Friday, October 31, 2008

Man Utd rebels to swell Watnall Road crowd

Source: Mansfield Chad

Published Date: 31 October 2008
A POSSIBLE record crowd is expected at Hucknall Town's Watnall Road this weekend for the visit of high-profile FC United Of Manchester for an FA Trophy tie.
But the Second Qualifying Round match won't involve The Yellows, instead FC United will be up against Worksop Town.

For Worksop currently have a ground-sharing agreement with Hucknall after being locked out of their former home at Sandy Lane.

FC United were formed in 2005 by disgruntled Manchester United fans in protest at American Malcolm Glazer's takeover of the Old Trafford club.

The rebel outfit are well supported and regularly take up to 2,000 fans to away games. The current attendance record at Watnall Road was also set in the FA Trophy when Hucknall beat Bishop's Stortford in the semi-finals in 2005 in front of 1,871 fans.

Worksop are currently third from bottom of the Unibond Premier League table, while FC United are hovering around mid-table in the same division.

Rebel Reds on FA Trophy trail

8:10am Friday 31st October 2008

FC United have a fantastic opportunity to take a step closer to their Wembley dream when they travel to Worksop Town in the FA Trophy.

The struggling Nottinghamshire side are bottom of UniBond Premier League, while the in-form Rebel Reds, who overcame neighbours Radcliffe Borough in the previous round courtesy of Adam Turner’s 94th-minute winner, go into tomorrow’s second qualifying tie having lost just once in their last eight games.

Karl Marginson’s side moved up to ninth in the table following Wednesday night’s superb 3-1 victory against high-flying Ilkeston Town.

And with the prolific Kyle Wilson, the league’s top hitman grabbed his 15th goal of the season in midweek, in their ranks, the Gigg Lane tenants will be confident of overcoming basement boys Worksop.

Meanwhile, Leigh Genesis, still reeling from news that chairman and financial backer Dominic Speakman has quit the club, will attempt to put a side together for their clash with Cammell Laird at Chorley’s Victory Park.

Manager Steve Bleasdale has vowed to carry on unpaid in the short term and hopes that most of the squad will follow suit as the club’s supporters try to put together a rescue package.

With £3,000 up for grabs to the winners of the tie there is an incentive for the players who do turn out to make amends for the defeat at Laird two weeks ago in the league.

Rebel Reds on FA Trophy trail

Source: The Bolton News

FC United have a fantastic opportunity to take a step closer to their Wembley dream when they travel to Worksop Town in the FA Trophy.

The struggling Nottinghamshire side are bottom of UniBond Premier League, while the in-form Rebel Reds, who overcame neighbours Radcliffe Borough in the previous round courtesy of Adam Turner’s 94th-minute winner, go into tomorrow’s second qualifying tie having lost just once in their last eight games.

Karl Marginson’s side moved up to ninth in the table following Wednesday night’s superb 3-1 victory against high-flying Ilkeston Town.

And with the prolific Kyle Wilson, the league’s top hitman grabbed his 15th goal of the season in midweek, in their ranks, the Gigg Lane tenants will be confident of overcoming basement boys Worksop.

Meanwhile, Leigh Genesis, still reeling from news that chairman and financial backer Dominic Speakman has quit the club, will attempt to put a side together for their clash with Cammell Laird at Chorley’s Victory Park.

Manager Steve Bleasdale has vowed to carry on unpaid in the short term and hopes that most of the squad will follow suit as the club’s supporters try to put together a rescue package.

With £3,000 up for grabs to the winners of the tie there is an incentive for the players who do turn out to make amends for the defeat at Laird two weeks ago in the league.

Thursday, October 30, 2008

Mosques united

30/10/2008

FOUR Manchester mosques united to take part in a football competition organised by FC United of Manchester to crteate better community cohesion.

The Sunna Mosque and the Darul-hiqmah Centre from Cheetham Hill and the Didsbury Mosque and the Makki Masjid in Longsight each entered an under 11’s team, an under 14’s team and an under 16’s team to contest the five-a-side tournament which was held at Old Trafford Sports Barn.

"The idea originally came from Diallo Mamadou, a basketball coach living in Cheetham Hill," said Robin Pye, FC United’s community and education organiser.

"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.

Added Robin: "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."

The tournament was funded by the Cooperative Membership as part of a project aimed at encouraging diverse participation in the football club. Among the dignatories presenting prizes was Councillor Afzal Khan CBE.

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 United 3 Ilkeston 1

29/10/2008

CARLOS Roca struck twice as the Rebels climbed three places to ninth in the UniBond Premier with victory over overhigh-flying Ilkeston in front of 1,550 at Gigg Lane.

Ace marksman Kyle Wilson gave them a 14th minute but Scott Garner equalised four minutes before the break after keeper Sam Ashton spilled Steve Istead's 25-yard shot.

But Roca restored FC's advantage in the 55th minute, volleying in Alex Skidmore's cross, before sealing their most impressive win of the season nine minutes from time.

Wembley way

Tony Howard

30/10/2008

FC UNITED have their sights fixed on Wembley Way as they go into FA Trophy action this weekend.

The reds face a tough trip to Nottinghamshire side Worksop as they bid to emulate the upset caused when UniBond league side Burscough won the trophy in 2003.

Manager Karl Marginson is confident United can reverse their poor form in previous FA competitions and go all the way to Wembley.

He said: "Burscough showed that teams in this league can go all the way and win the trophy, so we are confident of a good run and, who knows, maybe a day out at Wembley.

"The supporters who made a stand against the greed in the Premier League by forming this club probably thought they may never go to Wembley again, but we want to keep that dream alive.

"We haven’t performed great in the FA cups so far, but we saw with our last minute win against Radcliffe in the last round that our luck may be changing.

