United do not scare Entwistle

30 April 2008 9:58 AM

Defiant Phil Entwistle says Bamber Bridge are not running scared of red-hot promotion favourites FC United of Manchester.

Brig meet United at Gigg Lane tonight in a UniBond North play-off semi-final, with the winners meeting Skelmersdale United on Saturday.

Skelmersdale progressed to the final after a Georgie Donnelly double put them on their way to a 3-0 home win over Curzon Ashton last night, with Anthony Murt adding the final strike.

"Some people will have written us off already, but we can take great heart from our results against FC United this season," said Entwistle.

"We've drawn twice with FC United in the league and beat them at Irongate, so we've nothing to fear from them.

"The atmosphere should be sensational, and, with FC United expecting at least 5,000 at Gigg Lane, it will be very a hostile environment.

"I think that could help us, as that is going to pile all the expectation on Manchester.

"The game is a one-off, so it is all up for grabs.

"Bamber Bridge are the massive underdogs, but I've real faith in my lads.

"If we do it, then we'd be 90 minutes away from winning promotion to the UniBond Premier Division."

Brig clinched their place in the play-offs with a point at Clitheroe last weekend, following a 5-0 thrashing of play-off rivals Ossett Albion 48 hours earlier.

"That win at Ossett did it for us, and it was a super performance," added Entwistle.

"The pressure was on the lads for a big performance and they came up with the goods.

"I'm sure our fans will turn out in force again after the brilliant support they gave us at Ossett and Clitheroe.

"We've had a fantastic season, and we want to finish it in style by winning promotion."

Entwistle will gave fitness checks to Steve Brown and striker Sean O'Neil ahead of tonight's clash.