FC United set to provide bumper crowds for Wakefield UniBond League duo

CROWD BOOST: Ossett Albion and Wakefield FC are both looking forward to bumper crowds

By Nick Rigg

MANCHESTER United breakaway club FC United of Manchester are set to provide record UniBond Premier League attendances for two of Wakefield's non-league sides.

Ossett Albion and Wakefield FC both come up against the UniBond Division 1 North promotion-hopefuls within the space of three days and will be hoping for a successful day off the pitch as well as on it.

Both clubs, who have an outside chance of reaching the play-off spots, are in the bottom three of average attendaces in the division this season, with Albion averaging 137 while Wakefield FC have averaged 103.

But both their gates for the visit of Karl Marginson's men are expected to be closer to the 1000 mark thanks to the huge travelling support of the Bury-based club.

FC United average 2081 at their Gigg Lane ground, which they share with Bury FC, and have bagged the record gate in the entire UniBond Premier League this season with 3348 attending their clash with Bamber Bridge earlier in the season.

And they've boosted the crowds at grounds up and down Division 1 North this season, with Albion and Wakefield both set to capitalise.

Eric Gilchrist's Albion welcome FC United to Dimple Wells tonight (Thursday, kick-off 7.45pm) after bad weather conditions have forced the clash to be postponed twice already this season.

Despite the expected financial boost from increased gates off the pitch, Albion know the clash could well make or break their season as they sit on the edge of the play-off spots, the last of which is occupied by Thursday's opponents.

The Dimple Wells club sit one place outside of the top-five spots but are six points behind FC United, making victory vital for Eric Gilchrist and his troops.

And United will be back in Yorkshire for their visit to College Grove to face Wakefield FC on Saturday (kick-off 3pm).

Boss Ronnie Glavin saw his troops fall to a controversial defeat in the reverse fixture at Gigg Lane, and although Wakefield's play-off hopes have all but gone, he'll be looking for a big performance from his troops in front of a bumper crowd.

For all the latest UniBond Premier League news, reviews and previews, see Friday's Wakefield Express Sport.

Last Updated: 03 April 2008 10:17 AM