"We’ve won league titles and league trophies but it’s the FA competitions that excite Manchester United fans and we want to do justice to our history by having a good go at reaching Wembley.

"Worksop are in our league, so we’ve got to fancy our chances."

FC go into the game after an impressive 3-1 victory over one of the favourites for the UniBond Premier League title.

Goals from Kyle Wilson and brace from Carlos Roca saw United beat Ilkeston Town at Gigg Lane last night (Wednesday).

Wilson opened the scoring with an opportunist strike from the edge of the box, before the visitors equalised to leave it level at the break.

Roca capped a fine display with two well-taken second half goals to take United up to ninth in the UniBond Premier League.

On Saturday (October 25) FC were held 0-0 at windy Whitby in a game ruined by the weather.

The Worksop FA Trophy game kicks off at 3pm and admission at the turnstile is £8 adults and £4 concessions.

Robins suffer second defeat in four days

Published Date: 30 October 2008

By Rod Malcolm

UniBond Premier DivisionFC United of Manchester 3Ilkeston Town 1

You get stuck in traffic, tumble out of the coach on a chill and windy night. Then things really start to go downhill.

Roared on by a hefty crowd, FC United overcame early problems to set about the Robins with great vigour at Gigg Lane.

Jerome Wright nearly created the opening goal for striker Carlos Roca, whose effort was just off target.

In the 14th minute, the hosts were in front when an Ilkeston defender lost the ball just outside his penalty area. Kyle Wilson was too polite to ignore such a gift, wafting the ball into the net with one sweep of his boot.

Ilkeston captain Lee Thompson led the recovery and was unlucky to see his long range effort just miss a top corner. Had that gone in, fathers would have told sons and grandsons about it for ages.

Robins midfielder Steven Istead, who once played in front of 40,000 at St James's Park, was relishing the battle. He had forced keeper Sam Ashton into a fine early save and was crucial to the equaliser.

Ben Pringle knocked a free kick into his path and the shot was too tricky for Ashton. As the ball ran loose, defender Scott Garner scored his first Ilkeston goal in only his second match.

That 41st minute effort kept the Robins on an even keel, although keeper Chris Adamson had to make a good save from Adam Turner just after the break.

In 54 minutes, United powered their way back in front when Alex Skidmore's fine cross caused havoc. Roca rocked the Robins by turning the ball in from a few yards out.

It was a good goal but not enough to quell the visitors. Istead saw an effort deflected onto the bar and Tom Cahill's header went over the top.

Cahill was enjoying a good spell and supplied Pringle in 74 minutes. Keeper Ashton was beaten by the clever shot and seemed lucky that the ball obligingly struck him on the line.

But United were having the better of the match and signed a guarantee of victory with ten minutes left. The ball ran loose to Roca, who made the art of scoring look rather easy.

Ilkeston: Chris Adamson, Lee Thompson, Paul Hurst, Anthony Church, Scott Garner, Kieran Murphy, Steven Istead (Curtis Shaw 68], Ben Pringle, Amari Morgan-Smith (Jon Douglas 81], Tom Cahill, Sam Duncum (Anthony Howell 45].

Unused subs: Dean Gordon, Dan Haystead (goal].

Referee: P Norris (Altrincham] Gate 1550.

FC United 3 Ilkeston 1

10:35pm Wednesday 29th October 2008

FC United picked up a valuable three points in the UniBond Premier Division by hammering Ilkeston 3-1.

Kyle Wilson opened the scoring for Karl Marginson’s men, before Carlos Rocca added a brace.

Injury blow for Williams

James Robson

29/10/2008

FC United's Danny Williams will be out of action until next year after breaking his leg against Whitby Town on Saturday.

But Rebels' manager Karl Marginson is backing the forward to make a full recovery.

"He will be in a cast for six to eight weeks so it looks like he won't be back until the New Year," said Marginson. "But he is only 19, so hopefully he will be a quick healer."

United face Ilkeston at Gigg Lane tonight, with Marginson hoping they can make a statement against one of the sides tipped to be pushing for promotion.

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

UniBond Shorts

by NLP Staff

Sunday, October 26, 2008

FC UNITED raised more than £11,000 for charity after challenging players and supporters to a 5km run around Chorlton Water Park.

The Red Rebels raised the money for Prestwich-based Mediquip with fan Christopher Small finishing first, closely followed by United’s Simon Garner.

Success of a fan-led club

Fan Base

This week FC United fan Vinny Thompson

NonLeague Today 26.10.2008

FC UNITED are very special to all of us involved with the football club. The whole concept is a new way forward in football, a club which is supporter led, and democratically owned by the supporters.

It is a way for the man in the street to gain access into sport, to take decisions within a club and what's more, it has been a success. None of us came into this with any expertise of running a football club.

Living in Tameside, my only involvement in NonLeaque was to go and watch a few games, but since FC United came into existence, everyone had grown with the club.

An important aspect of FC United is the commitment to the community.

In fact our constitution states that FC United must be "accessible and of benefit to all communities of Greater Manchester."

That commitment is demonstrated by us having 300 volunteers working with local groups.

In a couple of week's time I’ll be organising a tournament for kids from care homes from all the North West.

In a scheme being supported by the Co-op, we will be working with refugee groups.

There will also be a tournament for four local mosques who have formed their own teams.

We hold inclusion days when under 18s are allowed into games for free.

This will ensure that kids from areas where they have never seen live sport will be able to watch a game.

People from most areas within our communities would come and support football if only we reached out to them.

As you know we have big support, and they do like to make a lot of noise. We call them the 90/90 fans.

That is 90 per cent of the fans sing for 90 minutes. But we still respect our NonLeague roots and enjoy the great camaraderie among NonLeaque supporters.

