
Richard Dunning has absolutely no right to win his huge share of balls in the air against taller opponents but he does so and was my 'Best Badger'.
FC United 0 Eastwood Town 1
20/11/2008
FC United suffered their first defeat in eight games, going down to the UniBond League's form team Eastwood.
The Badgers arrived at Gigg Lane after just one defeat in 14, including the scalp of Conference big guns Wrexham in the FA Cup.
And their tight, well-organised defence proved too tough a nut for the lack-lustre Rebels to penetrate, on a cold blustery night.
The game turned on a 44th minute incident when on-loan Rotherham winger Andy Todd, through one-on-one with goalkeeper Sam Ashton, went down under a challenge from behind by Adam Carden.
Striker Ian Holmes tucked away the spot kick, and FC - unchanged from the team which came close to beating second-placed Guiseley on Sunday - had no response.
Going national
Tony Howard
20/11/2008
FC UNITED manager Karl Marginson has set his sights on a seaside trip to Torquay as his team seek progression in the FA Trophy this weekend.
The reds take on Boston United in the final qualifying round at Gigg Lane on Sunday, November 23, before the competition goes national as it is opened up to non-league clubs from across the country.
Manager Karl Marginson says his squad are relishing the opportunity to lock horns against Conference sides in the first round proper and he wouldn’t mind a nice break in the town made famous by Basil Fawlty.
But first FC must beat a side who already inflicted defeat on them earlier this season.
Boston enjoyed a 1-0 win against United at Gigg Lane in September, so the reds will have to be on their mettle to keep their Wembley dream alive.
Margy said: "The players will be loving the chance to pit their wits against opponents higher up the football ladder and will be keen to show they can cut it at that level.
"If we get through to the first round proper the fans will be desperate to get a plum tie and I’d love us to draw a southern team to give everyone a day out.
"Somewhere like Torquay would be nice. I’ve always fancied it and we might bump into Basil while we’re there. Failing that somewhere like Cornwall would be good for the fans to have a weekend away.
"There’s also former league sides like Oxford United, who would bring back a few memories for United fans - I seem to remember them beating us in the eighties when I was going to Old Trafford.
"But first things first, we’ve got to overcome a tough Boston side who have already beaten us this season.
"They’ve slipped down the league since and I’ve been told that win was their best performance of the season by a mile.
"We’ve improved a lot since then though so we fancy our chances.
"They’ve parted company with their manager this week, so the players may be fighting for their futures, so we’ll have to be on our best to overcome them. If we do we’ve got a good chance of going all the way.
"Wembley is a realistic dream for us - Burscough won the Trophy from our league in 2003 and Droylsden, who we’ve beaten before, have shown in the FA Cup this year that anything is possible.
"A decent cup run is something the fans really want and we have failed in that respect in the FA competitions so far."
Kick off is at 3pm and admission will be payment at the gate, £7.50 for adults, £5 for over-60s and £2 under-18s.
20/11/2008
FC UNITED manager Karl Marginson has set his sights on a seaside trip to Torquay as his team seek progression in the FA Trophy this weekend.
The reds take on Boston United in the final qualifying round at Gigg Lane on Sunday, November 23, before the competition goes national as it is opened up to non-league clubs from across the country.
Manager Karl Marginson says his squad are relishing the opportunity to lock horns against Conference sides in the first round proper and he wouldn’t mind a nice break in the town made famous by Basil Fawlty.
But first FC must beat a side who already inflicted defeat on them earlier this season.
Boston enjoyed a 1-0 win against United at Gigg Lane in September, so the reds will have to be on their mettle to keep their Wembley dream alive.
Margy said: "The players will be loving the chance to pit their wits against opponents higher up the football ladder and will be keen to show they can cut it at that level.
"If we get through to the first round proper the fans will be desperate to get a plum tie and I’d love us to draw a southern team to give everyone a day out.
"Somewhere like Torquay would be nice. I’ve always fancied it and we might bump into Basil while we’re there. Failing that somewhere like Cornwall would be good for the fans to have a weekend away.
"There’s also former league sides like Oxford United, who would bring back a few memories for United fans - I seem to remember them beating us in the eighties when I was going to Old Trafford.
"But first things first, we’ve got to overcome a tough Boston side who have already beaten us this season.
"They’ve slipped down the league since and I’ve been told that win was their best performance of the season by a mile.
"We’ve improved a lot since then though so we fancy our chances.
"They’ve parted company with their manager this week, so the players may be fighting for their futures, so we’ll have to be on our best to overcome them. If we do we’ve got a good chance of going all the way.
"Wembley is a realistic dream for us - Burscough won the Trophy from our league in 2003 and Droylsden, who we’ve beaten before, have shown in the FA Cup this year that anything is possible.
"A decent cup run is something the fans really want and we have failed in that respect in the FA competitions so far."
Kick off is at 3pm and admission will be payment at the gate, £7.50 for adults, £5 for over-60s and £2 under-18s.
Tired United shot down
20/11/2008
A CONTROVERSIAL penalty saw FC United shot down by the league’s form side.
Eastwood Town rode in to town on the back of an impressive run, which has seen them lose just two all season, and their winner came courtesy of the 12-pace shoot out and the boot of James Holmes.
United felt they should have had a penalty themselves when Simon Carden was felled in the box during the second half, but the appeals were waved away by the man in black.
FC fans and management alike were up in arms at what was undoubtedly a poor performance from the officials, but in truth the reds never really looked like getting anything from the game.
Eastwood were organised and difficult, and the reds looked tired as they failed to break the visitors down.
The penalty came on the stroke of half time and appeared to have been awarded for a foul by Sam Ashton, but it was anyone’s guess. The kick was confidently dispatched by Holmes and FC were left desperately trying to find a breakthrough during the second period.
The closest they came were speculative efforts from captain Dave Chadwick and top scorer Kyle Wilson.
FC had been seconds from beating one of the league’s top sides on Sunday when Guiseley equalised with virtually the last kick on a pulsating afternoon in Yorkshire.
Chris Baguley cancelled out Guiseley’s opener with a neat finish from close range and when Kyle Wilson expertly gave the reds the lead with minutes to go.
But a 25-yard screamer from Anthony Lloyd salvaged a point for the home side in stoppage time. FC’s Papis Dieyte was impressive in United’s midfield.
A CONTROVERSIAL penalty saw FC United shot down by the league’s form side.
Eastwood Town rode in to town on the back of an impressive run, which has seen them lose just two all season, and their winner came courtesy of the 12-pace shoot out and the boot of James Holmes.
United felt they should have had a penalty themselves when Simon Carden was felled in the box during the second half, but the appeals were waved away by the man in black.
FC fans and management alike were up in arms at what was undoubtedly a poor performance from the officials, but in truth the reds never really looked like getting anything from the game.
Eastwood were organised and difficult, and the reds looked tired as they failed to break the visitors down.
The penalty came on the stroke of half time and appeared to have been awarded for a foul by Sam Ashton, but it was anyone’s guess. The kick was confidently dispatched by Holmes and FC were left desperately trying to find a breakthrough during the second period.
The closest they came were speculative efforts from captain Dave Chadwick and top scorer Kyle Wilson.
