Marginson: We're up for double header

Paul Handler
15/ 4/2008

MANAGER Karl Marginson is confident FC United's form and fitness will hold up as they battle on two fronts this week.

The Rebels face Radcliffe Borough twice in three days, first tonight in the league and then on Thursday in the President's Cup final.

Marginson's men have remarkably had to squeeze their last ten games into 22 days, but the boss has backed his players despite that gruelling schedule.

He said: "We seem to be starting slowly in games and it takes longer to get the second wind.

Normally you see the players' second wind kick in after about 10 minutes, but it seems to be taking a bit longer at the moment. Once that comes your body is fine though so they'll be OK."

FC are yet to beat Radcliffe in three encounters this season and Marginson is looking forward to redressing the balance. He added: "Credit to Radcliffe, in the games we've played so far they haven't let us play. We've got to make sure that we are patient and get the ball down and play."

After a wobble, FC are back to winning ways in the league with Saturday's 5-2 win over Lancaster putting them back in the promotion picture.

And once tonight's clash is out of the way, Marginson is looking forward to a break from league affairs in the cup final, which is being played at Curzon Ashton's Tameside Stadium.

He said: "It's a nice distraction from the league. Traditionally United have been a great cup team and we want to give the fans that."