When we started off In the North West Counties a few short years ago we took big crowds to other grounds and that has continued as we moved up the Pyramid.

The banter and rapport with opposition fans in clubhouses and local pubs is great. That is something which is special to NonLeague

Monday, October 27, 2008

More than 1,000 pack in for Blues' clash

Published Date: 27 October 2008

By Andrew Snaith

STRONG winds meant the first-ever four-figure Unibond League crowd at the Turnbull Ground had to settle for a goal-less draw on Saturday.

An estimated 750 fans made the trip across the Pennines to back the Manchester United supporters' club, but their first visit to the town saw them greeted with freezing gales which battered the Yorkshire coast.

As a result, flowing football was at a premium but both sides, to their credit, worked patiently to keep the ball on the immaculate playing surface prepared by groundsman Eric Wilson.

Town were bidding to extend their unbeaten league run to nine matches, but the visitors themselves were in the midst of a decent run, with just one defeat in six matches.

Indeed, it was FC United who inflicted Whitby's last UniBond League defeat when the sides met at Bury's Gigg Lane in August.

The Seasiders were unchanged from the side which ended Guiseley's unbeaten league run in midweek, however it was United who threatened first when Danny Warrender's weak effort from distance was easily gathered by Nick Liversedge.

On 18 minutes, Simon Garner's left wing free-kick was directed wide by Danny Williams arriving late at the far post.

Whitby came close for the first time when in-form Jimmy Beadle nodded narrowly over the top from a good position after a series of deflections favoured the home side.

Just before the break, Beadle, who had four goals in five outings going into the match, tried a trademark drive from range which flew narrowly off target.

The Seasiders kept up the barrage with successive corners culminating in a United defender having to clear off his own goal-line.

The second half saw Whitby start as they'd ended the first with Michael Rae using his strength to hold off a defender as he battled into the area, but could only scuff a shot straight at United keeper Sam Ashton.

Ashton's opposite number was called into action on the hour mark. It took a great reaction save from Town keeper Liversedge to keep out Jerome Wright's goalbound volley.

The rebound was then deflected past the near post by covering Whitby defender Craig Bishop.

FC looked the more likely side to break the deadlock as the match wore on and came close on 75 minutes. It was Garner who came forward from his left-back position.

The Lancastrians' number three took on and beat three or more Whitby players before miscontrolling when through on goal and allowing Liversedge to claim.

Whitby's sole change came on 82 minutes when striker Tom Raw left to loud applause and was replaced by veteran forward Lee Nogan.

However, the action was all happening at the other end and United should really have won the game with just five minutes left.

Garner's pinpoint free-kick to the far post fell perfectly into the path of skipper Dave Chadwick, who somehow let the ball skim off the top of his head from point-blank range, when any kind of firm contact would have brought the winning goal.

As it was, Adam Carden's ambitious 25-yard effort gratefully caught by Liversedge two minutes from time was the last action of a decent game considering the overhead conditions.

Both sets of supporters were also deserving of credit for providing a superb atmosphere.

Many Blues followers were disappointed to see the ever-popular Danny Brunskill left on the subs' bench on his return alongside teenage winger Sam Garvie.

However, both should have the chance to cause their bosses a welcome selection headache ahead of Saturday's FA Trophy trip to Stocksbridge with a good display at Pickering Town tonight.

Whitby Town: Liversedge, Burgess, Bishop, Lyth, Forster, Beadle, Huggins, Hackworth, Raw (Nogan 82), Rae, Scott. Subs not used: Brunskill, Brumwell, Garvie, Campbell.

Attendance: 1,079

Match sponsor: Autocool Radiators. Matchball sponsor: Rainham Industrial Services Ltd.Whitby

Co-operative WTFC Man of the Match: Jimmy Beadle.

Result: Whitby Town 0 FC United of Manchester 0

Whitby Town 0 FC United 0

Unibond League Premier Division

10:03pm Sunday 26th October 2008

By Staff Sports Reporter

FC United’s Danny Williams broke his leg in the goalless draw at Whitby on Saturday.

He was carried off after a crunching tackle and went to the hospital straight after the match where an X-ray revealed the full extent of his injury.

Windy conditions played havoc for both teams as chances went begging.

Danny Warrenden and Simon Garner both went close for FC United, while keeper Sam Ashton had a busy day having to deal with the ball in the swirling wind.

Sunday, October 26, 2008

Whitby Town 0 FC United 0

25/10/2008

THE Rebels battled to a goalless draw against the UniBond League premier division's in-form team on the wind-blown Yorkshire coast.

The conditions ruined the game as a spectacle, and the only incident of any note was the sad sight of young FC striker Danny Williams - one of the goal heroes in the midweek win at Frickley - being stretchered off with an injury.

FC boss Karl Marginson tried to keep the same team which had defeated Frickley, but family commitments robbed him of midfielder Simon Carden, who was replaced by Dave Neville.

With Chris Baguley out for a week with a hamstring strain and his brother Jamie still a month away from a return, FC now face second-placed Ilkeston Town at Gigg Lane on Wednesday night

Friday, October 24, 2008

Rebels new boy tied up in red tape

Source: M.E.N.

24/10/2008

FC UNITED manager Karl Marginson is to lobby his MP - to try to give new boy Papis Djeeyte a game of football!

The Senegalese midfielder has received international clearance from his country's FA, but was denied his Rebels debut in the midweek win at Frickley as the Home Office has declared his work permit does not apply to non-league football.

"He can play professional football, but they seem intent on depriving the lad a chance to play non-league football on a Saturday afternoon," says Marginson.

"I will be speaking to my MP, because I can't see who benefits from the situation."

FC face in-form Whitby Town away tomorrow, the Yorkshire side going eight games unbeaten since losing at Gigg Lane in August.