FC had been seconds from beating one of the league’s top sides on Sunday when Guiseley equalised with virtually the last kick on a pulsating afternoon in Yorkshire.
Chris Baguley cancelled out Guiseley’s opener with a neat finish from close range and when Kyle Wilson expertly gave the reds the lead with minutes to go.
But a 25-yard screamer from Anthony Lloyd salvaged a point for the home side in stoppage time. FC’s Papis Dieyte was impressive in United’s midfield.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Rebels cling on to Kyle
18/11/2008
FC UNITED boss Karl Marginson is praying he can keep hold of his 20-goal top scorer Kyle Wilson as the Rebels prepare for tonight’s Gigg Lane showdown with big spenders Eastwood Town (7.45).
The striker scored again in Sunday’s 2-2 draw at Guiseley, and it seems only a matter of time before the 23-year-old former Crewe man is snapped up by a team higher up the divisions.
“I hope it doesn’t happen from a selfish point of view, but if we can help Kyle get back in the league, we would be more than happy,” says Marginson.
“When Rory Patterson was leaving in the summer we thought it would leave a hole too big to fill, but Kyle (pictured) has done it. He is playing with a smile on his face as well, and enjoying playing in front of a big crowd.”
Marginson, whose side has lost just once in 11, is tonight set to keep the same team as that which was denied victory at second-placed Guiseley by a last-minute screamer.
“The football we played at times was magnificent,” he said. “The only slight doubt is Papis Dieyte, who was a bit tired. Once he is fully fit he will be a hell of a player for us. He is strong and intelligent, works hard, tackles well, can pass a ball and has a hell of a dig.”
Eastwood are the form team of the UniBond premier division, with just one defeat in 14, and have seen off Blue Square Premier outfit Wrexham in the FA Cup to set up a second round tie with Wycombe.
Rebels look to inflict rare defeat on rivals
9:00am Wednesday 19th November 2008
By Staff Sports Reporter
FC United look to get back to winning ways after two UniBond League Premier Division draws when they meet Eastwood Town at Gigg Lane tonight, kick-off 7.45pm. Eastwood have lost just two of their 14 league games this season.
By Staff Sports Reporter
FC United look to get back to winning ways after two UniBond League Premier Division draws when they meet Eastwood Town at Gigg Lane tonight, kick-off 7.45pm. Eastwood have lost just two of their 14 league games this season.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Reds denied by a late leveller
11:20am Monday 17th November 2008
By Staff Sports Reporter
FC United were denied a premier division victory at Guiseley yesterday afternoon, when the Yorkshire side came back from 2-1 down to earn a point in the last minute.
Anthony Lloyd struck in the dying moments of the match to deny the rebel reds, who thought they had sealed the points when prolific striker Kyle Wilson netted in the 84th minute.
James Hanson had put Guiseley into a sixth minute lead, but that lead was short-lived as Chris Baguley netted in the 15th minute for United.
By Staff Sports Reporter
FC United were denied a premier division victory at Guiseley yesterday afternoon, when the Yorkshire side came back from 2-1 down to earn a point in the last minute.
Anthony Lloyd struck in the dying moments of the match to deny the rebel reds, who thought they had sealed the points when prolific striker Kyle Wilson netted in the 84th minute.
James Hanson had put Guiseley into a sixth minute lead, but that lead was short-lived as Chris Baguley netted in the 15th minute for United.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Guiseley 2 FC United 2
16/11/2008
FC UNITED were forced to settle for a 2-2 draw at Guiseley after being denied victory by a last-minute equaliser.
James Hanson had put the high-flying hosts in front after just six minutes but the rebel Reds soon bounced back.
Chris Baguley levelled after being set up by Kyle Wilson before the latter bagged his 20th goal of the season to put Karl Marginson's men 2-1 up with only six minutes remaining.
But FC's hopes of a morale-boosting UniBond premier division triumph were then dashed when Guiseley's Anthony Lloyd struck from outside the box
Guiseley lifted by late Lloyd rocket
8:24pm Sunday 16th November 2008
By Ian Whiting
Guiseley 2 FC United 2
A bumper crowd of more than 1,200 spectators made the most of a sunny but crisp afternoon at Nethermoor today and witnessed an entertaining game.
The UniBond Premier Division clash was put back 24 hours on the advice of the police – a result of Saturday’s Coca-Cola League One West Yorkshire derby at Elland Road between Leeds and Huddersfield.
Guiseley were in the runners-up spot going into the weekend and they held on to their placing after Saturday’s results.
However, they needed a late equaliser to share the spoils against FC United.
Guiseley had a dream start as they broke the deadlock in just the sixth minute. A strong run from midfield took Steve Burton within striking distance and he let fly with a fierce shot that came back off the post.
Centre forward James Hanson was the first to react and he headed the rebound home to send the Nethermoor faithful into raptures.
There was speculation that the home supporters would be vastly outnumbered but the locals turned out in force.
Their joy was shortlived though as FC United’s second top-scorer Chris Baguley netted an equaliser after 15 minutes.
Guiseley could have taken a slender lead into the interval but in the last minute of the first half Hanson headed over from an Alex Callery free-kick.
Early in the second half the Hanson and Callery connection again showed what a threat Guiseley pose from set-pieces. A free-kick was lofted into the area by Anthony Lloyd, Hanson headed it on but Callery arrived a split second too late to convert at the far post.
Just after the hour, Mark Whitely was in charge of the delivery, this time Hanson shot agonisingly wide.
The visitors snatched the lead a little over five minutes from time through leading scorer Kyle Wilson.
It is not in Guiseley’s nature to fold and they pushed for a leveller.
Centre back James Cotterill headed wide after being picked out by a Mark Thompson corner.
As the game lurched towards stoppage time, the Lions roared, Lloyd rifling in a shot from 25 yards.
Guiseley director and media officer Stuart Allen said: “It was a goal worthy of winning a game, never mind earning a point. It was one of those screamers.”
The Lions are on the road on Tuesday night when they head to Ashton United, looking to cut the deficit on leaders Hednesford, who are six points clear, having played three games more than Guiseley.
By Ian Whiting
Guiseley 2 FC United 2
A bumper crowd of more than 1,200 spectators made the most of a sunny but crisp afternoon at Nethermoor today and witnessed an entertaining game.
The UniBond Premier Division clash was put back 24 hours on the advice of the police – a result of Saturday’s Coca-Cola League One West Yorkshire derby at Elland Road between Leeds and Huddersfield.
Guiseley were in the runners-up spot going into the weekend and they held on to their placing after Saturday’s results.
However, they needed a late equaliser to share the spoils against FC United.
Guiseley had a dream start as they broke the deadlock in just the sixth minute. A strong run from midfield took Steve Burton within striking distance and he let fly with a fierce shot that came back off the post.
Centre forward James Hanson was the first to react and he headed the rebound home to send the Nethermoor faithful into raptures.
There was speculation that the home supporters would be vastly outnumbered but the locals turned out in force.
Their joy was shortlived though as FC United’s second top-scorer Chris Baguley netted an equaliser after 15 minutes.
Guiseley could have taken a slender lead into the interval but in the last minute of the first half Hanson headed over from an Alex Callery free-kick.
