Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Moses primed for FC debut

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.

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.

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.”

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

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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

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.”

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.

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.”

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.

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.”

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 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.

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.