Marginson is set to stick with the side that won at Frickley, with Danny Warrender in midfield for injured Chris Baguley and Danny Williams up front.

United aces hit Whitby

Source: Scarborough Evening News

Published Date: 24 October 2008
By Staff Copy
The biggest crowd at the Turnbull Ground since Match Of The Day featured the FA Cup clash with Plymouth in 2001, is expected when FC United of Manchester visit tomorrow.
The Lancastrian side, formed just four years ago by Manchester United supporters disappointed at the Malcolm Glazer takeover, will making their first ever appearance at the Blues' HQ, but will be hoping to complete a double over Town after victory a
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cross the pennines in August.

However, the Seasiders have been in fine form since then with just one defeat in their next 12 games since, and have yet to lose in eight league games after a terrible start of five successive defeats.

Both teams enjoyed 3-1 midweek away successes in West Yorkshire, with Town ending Guiseley's unbeaten league record in style on Tuesday, before United hit struggling Frickley the following night.

The Rebels are on a decent run of form themselves with just one defeat in six, and have an almost identical record to Town, but lie one place below, with a game in hand.

They can also boast the division's leading goalscorer in Kyle Wilson, who has netted 14 in all so far.

The visitors' summer signing from Skelmersdale United grabbed a hat-trick in United's 3-1 success when the sides met in front of over 2,000 spectators at FC's Gigg Lane ground, with former Leeds United and Scarborough FC striker Tony Hackworth replying for Town.

Around 800 to 1,000 supporters are expected to converge on the Turnbull from Greater Manchester with fans advised to get to the ground early to avoid congestion.

Take the Gigg health check challenge

1:00pm Thursday 23rd October 2008

FOOTBALL fans are urged to match themselves against their local heroes by taking a health MOT on match days at Gigg Lane.

The borough’s Health Kick team caught up with both the Bury FC and FC United squads to put them through their paces.

The players had their blood pressure and carbon monoxide levels checked, their lung function assessed, and their body mass index calculated.

From FC United’s first team squad, Jerome Wright had a BMI of 22 (an ideal weight for his height), his blood pressure was 126/70, his carbon monoxide level was 2 and his peak flow was 550, indicating that he was in good all round health.

Top of the league for lung function in the FC United squad was Sam Ashton, while the whole squad had excellent blood pressure and carbon monoxide readings.

For the Shakers, Mike Jones and Elliott Bennett came in with an ideal BMI of 23 and good blood pressure and carbon monoxide readings.

The Health Kick staff run MOTs at selected match days in Bury.

Those who take the test can be directed on to the Health Kick programme or to various health trainers and advice providers.

Andrea Pilling, Health Kicks co-ordinator, said: “Having a health MOT will only take ten minutes but it can lead to people making huge changes towards a healthier lifestyle.”

Frickley 1 FC United 3

Stuart Brennan

23/10/2008

SIMON Garner curled in a stunning free kick to set the Rebels on their way to a hard-earned win in West Yorkshire.

The left back's debut goal came on 31 minutes after the Tigers had made FC fight hard in the shadow of the former colliery team's infamous slag heap.

The match was held up for 45 minutes after the FC team coach became stuck in a 15-mile tailback on the M62, but the delay could not stop the Rebels from moving to within five points of the play-off places, with a game in hand.

Within two minutes of Garner's wonder strike, the premier division's top scorer Kyle Wilson (pictured) had kept up his phenomenal strike rate, scoring his 14th goal in 15 appearances.

He looked to have got the ball stuck under his feet as he broke away on the tacky surface, but dug it out to slide his shot beyond the keeper.

Struggling Frickley threatened to get back into the game when, four minutes before half time, defender Chris Hilton scored to make it 2-1.

But FC rallied strongly and Danny Williams slid in to secure the win with eight minutes remaining.

Thursday, October 23, 2008

FC rock Borough with late winner

23/10/2008

FC UNITED kept their Wembley dream alive with a last minute 1-0 win over local rivals Radcliffe Borough in the FA Trophy on Saturday.

Borough were left blaming the referee for adding five minutes of injury time, which allowed Adam Turner to head the reds through to the second qualifying round.

The referee may have had a shocker but Borough, who had to make do without injured trio Gary Sampson, Adam Roscoe and Martyn Forrest, failed to leave their own half for the majority of the match and most of those present at Gigg Lane were scratching their heads more at FC’s inability to turn possession into goals than at any of the strange decisions that the officials concocted.

Adam Carden capped a fine performance with the last-gasp cross for Turner to loop the ball past ex-United keeper Phil Priestley and spare the UniBond Premier side’s blushes.

The reds have been drawn away to Worksop Town in the second qualifying round on Saturday, November 1.

Before that, FC visit Whitby Town in the league on Saturday, October 25, kick-off 3pm.

At the same time, 13th-placed Radcliffe host 16th-placed Colwyn Bay in the UniBond League First Division North. They then visit Woodley Sports in the UniBond League Challenge Cup on Tuesday, October 28, kick-off 7.45pm.

Meanwhile, Radcliffe are also reeling from a 1-0 Manchester Premier Cup home defeat to first division rivals Trafford on Tuesday night.

The only goal in what was Radcliffe’s third successive cup match came in the 64th minute.

Radcliffe were without six first team players on Tuesday with captain Simon Kelly, Tom Rutter and Lee Connell joining Sampson, Roscoe and Forrest on the sidelines.

And the game represented Richard Battersby’s last for Radcliffe due to his agreed move to Conference North high flyers Stalybridge Celtic.

FC unstoppable after hold-up

6:20am Thursday 23rd October 2008

By Staff Sports Reporter

Frickley Athletic 1 FC United 3

FC United were held up by motorway congestion but were unstoppable once the action got under way 45 minutes late.