Early in the second half the Hanson and Callery connection again showed what a threat Guiseley pose from set-pieces. A free-kick was lofted into the area by Anthony Lloyd, Hanson headed it on but Callery arrived a split second too late to convert at the far post.
Just after the hour, Mark Whitely was in charge of the delivery, this time Hanson shot agonisingly wide.
The visitors snatched the lead a little over five minutes from time through leading scorer Kyle Wilson.
It is not in Guiseley’s nature to fold and they pushed for a leveller.
Centre back James Cotterill headed wide after being picked out by a Mark Thompson corner.
As the game lurched towards stoppage time, the Lions roared, Lloyd rifling in a shot from 25 yards.
Guiseley director and media officer Stuart Allen said: “It was a goal worthy of winning a game, never mind earning a point. It was one of those screamers.”
The Lions are on the road on Tuesday night when they head to Ashton United, looking to cut the deficit on leaders Hednesford, who are six points clear, having played three games more than Guiseley.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Lions ready for electric atmosphere
1:36pm Friday 14th November 2008
By Ian Whiting
Sunday’s UniBond Premier Division clash with FC United of Manchester is expected to be played out in front of a bumper Nethermoor crowd but Guiseley are keen to remind locals it is not an all-ticket match.
Lions officials have liaised with the police and they have asked that the club segregate the two sets of supporters, which is something that can be done by using different turnstiles.
Director and press officer Stuart Allen explained: “Our fans will be streamed through the top gate, the one by the main car park, which will mean the home supporters will be on the Ings Avenue side of the ground.
“The visiting supporters will be coming in through the two turnstiles by the small car park in front of the clubhouse.
“The ground is straightforward to steward but the bar and clubhouse isn’t, so unfortunately the bar will be open to members only on the day.”
Guiseley could find themselves outnumbered on the stands but they will not be underdogs on the pitch, with Tuesday’s 4-0 win at relegation-threatened Worksop Town lifting them up to second place.
They also have three games in hand on leaders Hednesford Town going into this weekend but trail by just three points. Their visitors are mid-table, 11 points adrift of Guiseley having played the same number of games.
FC United, formed by disgruntled supporters of the Old Trafford outfit of a similar name, play their home games at Gigg Lane, Bury’s headquarters, and boast a following of more than 2,000.
They informed Guiseley to expect at least 800 fans travelling from Manchester, so the atmosphere at Nethermoor should be electric.
By Ian Whiting
Sunday’s UniBond Premier Division clash with FC United of Manchester is expected to be played out in front of a bumper Nethermoor crowd but Guiseley are keen to remind locals it is not an all-ticket match.
Lions officials have liaised with the police and they have asked that the club segregate the two sets of supporters, which is something that can be done by using different turnstiles.
Director and press officer Stuart Allen explained: “Our fans will be streamed through the top gate, the one by the main car park, which will mean the home supporters will be on the Ings Avenue side of the ground.
“The visiting supporters will be coming in through the two turnstiles by the small car park in front of the clubhouse.
“The ground is straightforward to steward but the bar and clubhouse isn’t, so unfortunately the bar will be open to members only on the day.”
Guiseley could find themselves outnumbered on the stands but they will not be underdogs on the pitch, with Tuesday’s 4-0 win at relegation-threatened Worksop Town lifting them up to second place.
They also have three games in hand on leaders Hednesford Town going into this weekend but trail by just three points. Their visitors are mid-table, 11 points adrift of Guiseley having played the same number of games.
FC United, formed by disgruntled supporters of the Old Trafford outfit of a similar name, play their home games at Gigg Lane, Bury’s headquarters, and boast a following of more than 2,000.
They informed Guiseley to expect at least 800 fans travelling from Manchester, so the atmosphere at Nethermoor should be electric.
Duo back to boost Rebels
Stuart Brennan
14/11/2008
DAVE Chadwick and Simon Garner will be back to reinforce a wobbling FC United defence as they travel to play Guiseley on Sunday (3pm).
A weakened back four put on the club's worst defensive display of the season against Cammell Laird on Wednesday night - but a fine attacking display meant they came away with a remarkable 5-5 draw.
Skipper Chadwick and Garner were suspended, and that will allow manager Karl Marginson to rest Rob Nugent for the game against the Leeds outfit, who was struggling for fitness after months of knee problems.
The game was switched to Sunday on police advice, with Leeds United playing Huddersfield in a West Yorkshire derby on Saturday.
Guiseley are second in the UniBond League premier division, with games in hand on leaders Hednesford Town, so the returning players are a big boost to Marginson.
"Those two coming back should give us the strength we were lacking at the back," said the manager.
Reaction
"If Chaddy had played on Wednesday, we would have won - I'm sure of that.
"It's no slight on Rob, because we all know what a good player he is, but it showed that he has been out for a length of time. We will be working on his fitness over the next few weeks because thankfully he had no reaction to the steroid injection in his knee.
"Going forward in the last 20 minutes we were magnificent. I told the lads at half time that if we had been 4-0 down we couldn't have had any complaints, because Cammell Laird wanted it more."
The three FC United subs changed the face of the game on Wednesday, with Senegalese new boy Papis Dieyte bossing midfield and hitting a post, Chris Baguley scoring, and Nick Robinson making one and scoring the equaliser.
All three are in Marginson's thoughts for his team tomorrow, but he says: "It's great to see three subs come on and change the game that way. They have given me a few headaches for Sunday, but I am not going to start panicking even though they are all in the frame for selection.
"Nick gives us another option up front because of his size, and the way he holds the ball. His cross for Chris Baguley's header the other night was different class, and then he showed great desire to get on the end of one himself and score the equaliser.
"Papis got a bit giddy after he hit the post from a long way out, but he has a decent left peg and was switching play nice and quickly.
"Once he adapts to the speed of the English game his strength and passing will be an asset."
14/11/2008
DAVE Chadwick and Simon Garner will be back to reinforce a wobbling FC United defence as they travel to play Guiseley on Sunday (3pm).
A weakened back four put on the club's worst defensive display of the season against Cammell Laird on Wednesday night - but a fine attacking display meant they came away with a remarkable 5-5 draw.
Skipper Chadwick and Garner were suspended, and that will allow manager Karl Marginson to rest Rob Nugent for the game against the Leeds outfit, who was struggling for fitness after months of knee problems.
The game was switched to Sunday on police advice, with Leeds United playing Huddersfield in a West Yorkshire derby on Saturday.
Guiseley are second in the UniBond League premier division, with games in hand on leaders Hednesford Town, so the returning players are a big boost to Marginson.
"Those two coming back should give us the strength we were lacking at the back," said the manager.
Reaction
"If Chaddy had played on Wednesday, we would have won - I'm sure of that.
"It's no slight on Rob, because we all know what a good player he is, but it showed that he has been out for a length of time. We will be working on his fitness over the next few weeks because thankfully he had no reaction to the steroid injection in his knee.
"Going forward in the last 20 minutes we were magnificent. I told the lads at half time that if we had been 4-0 down we couldn't have had any complaints, because Cammell Laird wanted it more."
