Wincham ready for the FC invasion

Source: Mid Cheshire Chronicle

Jan 21 2009 by Ben Coulbeck, Mid Cheshire Chronicle

WITTON Albion officials are looking forward to the biggest pay day of the UniBond Premier season as FC United of Manchester and their travelling hordes arrive in Northwich on Saturday.

The rebel club, formed by disillusioned fans when American business tycoon Malcolm Glazer bought Manchester United in 2005, have an average home crowd of more than 2,000.

And with current finances at both Northwich football clubs being at a premium, the arrival of a potential 1,000-plus FC United fans will bring a welcome boost to the Wincham Park coffers.

Acting chairman Mark Harris said the club was prepared for the match and would extend a warm welcome to visiting supporters up until kick-off.

He said: “We have been working for about three of four weeks in preparation for the visit of FC and we have been liaising with them to ensure their supporters have an enjoyable and safe afternoon.

“There will be no segregation on Saturday as we don’t feel that it will be an issue but I have been overwhelmed by our fantastic group of volunteers who have offered to be extra programme sellers and stewards.

“Our supporters will be in the minority so they will have to shout that bit louder but if we stick together on and off the pitch, hopefully we can continue to rise up the table.”

Witton are on a high at the moment having taken six points from their last two league matches although the visiting Gigg Lane outfit arrive on the back of three straight wins themselves.

Manager Gary Finley said his players would relish playing in front of the biggest crowd of the season but, more importantly, he wants three points from the fixture to continue their drive to safety.

He said: “The lads will give their all week in week out but these are the games you want to be playing in. When you are playing in front of more than 2,000 fans then you are bound to give that bit extra.

“Saturday is all about us trying to turn our home form around. We have gone to some extremely tough places in the league and picked up three points.

“But we need to start picking up points at home and that starts on Saturday against FC United.”

Kick-off on Saturday is 3pm and admission prices are £9 adults, £5.50 for concessions. The social club will be open to both sets of supporters from noon.

See www.midcheshirechronicle.co.uk for a match report of Witton’s clash with FC United.