They were soon into their stride and Simon Garner and Kyle Wilson gave them a two-goal lead before Frickley pulled one back just before half-time.

But Wilson’s second after the break gave the Rebel Reds a deserved victory.

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Papis cleared for Rebels

Source: M.E.N.

22/10/2008

PAPIS Djeeyte is lined up for his FC United debut in the depths of South Yorkshire tonight.

The Senegalese midfielder's international clearance has finally come through and he is likely to get a place on the bench in the UniBond League premier division clash withstruggling Frickley Athletic (7.45pm).

"Papis' clearance coming through is a big boost to us, especially as going to Frickley is always a battle," says manager Karl Marginson.

"I will be picking a team with the conditions in mind. It's an old mining village, the ground is in the shadow of a slag heap and it's the kind of place where if you don't meet the challenge head on you will come unstuck."

Police warn South Elmsall shops to be aware ahead of match between Frickley Athletic and FC United of Manchester

Source: Sth Elmsall Express

Published Date: 22 October 2008
POLICE have been warning shop owners to be on their guard when Frickley Athletic play FC United of Manchester tonight (Wednesday).
The match will kick off at 7.45pm in the GMB stadium on Westfield Lane, South Elmsall.

Peter Bywater, chair of Frickley Athletic, said: "We are expecting a larger crowd but we're not expecting any trouble.

"We always take precautions and employ more staff when there are big games."

Sgt Albert Yeoman, of South Kirkby neighbourhood police team, said: "PCSOs have been visiting shops in the area. It's just to make sure they are aware that this is going to be a high profile match so they can take the necessary precautions."

What do you think about the match and its fans? Will you be going to watch the game? Let us know what you think by adding a comment in the section below.

Rebels look for back-to-back wins

Source: The Bolton News

FC United return to league action at Frickley Athletic tonight hoping to build on their FA Trophy success.

The Rebels travel to South Yorkshire with confidence after beating Radcliffe Borough at the weekend to set up a trip to Worksop Town.

FC boss Karl Marginson is set to be without Chris Baguley after the influential midfielder limped off in the 1-0 victory with a groin strain.

Monday, October 20, 2008

Tigers to play FC United

Source: Worksop Guardian

Published Date: 20 October 2008
The Tigers will play FC United of Manchester in the second qualifying round of the FA Cup.
The game will take place on Saturday 1st November at Watnall Road, Hucknall, with a 3pm kick-off.

For more on the Tigers see this Friday's Guardian.

FC United 1 Radcliffe Borough 0

Source: The Bolton News

By Nick Jackson »


FC United knocked their neighbours out of the FA Trophy with virtually the last kick of the game at Gigg Lane.

Adam Turner rose to head the winner from Simon Carden’s free kick in the third minute of injury time to break the resistance of Boro who had defended heroically all afternoon.

Griff Jones fluffed a golden opportunity to put the Stainton Park men ahead on 73 minutes when he was played in superbly by Richard Battersby, but his shot was blocked by the Rebels’ keeper Sam Ashton.

Manchester Cup holders Boro entertain Trafford tomorrow night in the same competition, kick off 7.45pm.

FC face Trophy trip

20/10/2008

FC UNITED face a trip to fellow UniBond League premier division side Worksop Town in the second qualifying round of the FA Trophy.

The Rebels have already met the Tigers in a league clash at Gigg Lane this season, that match ending goalless, and now face a trip to Hucknall, where Worksop ground-share, on November 1.

Ashton United have a home tie with Ilkeston Town, Leigh Genesis are at home to Cammell Laird and Warrington Town travel to play the winner of Tuesday's replay between Romulus and Garforth Town.

Turner keeps Rebels on track


19/10/2008

FC UNITED chief Karl Marginson praised his players' patience after they'd taken their first step on the long road to Wembley in the FA Trophy with a last-gasp 1-0 victory over neighbours Radcliffe.

The Rebels had to wait until the dying seconds of injury-time before centre-half Adam Turner looped in a header from Adam Carden's cross to secure their passage into the second qualifying-round.

The win was no more than FC deserved, as they dominated throughout and only once had cause to panic when Carden denied Steve Howson with a goal-line clearance.

Marginson, an FA Trophy winner as a player with Macclesfield 12 years ago, said: "I'm really proud of the patience and belief we showed. The goal was a long time coming, but I'd say the result was spot-on.

"To get to Wembley would mean everything, but that's a million miles away. All we're now concentrating on is Wednesday's league game at Frickley."

Ashton United and Leigh joined FC in successfully negotiating their opening Trophy hurdle.

Goals by Robbie Talbot and skipper Ian Kearney ensured Ashton saw off visiting Lincoln 2-1, while Genesis squeezed past Harrogate Railway courtesy of Jordan Stephen's 20th minute header.

Elsewhere, there was Trophy heartache for Trafford as they fell 3-2 at Whitby, while Witton went out 1-0 at home to Worksop and Salford were hit for six at Stourbridge.

Friday, October 17, 2008

Marginson goes easy on Garner

Source: M.E.N.

Stuart Brennan
17/10/2008

KARL Marginson says he will not be "crucifying" left back Simon Garner for his red card in the midweek home defeat by Kendal Town.

In fact Garner - sent off for retaliating with a head butt to Lee Ashcroft's elbow, for which he was also dismissed - is set to reclaim his place in the team for the FA Trophy "derby" clash with Radcliffe Borough at Gigg Lane.

Marginson is pondering other changes after a poor second half display against the Cumbrians left FC closer to the relegation zone than the play-offs, but says he will review the match DVD before picking his team.