The three FC United subs changed the face of the game on Wednesday, with Senegalese new boy Papis Dieyte bossing midfield and hitting a post, Chris Baguley scoring, and Nick Robinson making one and scoring the equaliser.
All three are in Marginson's thoughts for his team tomorrow, but he says: "It's great to see three subs come on and change the game that way. They have given me a few headaches for Sunday, but I am not going to start panicking even though they are all in the frame for selection.
"Nick gives us another option up front because of his size, and the way he holds the ball. His cross for Chris Baguley's header the other night was different class, and then he showed great desire to get on the end of one himself and score the equaliser.
"Papis got a bit giddy after he hit the post from a long way out, but he has a decent left peg and was switching play nice and quickly.
"Once he adapts to the speed of the English game his strength and passing will be an asset."
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Careless Lairds lose grip on lead in ten-goal thriller
Nov 13 2008
David Bassett, Liverpool Echo
CAMMELL LAIRD let a three-goal lead slip in the final 20 minutes as they shared the points in a remarkable 5-5 UniBond Premier Division draw at FC United of Manchester.
Mark Reed scored a hat-trick following earlier goals from Eddie Jebb and John Collins as Lairds took a 5-2 lead.
But spurred on by a 1,700-plus crowd at Bury’s Gigg Lane, FC United hit back to grab an unlikely point. The home side’s goals came from Kyle Wilson, who scored twice, Simon Carden, Chris Baguley and Nick Robinson, who hit their last-minute equaliser.
David Bassett, Liverpool Echo
CAMMELL LAIRD let a three-goal lead slip in the final 20 minutes as they shared the points in a remarkable 5-5 UniBond Premier Division draw at FC United of Manchester.
Mark Reed scored a hat-trick following earlier goals from Eddie Jebb and John Collins as Lairds took a 5-2 lead.
But spurred on by a 1,700-plus crowd at Bury’s Gigg Lane, FC United hit back to grab an unlikely point. The home side’s goals came from Kyle Wilson, who scored twice, Simon Carden, Chris Baguley and Nick Robinson, who hit their last-minute equaliser.
Bright futures
13/11/2008
FC UNITED manager Karl Marginson is predicting big things for his wing wizards.
The reds’ flankers Adam Carden and Jerome Wright have been in sparkling form this season and Carden has already attracted the attention of Football League Two side AFC Bournemouth, who sought permission from FC to play him in a reserve friendly this week.
Unfortunately for Carden, the game was called off after he had made the five-hour journey, although Marginson insists that the Liverpudlian right winger will get another chance.
Margy said: "Adam has been excellent this season for us and it was no surprise to get the call from a Football League club wanting him to try out.
"I said yes as it’s a fantastic opportunity for a young lad to live the dream and make a living from football. He was unlucky it was called off and will never hear the end of it in the dressing room.
"Jerome Wright is another lad good enough to make it at Football League level and we’ve had a lot of interest in him. He can go past players at will and that’s rare at this level.
"Hopefully, both lads will stay with us as we progress but we won’t stand in their way if they get better chances."
FC came from 5-2 down to claim an astonishing 5-5 draw against Cammell Laird at Gigg Lane on Wednesday night, November 12.
They travel to Guiseley for a UniBond Premier League clash on Sunday, November 16, kick-off 3pm.
FC UNITED manager Karl Marginson is predicting big things for his wing wizards.
The reds’ flankers Adam Carden and Jerome Wright have been in sparkling form this season and Carden has already attracted the attention of Football League Two side AFC Bournemouth, who sought permission from FC to play him in a reserve friendly this week.
Unfortunately for Carden, the game was called off after he had made the five-hour journey, although Marginson insists that the Liverpudlian right winger will get another chance.
Margy said: "Adam has been excellent this season for us and it was no surprise to get the call from a Football League club wanting him to try out.
"I said yes as it’s a fantastic opportunity for a young lad to live the dream and make a living from football. He was unlucky it was called off and will never hear the end of it in the dressing room.
"Jerome Wright is another lad good enough to make it at Football League level and we’ve had a lot of interest in him. He can go past players at will and that’s rare at this level.
"Hopefully, both lads will stay with us as we progress but we won’t stand in their way if they get better chances."
FC came from 5-2 down to claim an astonishing 5-5 draw against Cammell Laird at Gigg Lane on Wednesday night, November 12.
They travel to Guiseley for a UniBond Premier League clash on Sunday, November 16, kick-off 3pm.
FC United 5 Cammell Laird 5
Stuart Brennan
13/11/2008
THE Rebels stormed back from 5-2 down with 20 minutes left to earn a breath-taking draw at Gigg Lane last night.
In a game littered with defensive errors, the Camels were one up after 17 minutes as the FC defence melted and Eddie Jebb stole in to score.
But some exquisite passing from the home side had them 2-1 up within six minutes as Jerome Wright crossed for Simon Carden to score and then the UniBond premier’s top scorer Kyle Wilson (pictured) struck.
The Merseysiders took full advantage of some dreadful defending as John Collins equalised and Mark Reed pounced twice to make it 4-2 at half time.
The game seemed up when Reed claimed his hat-trick on 65 minutes, but Karl Marginson’s men, roared on by the 1,714 crowd, hit back after supersub Nick Robinson came on.
Wilson started the fightback, heading in his 19th goal in 18 appearances from a corner on 70 minutes and 10 minutes later two subs combined as Robinson’s perfect cross was headed home by Chris Baguley.
With the Camels wobbling and the crowd frantic, Robinson popped up at the far post in the 89th minute to level it – and the Rebels came close to snatching the victory in extra time.
13/11/2008
THE Rebels stormed back from 5-2 down with 20 minutes left to earn a breath-taking draw at Gigg Lane last night.
In a game littered with defensive errors, the Camels were one up after 17 minutes as the FC defence melted and Eddie Jebb stole in to score.
But some exquisite passing from the home side had them 2-1 up within six minutes as Jerome Wright crossed for Simon Carden to score and then the UniBond premier’s top scorer Kyle Wilson (pictured) struck.
The Merseysiders took full advantage of some dreadful defending as John Collins equalised and Mark Reed pounced twice to make it 4-2 at half time.
The game seemed up when Reed claimed his hat-trick on 65 minutes, but Karl Marginson’s men, roared on by the 1,714 crowd, hit back after supersub Nick Robinson came on.
Wilson started the fightback, heading in his 19th goal in 18 appearances from a corner on 70 minutes and 10 minutes later two subs combined as Robinson’s perfect cross was headed home by Chris Baguley.
With the Camels wobbling and the crowd frantic, Robinson popped up at the far post in the 89th minute to level it – and the Rebels came close to snatching the victory in extra time.
FC look to continue run
9:50am Wednesday 12th November 2008
By Liam Chronnell
FC UNITED return to action after a 10-day break hoping to pick up where they left off.
They entertain Cammell Laird in the UniBond Premier League tonight, having won four out of their last five games.
Having lost just once in nine games, the mid-table Rebels will be confident of continuing their surge up the league against the struggling Merseysiders.
They will be without suspended captain Dave Chadwick, while Simon Garner sits out the final match of a three-game ban.
By Liam Chronnell
FC UNITED return to action after a 10-day break hoping to pick up where they left off.
They entertain Cammell Laird in the UniBond Premier League tonight, having won four out of their last five games.
Having lost just once in nine games, the mid-table Rebels will be confident of continuing their surge up the league against the struggling Merseysiders.
They will be without suspended captain Dave Chadwick, while Simon Garner sits out the final match of a three-game ban.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Quinn interested in FC United of Manchester winger
FC United of Manchester winger Adam Carden was set to play for the Cherries reserves on Monday, however the match was postponed due to a water logged pitch.
Carden was then offered a game in a trial match, but FC United manager Karl Marginson believed that wasn't the best idea for the player.
He told the Manchester Evening News...
'Bournemouth asked him to stay down and play in a practice match for the reserves against their first team on Tuesday, but that would have been pointless - if they want to see him play, they can watch him play for us,'
'But he deserves his chance. Since he got over his ankle injury he has proved to be a really good disciplined winger who gives us good balance.'
He is now set to play for FC United against Cammell Laird tonight.
Carden was then offered a game in a trial match, but FC United manager Karl Marginson believed that wasn't the best idea for the player.
He told the Manchester Evening News...
'Bournemouth asked him to stay down and play in a practice match for the reserves against their first team on Tuesday, but that would have been pointless - if they want to see him play, they can watch him play for us,'
'But he deserves his chance. Since he got over his ankle injury he has proved to be a really good disciplined winger who gives us good balance.'
He is now set to play for FC United against Cammell Laird tonight.
Carden is back for revenge bid
Stuart Brennan
12/11/2008
ADAM Carden had a big disappointment when a trial match with League Two side Bournemouth fell through this week - and now he is planning to take it out on Cammell Laird when they visit Gigg Lane tonight (7.45pm).
The FC United winger was invited to play for the Cherries' reserve side on Monday night but, after travelling down to the south coast via a visit to his brother's home in Cambridge, the game was a wash-out.
But the good news for the Rebels is that he is now available to play against the Merseysiders, who inflicted FC's first defeat of the season on the Wirral in August.
"Bournemouth asked him to stay down and play in a practice match for the reserves against their first team on Tuesday, but that would have been pointless - if they want to see him play, they can watch him play for us," said manager Karl Marginson.
"But he deserves his chance. Since he got over his ankle injury he has proved to be a really good disciplined winger who gives us good balance."
FC are without three players through suspension tonight, with skipper Dave Chadwick, Simon Garner and Dave Neville all out.
But with Rob Nugent set to come back after a steroid injection eased his knee problem, the loss of Chadwick should not be too big a blow, and Alex Skidmore will continue at left-back.
12/11/2008
ADAM Carden had a big disappointment when a trial match with League Two side Bournemouth fell through this week - and now he is planning to take it out on Cammell Laird when they visit Gigg Lane tonight (7.45pm).
The FC United winger was invited to play for the Cherries' reserve side on Monday night but, after travelling down to the south coast via a visit to his brother's home in Cambridge, the game was a wash-out.
But the good news for the Rebels is that he is now available to play against the Merseysiders, who inflicted FC's first defeat of the season on the Wirral in August.
"Bournemouth asked him to stay down and play in a practice match for the reserves against their first team on Tuesday, but that would have been pointless - if they want to see him play, they can watch him play for us," said manager Karl Marginson.
"But he deserves his chance. Since he got over his ankle injury he has proved to be a really good disciplined winger who gives us good balance."
FC are without three players through suspension tonight, with skipper Dave Chadwick, Simon Garner and Dave Neville all out.
But with Rob Nugent set to come back after a steroid injection eased his knee problem, the loss of Chadwick should not be too big a blow, and Alex Skidmore will continue at left-back.
Can football clubs ever regain real contact with supporters?
Jamie Jackson in Zurich
Tuesday November 11 2008
Is the chairman of FC United right when he says that British football will lose its soul if it doesn't act immediately to re-engage with fans?
Andy Walsh is chairman of FC United of Manchester, the club founded in 2005 as a protest at the takeover of Manchester United by the Glazer family in a deal that saddled Old Trafford with a mammoth amount of debt. Yesterday, speaking in Zurich at the International Football Conference, a meeting of some of the game's movers and shakers, Walsh called for a 'readjustment' in the British game. He was talking about the need to lower ticket prices, a shift in the balance of power between fans and owners, a move, generally, to ensure the working supporter feels more included in their football club.
"When Peter Kenyon was at Manchester United before his move to Chelsea he was the one executive who actually wanted to listen," Walsh told an audience that featured Kenyon, former Arsenal vice-chairman David Dein and other football figures from around the world including Amit Bhatia, the Indian vice-chairman of QPR.
"I was with IMUSA - the Independent Manchester United Supporters Association - then and I invited Peter into the Stretford End for a match. And he came, and he didn't get abused, he didn't get berated. At half-time people, the fans, just wanted to talk with him. He listened, then he also came along to one of our meetings to hear what we had to say. Fair play to him, he was actually one of the executives who wanted to engage. But since then I have to say, being honest, Peter retreated and football executives have retreated now."
It sounded a familiar view - that clubs, particularly in the Premier League, have now lost real contact with the supporters who have always been their lifeblood. Walsh believes they have to act immediately to re-engage with fans, and understand their concerns, or, ultimately, football in Britain will lose its soul and a healthy, vibrant future. Even Dein, who was on the panel with Walsh, seemed to agree about this need to reconnect. "I'm sympathetic to that," he said of Walsh's comments. "We've got to protect the traditional fan."
Arsenal's top price ticket is £90, the Premier League's most expensive. And Dein, of course, made around £75m when selling his shares in the club last year to Red and White Holdings - owned by the Russian Alisher Usmanov and Farhad Moshiri, who is Iranian. Whether that "protected the traditional fan" is unclear. But as Walsh later told me, "the first thing a new owner or director says at a club is, 'I've always been a fan.' Then, they take absolutely no notice of us, saying they know better ... That doesn't make sense."
Walsh believes British football could end up with the Big Four of Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United being "like Wal-Mart and Tescos" - still alive, of course, but having gobbled up the smaller clubs. And, a whole lot more with them.
Tuesday November 11 2008
Is the chairman of FC United right when he says that British football will lose its soul if it doesn't act immediately to re-engage with fans?
Andy Walsh is chairman of FC United of Manchester, the club founded in 2005 as a protest at the takeover of Manchester United by the Glazer family in a deal that saddled Old Trafford with a mammoth amount of debt. Yesterday, speaking in Zurich at the International Football Conference, a meeting of some of the game's movers and shakers, Walsh called for a 'readjustment' in the British game. He was talking about the need to lower ticket prices, a shift in the balance of power between fans and owners, a move, generally, to ensure the working supporter feels more included in their football club.
"When Peter Kenyon was at Manchester United before his move to Chelsea he was the one executive who actually wanted to listen," Walsh told an audience that featured Kenyon, former Arsenal vice-chairman David Dein and other football figures from around the world including Amit Bhatia, the Indian vice-chairman of QPR.
"I was with IMUSA - the Independent Manchester United Supporters Association - then and I invited Peter into the Stretford End for a match. And he came, and he didn't get abused, he didn't get berated. At half-time people, the fans, just wanted to talk with him. He listened, then he also came along to one of our meetings to hear what we had to say. Fair play to him, he was actually one of the executives who wanted to engage. But since then I have to say, being honest, Peter retreated and football executives have retreated now."