Garner's likely three-match ban will not begin for a fortnight, but Marginson had some sympathy for the player, as he responded to a red-card offence: "Simon's disappointed - it was one of those things where you just react out of instinct and regret it instantly, so I am not going to crucify him.

"To be honest, the two red cards spurred us on. We told the players at half time to go out and raise the tempo of the game. I don't know what team went out there in the second half, but I suppose you get that with young players sometimes.

"Jerome Wright ran himself into the ground, and I felt sorry for him because he had been magnificent in the first half."

The Trophy offers an outside chance of a trip to Wembley, although the biug guns of the Conference are not involved in the first qualifying round.

But with prize money up for grabs - Saturday's tie is worth £2,300 to the victors - the competition is not to be sniffed at.

Marginson said: "It can be done by teams at our level. Burscough did it a couple of years ago."

Thursday, October 16, 2008

FC United v Radcliffe Borough

Source: The Bolton News

8:23pm Thursday 16th October 2008
By Nick Jackson »


RADCLIFFE Borough go in search of the winning habit at Gigg Lane on Saturday in the FA Trophy.

They broke their home league hoodoo in style by thrashing Salford City 6-0 five days ago, but made a disappointing exit in the Presidents Cup with a 2-1 defeat to Mossley on Tuesday night.

Boro looked like capitalising on the momentum of the Salford result at Seel Park, but they were undone as much by the awful weather than anything else.

Steve Howson missed his second penalty in two games, but atoned by giving the Stainton Park club the lead just after the interval.

As conditions worsened, Mossley clawed their way back into the game thanks to a deflected free-kick from Lee Blackshaw, before substitute Dan Egan blasted the winner 13 minutes from time. Meanwhile, the Rebels will also be looking for a return to winning ways following their first defeat in four games at home on Wednesday night.

They were beaten 3-1 by Kendal Town in an incident-packed Unibond Premier League game at Gigg.

FC conceded after just 41 seconds, allowing Carl Osman, brother of Everton’s Leon, to score.

Both sides had a man sent off and United’s Chris Baguley had a penalty saved.

Baguley made amends by equalising from open play, but Michael Cole and Osman scored again.

I pray I'll kick another ball

Source: Prestwich Advertiser

Sam Kirby
16/10/2008

AN AMATEUR footballer has told of his agony at the news he may never play again after a horror tackle left his leg shattered.

Gary Edwards, 22, was playing for Bury Amateurs FC last Saturday in an away game against Heywood St James when a tackle came flying in which left him on the floor in agony.

He suffered a spiral break to his fibula and doctors fear he may never play again - devastating news for the man who considers football to be his life.

Former FC United reserve team player Gary, from Downham Crescent, Prestwich, said: "I was just playing my normal game and I’m quite a good player.

"I think they noticed that and decided to go in hard. I was fouled a couple of times and then on the last tackle I heard a snap.

"I knew straight away something was up, it was really painful."

Gary’s dad, John, rushed him to Fairfield General Hospital, where he is due to have surgery this week.

John said: "He was hacked down and it caused a spiral break to the fibula. The tackle that caught him was really bad.

"It could finish his career and the surgeon has said he might never play again.

"He is hopefully going to have an operation this week to have a plate screwed in to the back of the bone.

"He’ll have that for 12 months and then we’ll take it from there."

Gary, a keen FC United fan, had a spell playing for reds reserve team before they were disbanded last year.

He now trains with Bury Amateurs once a week, plays for the first team on Saturdays and plays five-a-side and still watches FC.

He said: "Every spare minute I get I’m always kicking a ball.

"It’s devastating to know I am going to be out for a long time at the very least.

"If the operation goes well I’m hoping I’ll make a recovery but there’s still a chance I won’t be able to play again.

"They’re delaying the operation because of the swelling and it was quite a bad break.

"I couldn’t imagine not being able to play again, it’s not worth thinking about. If they said that I don’t think I’d be able to take it."

Marginson's College Links Prove Useful

Source: The Non-League Paper

by Kim Jones
Thursday, October 16, 2008

UniBond League Premier Division club FC United of Manchester are set to sign Senegalese midfielder Papis Djeeyte after he impressed in training and friendly games.

United manager Karl Marginson's links with Manchester College of Arts and Technology, where he coaches, are also paying dividends, with FC United getting an early look at talented young African players like Djeeyte and Gambian under-20 international Kebba Bah.

Bah is having visa problems, but Djeeyte should be free to turn out once the club gets clearance from the Senegal FA.

Marginson said: "There are signs that Papis is the real deal, but he is still some way short of full fitness.

"There is a queue of African players hoping to make their fame and fortune in Europe, and quite a few are attracted to us because of our profile."

Kendal's Shock Victory Over FC United

Source: The Non-League Paper

by Tom Symmonds
Thursday, October 16, 2008

Kendal Town shocked the majority in the 1,801 crowd at Gigg Lane by beating FC United of Manchester on Wednesday night and move into fourth place in the UniBond League Premier Division table.

Winger Carl Osman gave the Cumbrian visitors the boost of a first-minute lead but then both sides were reduced to ten-men and Chris Baguley missed a penalty for United before he redeemed himself with the equaliser 2 minutes before the break.

Michael Cole gave Kendal the lead once more 6 minutes after the interval and Osman scored his second on 64 to confirm victory.

In the other game played on Wednesday, Worksop Town and Prescot Cables began the evening in the bottom four when they met at Sandy Lane, and they remain in the bottom four after sharing a 3-3 draw.

Karl O`Donnell gave Cables a 16th minute lead that Kevi Sanasay cancelled out on 23 minutes.

Steve McEwan restored the visitors lead just before half time but this see-saw game had Matt Glass equalising 8 minutes after the break before Andy Boyce put the Tigers in front for the first time on 65 minutes only for Darren Byers to level things once more 14 minutes from time.