It sounded a familiar view - that clubs, particularly in the Premier League, have now lost real contact with the supporters who have always been their lifeblood. Walsh believes they have to act immediately to re-engage with fans, and understand their concerns, or, ultimately, football in Britain will lose its soul and a healthy, vibrant future. Even Dein, who was on the panel with Walsh, seemed to agree about this need to reconnect. "I'm sympathetic to that," he said of Walsh's comments. "We've got to protect the traditional fan."
Arsenal's top price ticket is £90, the Premier League's most expensive. And Dein, of course, made around £75m when selling his shares in the club last year to Red and White Holdings - owned by the Russian Alisher Usmanov and Farhad Moshiri, who is Iranian. Whether that "protected the traditional fan" is unclear. But as Walsh later told me, "the first thing a new owner or director says at a club is, 'I've always been a fan.' Then, they take absolutely no notice of us, saying they know better ... That doesn't make sense."
Walsh believes British football could end up with the Big Four of Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United being "like Wal-Mart and Tescos" - still alive, of course, but having gobbled up the smaller clubs. And, a whole lot more with them.
Thursday, November 06, 2008
Boston are next up
6/11/2008
FC UNITED will face Boston United in The FA Trophy third qualifying round after they beat Worksop Town 3-0 on Saturday.
A Kyle Wilson brace and a header from captain David Chadwick saw the reds set up the home clash, which will be played at Gigg Lane on Sunday, November, 23, kick-off 3pm.
Manager Karl Marginson said: "We’ve got a side in the same league, who we’ve played before. So we fancy our chances.
"They beat us back in August but, as we showed at Worksop, we’ve improved and gelled as a team since."
Senegalese midfielder Papis Djeeyte played in the Worksop game and FC’s recent home win over Ilkeston after being given international clearance to play at non-league level in England.
FC have no game this weekend.
FC UNITED will face Boston United in The FA Trophy third qualifying round after they beat Worksop Town 3-0 on Saturday.
A Kyle Wilson brace and a header from captain David Chadwick saw the reds set up the home clash, which will be played at Gigg Lane on Sunday, November, 23, kick-off 3pm.
Manager Karl Marginson said: "We’ve got a side in the same league, who we’ve played before. So we fancy our chances.
"They beat us back in August but, as we showed at Worksop, we’ve improved and gelled as a team since."
Senegalese midfielder Papis Djeeyte played in the Worksop game and FC’s recent home win over Ilkeston after being given international clearance to play at non-league level in England.
FC have no game this weekend.
Trinity home, Boston away in FA Trophy
07:00 - 04 November 2008
REVENGE is on the cards for Gainsborough Trinity boss Steve Charles after his side were pulled out of the hat to face AFC Telford United in the FA Trophy third qualifying round.
Trinity lost to the Stags 3-2 in the Setanta Shield earlier in the season, and Charles (pictured right, top) has declared that he'll be out to avenge that defeat when the two sides lock horns at the Northolme on November 22.
"We owe them one" said a determined Charles.
"They beat us in the Setanta Shield, so I'm eager to get out there and make sure we set the record straight."
Trinity could have been drawn against lower league opposition in the competition, but Charles believes taking on a fellow Blue Square North side will get the best from his team.
"We will really be up for the challenge" said Charles. "There is an argument that a team from lower down the leagues would have been easier, but that could have been a bit of a banana skin.
"Telford play some good football, like we do. When we met in the Setanta Shield we had a belter of a game and we'll be looking for a repeat of that performance - albeit with the right result for us."
Boston United, meanwhile, have been drawn away to fellow UniBond League Premier Division side FC United of Manchester.
The game will take place on Sunday, November 23 as the Reds ground share with Bury at Gigg Lane.
Pilgrims boss Tommy Taylor (pictured right, bottom) is confident his team can progress to the next round, having beaten the Lancashire side 1-0 earlier in the season.
"I think it is a good fixture for both teams - they are a good footballing side" said Taylor.
"The players will be up for the game and will want to do well against a big team like FC United."
REVENGE is on the cards for Gainsborough Trinity boss Steve Charles after his side were pulled out of the hat to face AFC Telford United in the FA Trophy third qualifying round.
Trinity lost to the Stags 3-2 in the Setanta Shield earlier in the season, and Charles (pictured right, top) has declared that he'll be out to avenge that defeat when the two sides lock horns at the Northolme on November 22.
"We owe them one" said a determined Charles.
"They beat us in the Setanta Shield, so I'm eager to get out there and make sure we set the record straight."
Trinity could have been drawn against lower league opposition in the competition, but Charles believes taking on a fellow Blue Square North side will get the best from his team.
"We will really be up for the challenge" said Charles. "There is an argument that a team from lower down the leagues would have been easier, but that could have been a bit of a banana skin.
"Telford play some good football, like we do. When we met in the Setanta Shield we had a belter of a game and we'll be looking for a repeat of that performance - albeit with the right result for us."
Boston United, meanwhile, have been drawn away to fellow UniBond League Premier Division side FC United of Manchester.
The game will take place on Sunday, November 23 as the Reds ground share with Bury at Gigg Lane.
Pilgrims boss Tommy Taylor (pictured right, bottom) is confident his team can progress to the next round, having beaten the Lancashire side 1-0 earlier in the season.
"I think it is a good fixture for both teams - they are a good footballing side" said Taylor.
"The players will be up for the game and will want to do well against a big team like FC United."
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
Kick-off for mosque tournament
5/11/2008
FOUR Manchester mosques took part in a football competition organised by FC United.
Teams from Sunna Mosque and the Darul-hiqmah Centre, both in Cheetham Hill, the Didsbury Mosque and the Makki Masjid in Longsight were joined by a team from Noor Mosque in Old Trafford.
Each entered an under 11s team, an under 14s team and an under 16s team to contest the five-a-side tournament at Old Trafford Sports Barn.
The tournament was made possible by the efforts of volunteers from FC United who worked as referees and organisers.
FC United community organiser Robin Pyle said: "The idea originally came from Diallo Mamadou, a basketball coach living in Cheetham Hill. He asked us whether we would be interested in helping him to organise football activities in his area to give the youth something positive to do. We said we were keen to help and together we developed the idea of a tournament for mosques."
"We plan to build on the success of this tournament to organise more activities in these parts of Manchester, aimed at encouraging young people to take part in sport."
All participants in the tournament received a goody bag which included free tickets to the next FC United match which was a home fixture with Ilkeston Town in the Unibond Northern Premier League.
Robin added: ‘We are keen for our club to become a vehicle for community cohesion in this city and that means welcoming all parts of the community to our matches." He paid a special tribute to chief tournament organiser, Andrew Serraillier, and FC United manager, Karl Marginson and community coach, Phil Schofield, who ran training sessions for youngsters waiting for their turn to play.
The under 11s and under 14s tournaments were won by Makki Mosque from Longsight. The Under 16’s competition was won by Noor Mosque.
FC United is a democratically-run fans’-owned football club. It was founded three and a half years ago and has been promoted every season so far. It plays its home games at Gigg Lane in Bury and is averaging home crowds of over 2,000 this season.
FOUR Manchester mosques took part in a football competition organised by FC United.
Teams from Sunna Mosque and the Darul-hiqmah Centre, both in Cheetham Hill, the Didsbury Mosque and the Makki Masjid in Longsight were joined by a team from Noor Mosque in Old Trafford.
Each entered an under 11s team, an under 14s team and an under 16s team to contest the five-a-side tournament at Old Trafford Sports Barn.
The tournament was made possible by the efforts of volunteers from FC United who worked as referees and organisers.
FC United community organiser Robin Pyle said: "The idea originally came from Diallo Mamadou, a basketball coach living in Cheetham Hill. He asked us whether we would be interested in helping him to organise football activities in his area to give the youth something positive to do. We said we were keen to help and together we developed the idea of a tournament for mosques."
"We plan to build on the success of this tournament to organise more activities in these parts of Manchester, aimed at encouraging young people to take part in sport."
All participants in the tournament received a goody bag which included free tickets to the next FC United match which was a home fixture with Ilkeston Town in the Unibond Northern Premier League.
Robin added: ‘We are keen for our club to become a vehicle for community cohesion in this city and that means welcoming all parts of the community to our matches." He paid a special tribute to chief tournament organiser, Andrew Serraillier, and FC United manager, Karl Marginson and community coach, Phil Schofield, who ran training sessions for youngsters waiting for their turn to play.
The under 11s and under 14s tournaments were won by Makki Mosque from Longsight. The Under 16’s competition was won by Noor Mosque.
FC United is a democratically-run fans’-owned football club. It was founded three and a half years ago and has been promoted every season so far. It plays its home games at Gigg Lane in Bury and is averaging home crowds of over 2,000 this season.
FC land midfielder
Stuart Brennan
5/11/2008
FC UNITED'S persistence in trying to win midfielder Papis Djeeyte the right to play football has paid off.
The Senegalese player was told by the Home Office that he could not turn out for the Rebels as his work permit would only allow him to turn out at League Two level or higher.
That had manager Karl Marginson lobbying his MP, and sparked an online petition among supporters angry that Djeeyte, who is married to an English woman, was being denied the chance to play semi-professional football.
But club secretary Lindsey Robertson has now discovered that Djeeyte was not barred.
General manager Andy Walsh said: "We did some further investigation and what we were originally told was only true if you have a work permit to work in the sports or entertainment industries.
"If you have a full work permit, which Papis has, and work in another occupation then there is nothing to stop you playing at non-league level."
Djeeyte's clearance has meant he has played as a sub in the last two games, a home win over Ilkeston and the FA Trophy victory at Worksop Town.
5/11/2008
FC UNITED'S persistence in trying to win midfielder Papis Djeeyte the right to play football has paid off.
The Senegalese player was told by the Home Office that he could not turn out for the Rebels as his work permit would only allow him to turn out at League Two level or higher.
That had manager Karl Marginson lobbying his MP, and sparked an online petition among supporters angry that Djeeyte, who is married to an English woman, was being denied the chance to play semi-professional football.
But club secretary Lindsey Robertson has now discovered that Djeeyte was not barred.
General manager Andy Walsh said: "We did some further investigation and what we were originally told was only true if you have a work permit to work in the sports or entertainment industries.
"If you have a full work permit, which Papis has, and work in another occupation then there is nothing to stop you playing at non-league level."
Djeeyte's clearance has meant he has played as a sub in the last two games, a home win over Ilkeston and the FA Trophy victory at Worksop Town.
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
At Last! United's Djeeyte Success
by Ryan Bangs
Sunday, November 2, 2008
FC UNITED manager Karl Marginson has had his appeal for Home Office action answered after Senegalese midfielder Papis Djeeyte was finally given clearance to play for the club.
Djeeyte was set to make his debut two weeks ago after impressing during a trial and receiving approval from the Senegal Football Association.
But the Home Office said Djeeyte’s work permit only allowed him to play in League Two or above.
Marginson was refused a face-to-face meeting with Home Office officials, but eventually they admitted the ruling was in error.
“It ended up just being a misunderstanding on their part,” he said. “When I was told the situation I immediately got on the phone, but you know what it’s like, you end up getting passed around.
“I went down a different route to try and arrange a meeting, but it never came through.
“It was ludicrous that he wasn’t being allowed to play. He is married to a British girl and has a fully eligible work permit. He is just someone who wants to make a living and play football on the side.
“I just had to bide my time and keep bugging them until it got sorted – which it finally was.”
But while Marginson has been boosted by the arrival of Djeeyte, United were dealt a blow when striker Danny Williams suffered a broken leg in the game with Whitby Town.
However, Marginson is expecting the 20-year-old to make a swift recovery.
“Danny has been fantastic for us this season and it’s a shame to have him out,” he added. “But he is only young and I expect him to be back before we know it.
“For a guy who has played in the North West Counties League for the past three seasons, his progress has been really good.
“And I’m sure he will have the same positive attitude during rehab as he does on the pitch.”
Sunday, November 2, 2008
FC UNITED manager Karl Marginson has had his appeal for Home Office action answered after Senegalese midfielder Papis Djeeyte was finally given clearance to play for the club.
Djeeyte was set to make his debut two weeks ago after impressing during a trial and receiving approval from the Senegal Football Association.
But the Home Office said Djeeyte’s work permit only allowed him to play in League Two or above.
Marginson was refused a face-to-face meeting with Home Office officials, but eventually they admitted the ruling was in error.
“It ended up just being a misunderstanding on their part,” he said. “When I was told the situation I immediately got on the phone, but you know what it’s like, you end up getting passed around.
“I went down a different route to try and arrange a meeting, but it never came through.
“It was ludicrous that he wasn’t being allowed to play. He is married to a British girl and has a fully eligible work permit. He is just someone who wants to make a living and play football on the side.
“I just had to bide my time and keep bugging them until it got sorted – which it finally was.”
But while Marginson has been boosted by the arrival of Djeeyte, United were dealt a blow when striker Danny Williams suffered a broken leg in the game with Whitby Town.
However, Marginson is expecting the 20-year-old to make a swift recovery.
“Danny has been fantastic for us this season and it’s a shame to have him out,” he added. “But he is only young and I expect him to be back before we know it.
“For a guy who has played in the North West Counties League for the past three seasons, his progress has been really good.
“And I’m sure he will have the same positive attitude during rehab as he does on the pitch.”
Tigers out of FA Trophy
Published Date: 04 November 2008
By Ray Lucas
WORKSOP Town slipped out of the FA Trophy after going down to FC United of Manchester at Watnall Road on Saturday.
Despite some poor league form, the Tigers have saved some of their best performances for the cup games.
So it was with an air of confidence they faced FCUM.
Despite conceding an early penalty, they still looked capable of getting something out of the game. However, they conceded another goal early in the second half and that strike finished the game off as a contest.
On a wet and windy day the Tigers made just one change with Andy White returning following a three match suspension, Kirk Jackson dropping to the bench. New signing Chris Adam was pronounced fit and took a place on the bench.