FC United 1 Kendal 3

Source: M.E.N.

Stuart Brennan
16/10/2008

FOUR goals, two red cards and a missed penalty . . . there was more fun to be had in Bury than Belarus, writes Stuart Brennan.

But FC United's mini-revival came screeching to a halt, reined in by Kendal winger Carl Osman, brother of Everton star Leon.

The Rebels had won their last two league games, scoring nine in the process.

But high-flying Kendal put the shackles on 13-goal top-scorer Kyle Wilson and that severely restricted the FC threat.

Osman started the rot after just 40 seconds, latching on to a deflected pass to finish with aplomb.

Kendal's veteran player/ manager Lee Ashcroft was sent off for an elbow on FC full-back Simon Garner, who swiftly followed for a retaliatory head butt.

Chris Baguley saw his penalty saved before redeeming himself with the equaliser on 43 minutes after sterling work by Jerome Wright.

The Rebels could easily have had the game wrapped up by half-time as Wilson shot into the side netting after a great piece of control, and skipper Dave Chadwick saw a header somehow saved on the line by Kendal keeper David Newnes.



Kendal rallied in the second half and Michael Cole took advantage of some shoddy defending to edge the Cumbrians ahead again.

Osman secured the points on 65 minutes when his shot took a deflection to soar past keeper Sam Ashton.

Margy's sympathy for Garner

Source: M.E.N.

Stuart Brennan
16/10/2008

KARL Marginson says he will not be "crucifying" left back Simon Garner for his red card in the midweek home defeat by Kendal Town.

In fact Garner - sent off for retaliating with a head butt to Lee Ashcroft's elbow, for which he was also dismissed - is set to reclaim his place in the team for tomorrow's FA Trophy "derby" clash with Radcliffe Borough at Gigg Lane.

Marginson is pondering other changes after a poor second half display against the Cumbrians left FC closer to the relegation zone than the play-offs, but says he will review the match DVD before picking his team.

Garner's likely three-match ban will not begin for a fortnight, but Marginson had some sympathy for the player, as he responded to a red-card offence.

"Simon's disappointed - it was one of those things where you just react out of instinct and regret it instantly, so I am not going to crucify him.

"To be honest, the two red cards spurred us on. We told the players at half time to go out and raise the tempo of the game. I don't know what team went out there in the second half, but I suppose you get that with young players sometimes.

"Jerome Wright ran himself into the ground, and I felt sorry for him because he had been magnificent in the first half."

The Trophy offers an outside chance of a trip to Wembley, although the big guns of the Conference are not involved in the first qualifying round.

But with prize money up for grabs - tomorrow's tie is worth £2,300 to the victors - the competition is not to be sniffed at.

Says Marginson: "It can be done by teams at our level. Burscough did it a couple of years ago."

Rebels go down

Source: The Bolton News

6:00am Thursday 16th October 2008
By Liam Chronnell »


FC United slipped to their first defeat in four games when they lost 3-1 to Kendal Town in an incident-packed UniBond Premier League clash at Gigg Lane.

The Rebels suffered a disastrous start when Carl Osman, brother of Everton’s Leon, scored after just 41 seconds.

Both sides were reduced to 10 men when United full-back Simon Garner, playing against his former club, retaliated after being elbowed by Town player-manager Lee Ashcroft.

FC wasted a great chance to draw level on the half-hour when Chris Baguley’s spot-kick was saved by David Newnes.

The midfielder made amends two minutes before half-time, when he put United back on terms, but Michael Cole and the impressive Osman scored second half goals as the visitors claimed the points.

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Rebels sign midfielder

Stuart Mathieson

14/10/2008

FC UNITED are set to sign Senegalese midfielder Papis Djeeyte after he impressed in training and friendly games.

But the Rebels will not get international clearance in time for Wednesday's home clash with Kendal Town at Gigg Lane (7.45).

Manager Karl Marginson is set to stick with the side that blitzed Witton Albion 5-3 in the last game, saying: "That performance was fantastic and now we need to build on that. I don't want to talk about turning corners because it is too early for that, and Kendal are a very good side, a few places above us in the table.

"But I feel our football this season has been the best we have played in our history, and now the young lads here are starting to realise they can play at the higher level.

"We have dropped silly points but defensively have looked better since we brought in Danny Warrender and Simon Garner as full backs.

"If we can carry on playing the kind of football we have played in our last two games, few teams will live with us."

Marginson's links with Manchester College of Arts and Technology, where he coaches, are also paying dividends, with FC getting an early look at talented young African players like Djeeyte and Gambian under-20 international Kebba Bah.

Bah is having visa problems, but Djeeyte should be free to turn out once the club gets clearance from the Senegal FA.

Marginson said: "There are signs that Papis is the real deal, but he is still some way short of full fitness.

"There is a queue of African players hoping to make their fame and fortune in Europe, and quite a few are attracted to us because of our profile."

Wednesday, October 08, 2008

Marginson hails goal star Wilson

3:15pm Wednesday 8th October 2008

By Liam Chronnell

FC United boss Karl Marginson has hailed Kyle Wilson’s prolific contribution. The UniBond Premier League’s top scorer took his tally to 13 for the season with a double in Saturday’s 5-3 victory against Witton Albion. Rebels fans feared the worst when strike duo Rory Patterson and Stuart Rudd joined Bradford Park Avenue in the summer. But former Crewe striker Wilson has more than filled the void. “Some people said we’d struggle to score goals after losing the two lads from last year but I didn’t think that was going to be the case and Kyle has proved it,” said Marginson. “We can’t ask for anything more. “It’s not just the goals though, his all-round game has been really good. He’s a very, very good player and an intelligent footballer.” Wilson led the rout against one of his former clubs at Gigg Lane. He opened the scoring after 14 seconds – and added a second on four minutes. Chris Baguley helped himself to a couple as United coasted into a four-goal lead before Lee Thompson pulled one back for Albion just before half-time. Jerome Wright restored the four-goal lead but Albion scored twice more through Thompson and Rod Thornley. FC, who have no game on Saturday, are next in action at home to Kendal Town next Wednesday.