The only chance in the early stages was an Andy Boyce header that flashed wide from a Gary Townsend corner.
But in their first real attack FCUM got a penalty when winger Adam Carden cut inside and, as Kevin Dawson went to tackle him, he was tripped and referee Mr Smith pointed to the spot.
The league's leading scorer Kyle Wilson took responsibility and sent Steve Hernandez the wrong way to open the scoring.
Steve Robinson then shot wide, Andy White picked up a yellow card for a rash tackle, and Paul Dempsey and FCUM skipper David Chadwick went in for a 50/50 ball that left both players injured.
Worksop were pushing forward for an equaliser. Matt Glass headed wide when he had time to control the ball, White was caught offside following a good move and Kevin Davies shot over the bar.
The best chance came just before half time following a foul by Chadwick on Kevin Sanasy.
Robinson's free-kick found Chris Glarvey's head just two yards out, but his effort hit Sam Ashton in the visitors' goal and was cleared to safety.
With the referee due to end the half, the visitors could have made it two but for some outstanding goalkeeping by Steve Hernandez.
Carlos Roca cut in from the left, his shot was pushed on to the post by Hernandez, who then threw himself in front of Wilson's follow-up.
The Tigers made the worst possible start to the second half as, within four minutes, they went two down.
Jerome Wright made a good run down the left, put in a fine cross that the home defence failed to clear, and Chadwick was on hand to nod the ball home.
Hernandez then made another good save from a Chadwick header before Sanasy was put in by Glass, only for the striker to fail in his attempt to beat the defender.
Then a high ball into the box by Glarvey was missed by Ashton, but White's effort was cleared off the line by Liam Foster.
Paul Stansfield came on for Robinson but he couldn't galvanise the team. Scott Lowe came on for Kevin Dawson, who was carried off with what looked a bad ankle injury, and Chris Adam made his debut in place of White.
Unfortunately these changes failed to make the impact Peter Rinkcavage desired and it was the visitors who scored on 68 minutes, thanks to some poor defending, when a ball over the top from Foster was collected by Wilson who went on to beat Hernandez for goal number three.
Townsend had a header go wide from a Paul Dempsey free-kick, but that was all the Tigers could muster before the final whistle.
Boyce picked up a yellow card and was lucky to stay on the pitch after another reckless tackle and Stansfield's frustration's also gained him a yellow.
By Ray Lucas
WORKSOP Town slipped out of the FA Trophy after going down to FC United of Manchester at Watnall Road on Saturday.
Despite some poor league form, the Tigers have saved some of their best performances for the cup games.
So it was with an air of confidence they faced FCUM.
Despite conceding an early penalty, they still looked capable of getting something out of the game. However, they conceded another goal early in the second half and that strike finished the game off as a contest.
On a wet and windy day the Tigers made just one change with Andy White returning following a three match suspension, Kirk Jackson dropping to the bench. New signing Chris Adam was pronounced fit and took a place on the bench.
The only chance in the early stages was an Andy Boyce header that flashed wide from a Gary Townsend corner.
But in their first real attack FCUM got a penalty when winger Adam Carden cut inside and, as Kevin Dawson went to tackle him, he was tripped and referee Mr Smith pointed to the spot.
The league's leading scorer Kyle Wilson took responsibility and sent Steve Hernandez the wrong way to open the scoring.
Steve Robinson then shot wide, Andy White picked up a yellow card for a rash tackle, and Paul Dempsey and FCUM skipper David Chadwick went in for a 50/50 ball that left both players injured.
Worksop were pushing forward for an equaliser. Matt Glass headed wide when he had time to control the ball, White was caught offside following a good move and Kevin Davies shot over the bar.
The best chance came just before half time following a foul by Chadwick on Kevin Sanasy.
Robinson's free-kick found Chris Glarvey's head just two yards out, but his effort hit Sam Ashton in the visitors' goal and was cleared to safety.
With the referee due to end the half, the visitors could have made it two but for some outstanding goalkeeping by Steve Hernandez.
Carlos Roca cut in from the left, his shot was pushed on to the post by Hernandez, who then threw himself in front of Wilson's follow-up.
The Tigers made the worst possible start to the second half as, within four minutes, they went two down.
Jerome Wright made a good run down the left, put in a fine cross that the home defence failed to clear, and Chadwick was on hand to nod the ball home.
Hernandez then made another good save from a Chadwick header before Sanasy was put in by Glass, only for the striker to fail in his attempt to beat the defender.
Then a high ball into the box by Glarvey was missed by Ashton, but White's effort was cleared off the line by Liam Foster.
Paul Stansfield came on for Robinson but he couldn't galvanise the team. Scott Lowe came on for Kevin Dawson, who was carried off with what looked a bad ankle injury, and Chris Adam made his debut in place of White.
Unfortunately these changes failed to make the impact Peter Rinkcavage desired and it was the visitors who scored on 68 minutes, thanks to some poor defending, when a ball over the top from Foster was collected by Wilson who went on to beat Hernandez for goal number three.
Townsend had a header go wide from a Paul Dempsey free-kick, but that was all the Tigers could muster before the final whistle.
Boyce picked up a yellow card and was lucky to stay on the pitch after another reckless tackle and Stansfield's frustration's also gained him a yellow.
Monday, November 03, 2008
Revenge mission for Rebels
Stuart Brennan
3/11/2008
FC UNITED have been handed a home tie – and a chance for revenge – in the third qualifying round of the FA Trophy.
The Rebels will face fellow UniBond premier division outfit Boston United in a game which has been switched to Sunday, November 23 due to landlords Bury being at home the previous day.
FC, who eased into the draw with an impressive 3-0 win at Worksop at the weekend suffered their first home defeat of the season to the Imps, who were playing in the Football League last year, losing 1-0 at Gigg Lane in August.
But since then the Rebels have hit form, winning four and drawing two of their last seven league games, while Boston have slumped beneath them in the table, and are without a win in four league games.
The Conference North teams enter the fray at this stage, and struggling Hyde United face a tricky home tie with UniBond League leaders Hednesford Town.
Droyslden travel to face fellow Conference North side Farsley Celtic, Stalybridge fans have a day out at the seaside against Whitby Town, and Warrington Town – if they beat Romulus in a replay on Tuesday night – will host Nantwich Town.
3/11/2008
FC UNITED have been handed a home tie – and a chance for revenge – in the third qualifying round of the FA Trophy.
The Rebels will face fellow UniBond premier division outfit Boston United in a game which has been switched to Sunday, November 23 due to landlords Bury being at home the previous day.
FC, who eased into the draw with an impressive 3-0 win at Worksop at the weekend suffered their first home defeat of the season to the Imps, who were playing in the Football League last year, losing 1-0 at Gigg Lane in August.
But since then the Rebels have hit form, winning four and drawing two of their last seven league games, while Boston have slumped beneath them in the table, and are without a win in four league games.
The Conference North teams enter the fray at this stage, and struggling Hyde United face a tricky home tie with UniBond League leaders Hednesford Town.
Droyslden travel to face fellow Conference North side Farsley Celtic, Stalybridge fans have a day out at the seaside against Whitby Town, and Warrington Town – if they beat Romulus in a replay on Tuesday night – will host Nantwich Town.
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