Monday, October 06, 2008

FC United 5 Witton 3



10:40pm Sunday 5th October 2008

By Liam Chronnell

Kyle Wilson led the rout of his former club to put FC United on course for a 5-3 victory over Witton.

The former Crewe striker, who has continually proved his scoring class since joining the Rebels in the summer, scored twice in the first four minutes to take his tally to 13 for the season.

Chris Baguley helped himself to a couple as United coasted into a four-goal lead before Lee Thompson pulled one back for Albion just before half-time.

Jerome Wright restored United’s four-goal advantage but Albion scored twice more through Thompson and Rod Thornley to make it a more respectable-looking scoreline for the visitors.



Saturday, October 04, 2008

Albion surrender to ex-Factor

FC United 5 Witton 3


7:49pm Saturday 4th October 2008

By Andrew Simpson
KYLE Wilson returned to haunt his old club as Witton were handed a hiding.

The UniBond Premier Division's top scorer bagged a brace inside the opening five minutes - a feat matched by teammate Chris Baguley - as the hosts romped into a 4-0 lead.

Lee Thompson reduced Albion's arrears before Jerome Wright restored the Rebels' four-goal cushion shortly after the hour mark.

Thompson became the third player to net a double to make it 5-2 before Rod Thornley added another consolation in stoppage time.

Witton have now lost half their league matches this term, a statistic that leaves them in 16th place.

Friday, October 03, 2008

Kyle can cut it, says Deeley


2:34pm Friday 3rd October 2008

By Andrew Simpson

WITTON should be wary of a familiar face tomorrow, according to manager Nigel Deeley.

His Albion side line up against former forward Kyle Wilson, a player that currently tops the UniBond Premier Division scorers’ chart after netting 11 times in league and cup so far this season.

“We’ve got to keep him quiet,” said Deeley.

“I know a few Witton supporters were not taken by him last season when he came here but I know he’s a good player.

“I even asked him to come here to do pre-season with us before he signed for FC United.”

Wilson was released by former Witton manager Jim Vince after scoring four goals in seven starts over Christmas.

He lead a Rebels attack that has netted seven goals in their past three games.

Deeley has backed his players to shine against the league new boys tomorrow, Saturday, in front of a four-figure crowd.

“Bring it on,” said the Albion boss.

“It’s a fixture everybody looked out for in the summer because of the support they have and the atmosphere at their matches.

“I also feel it has come at the right time for us as they’ve not been as potent as they might have expected since coming into this division.”

The Rebels ran out 4-0 winners at Ossett in their last match, but before that were winless in the previous five.

Albion make the short trip following a midweek FA Cup exit at the hands of Gateshead but their performance, particularly before the break, is cause for optimism.

Deeley has a full squad to pick from – except long-term absentees Mattone Awang and Kieran Lugsden – including skipper Brian Pritchard who returns from an Achilles injury.

Kick off is 3pm.

Marginson plays it safe


3/10/2008

FC UNITED chief Karl Marginson says he's likely to stick with the team which thrashed Ossett Town 4-0 at home to Witton.

But full-back Liam Foster is pressing for a place on the subs' bench after recovering from a foot problem which has sidelined him for the last half-dozen games.

FC will be eager to build on the Ossett rout but will be wary of a Witton side who, despite lying just below them in 14th place, are showing signs of a revival.


Fixture famine ends for FC United

10:10am Friday 3rd October 2008

By Staff Sports Reporter

FC United fans are likely to make the most of a chance to see some football at Gigg Lane tomorrow with the UniBond Premier Division game against Witton Albion coming in the middle of a fixture famine.

The Rebels were laid off last weekend after being knocked out of the FA Cup and have had their next two fixtures – against Leigh Genesis and Frickley Athletic – postponed.

Manager Karl Marginson has no new selection problems ahead of the Witton clash in which he hopes his players can maintain the form they showed in beating Ossett Town 4-0 last time out.

Thursday, October 02, 2008

King hails rebels uprising

4:18pm Wednesday 1st October 2008

By Liam Chronnell

MANCHESTER United legend Eric Cantona has lavished praise on FC United.

The colourful Frenchman has been impressed by the breakaway club’s achievements since they were formed by United fans opposed to Malcolm Glazer’s takover of the Premier League giants in 2005.

And now “The King” hopes the Gigg Lane tenants can go on to become European Champions one day.

“They have a great idea,” said Cantona. “I hope they will become a great club and win the European Cup in 50 years’ time.”

Rebels boss Karl Marginson says Cantona’s backing has provided a massive boost to the UniBond Premier League outfit.

His side entertain Witton Albion on Saturday after a 10-day break following a free weekend after being knocked out of the FA Cup.

But, with Cantona’s words of encouragement ringing in the players’ ears, Marginson is confident his side can return to action with victory.

“It’s amazing what he has said and I’m sure it will give us a boost,” he said.

“I met him a bit ago when he was in Manchester filming his new movie ‘Looking for Eric’ and he was talking about FC and he knew all about us and that we’d been doing well.

“It just shows what a man of principles he is and how much he cares about United.”

He added: “Witton will be a tough game and we will need to be at our best, but if we can build on the performance against Ossett (a 4-0 win) in our last game then we will be fine.”

FC, who have no new injury worries, face another enforced rest following Saturday’s clash after the club’s next two fixtures against Leigh Genesis and Frickley Athletic were postponed.