February 28, 2009
THE Rebels lost winger Jerome Wright to a red card, and manager Karl Marginson, banished to the stand, in a stormy finish to their UniBond League premier division clash at Gigg Lane.
Wright was dismissed after a scuffle with a Buxton player, and the FC bench reacted angrily, leading to Marginson's dismissal by the ref.
Buxton had been worth their half time lead after going ahead on seven minutes through Mark Reed, with the poor defending which has haunted FC's season returning to plague them again.
Sam Ashton had to be alert to prevent a second goal from the Derbyshire side, who provided the Rebels with their first win at this level back in August.
A half time rocket from Marginson did the trick, and six minutes into the second half big defender Adam Tong scored his first goal for the club to level things up.
With the 2,158 crowd getting behind the team, Simon Carden then had an effort cleared off the line, but Buxton held on for a draw.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
All square at Gigg Lane
28 February 2009
By Louise Bellicoso
FC United of Manchester 1
Buxton FC 1
BUXTON returned from Bury with a point after an entertaining game against FC United on Saturday.
The Bucks dominated the first half and were ahead within seven minutes through a fantastic strike from Mark Reed.
But the home side returned determined after the restart and levelled things in the 52nd minute through Adam Tong.
For a full match report, see Thursday's Buxton Advertiser
By Louise Bellicoso
FC United of Manchester 1
Buxton FC 1
BUXTON returned from Bury with a point after an entertaining game against FC United on Saturday.
The Bucks dominated the first half and were ahead within seven minutes through a fantastic strike from Mark Reed.
But the home side returned determined after the restart and levelled things in the 52nd minute through Adam Tong.
For a full match report, see Thursday's Buxton Advertiser
Friday, February 27, 2009
From The Bolton News...
Edited from: The Bolton News
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FC United manager Karl Marginson has urged the club’s enthusiastic fans to redouble their efforts as the race for the Premier Division promotion play-offs hots up.
Preparing for tomorrow’s game against Buxton at Bury’s Gigg Lane, Marginson said: “The bigger crowds we get the more it helps us achieve our aims.”
Marginson will be forced to make a change in midfield after X-rays revealed that Dave Neville broke his ankle in last weekend’s 2-1 win at Kendal Town.
Neville, who has performed well in recent weeks, is expected to be out for the rest of the season. Radcliffe Borough entertain Lancaster City hoping to end a dismal run of form which has seen them win just one of their last 17 league matches.
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FC up to fifth
February 26, 2009
MINT finishes from Jerome Wright and Simon Carden helped FC United climb back into the play-off places with a 2-1 win at Kendal Town on Saturday.
Wright, who has been watched by Crewe and had a trial with York City recently, scored the first goal after just 12 minutes.
The home side had a mountain to climb 16 minutes later when Carden, despite appearing to be off-side by a farmer’s field-like distance, was allowed to slot in number two for the reds.
It was anything but a piece of cake for United though as the Cumbrians pulled a goal back from the penalty spot. But the reds held out to move up to fifth spot in the UniBond League Premier Division table.
FC host Buxton at Gigg Lane in their next game this Saturday, February 28, kick-off 3pm
MINT finishes from Jerome Wright and Simon Carden helped FC United climb back into the play-off places with a 2-1 win at Kendal Town on Saturday.
Wright, who has been watched by Crewe and had a trial with York City recently, scored the first goal after just 12 minutes.
The home side had a mountain to climb 16 minutes later when Carden, despite appearing to be off-side by a farmer’s field-like distance, was allowed to slot in number two for the reds.
It was anything but a piece of cake for United though as the Cumbrians pulled a goal back from the penalty spot. But the reds held out to move up to fifth spot in the UniBond League Premier Division table.
FC host Buxton at Gigg Lane in their next game this Saturday, February 28, kick-off 3pm
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Neville brother joins Rebels
Source: M.E.N.
Stuart Brennan
February 26, 2009
FC UNITED have lost one of the Neville brothers – and signed up the other one!
But the Rebels have not swooped for Premier League duo Gary or Phil, but have picked up 20-year-old left winger Lee Neville after his big brother Dave broke a leg in last week’s vital 2-1 win at Kendal.
Middleton lad Lee will continue to play for current club Oldham Town after signing forms for FC, and Dave claims he will be back in training in just two weeks after his fracture was diagnosed.
“We will have Lee signed up and ready to play for us if we need him,” says manager Karl Marginson, who will also be without top scorer Kyle Wilson for tomorrow’s Gigg Lane clash with Buxton.
“We didn’t want to bring him in and sit him on the bench, but he will be available to us if we have any problems in the next few weeks.
“I reckon Dave will be out for four to six weeks, but he says he is a quick healer and will be back in two. There were a few tasty tackles flying about at Kendal, and he copped a bad one – he tried to play on, but soon realised it was a bit more serious than he first thought.”
Tunji Moses is on stand-by, but Jamie Baguley and Neil Chappell are also options in centre midfield, with Adam Carden also available again after serving a one-match ban.
Marginson has urged the FC fans to shout his team into the play-offs: “It sounds corny, but the support really did turn out to be a 12th man last season, and played a big part in getting us into the play-offs and then promoted.
“They were fantastic at Kendal last week, and with 12 games left I think 24 points would get us into the play-offs. We also had a happy dressing room up at Kendal, and that was a result from which we can kick on.”
Stuart Brennan
February 26, 2009
FC UNITED have lost one of the Neville brothers – and signed up the other one!
But the Rebels have not swooped for Premier League duo Gary or Phil, but have picked up 20-year-old left winger Lee Neville after his big brother Dave broke a leg in last week’s vital 2-1 win at Kendal.
Middleton lad Lee will continue to play for current club Oldham Town after signing forms for FC, and Dave claims he will be back in training in just two weeks after his fracture was diagnosed.
“We will have Lee signed up and ready to play for us if we need him,” says manager Karl Marginson, who will also be without top scorer Kyle Wilson for tomorrow’s Gigg Lane clash with Buxton.
“We didn’t want to bring him in and sit him on the bench, but he will be available to us if we have any problems in the next few weeks.
“I reckon Dave will be out for four to six weeks, but he says he is a quick healer and will be back in two. There were a few tasty tackles flying about at Kendal, and he copped a bad one – he tried to play on, but soon realised it was a bit more serious than he first thought.”
Tunji Moses is on stand-by, but Jamie Baguley and Neil Chappell are also options in centre midfield, with Adam Carden also available again after serving a one-match ban.
Marginson has urged the FC fans to shout his team into the play-offs: “It sounds corny, but the support really did turn out to be a 12th man last season, and played a big part in getting us into the play-offs and then promoted.
“They were fantastic at Kendal last week, and with 12 games left I think 24 points would get us into the play-offs. We also had a happy dressing room up at Kendal, and that was a result from which we can kick on.”
Marine FC have made their UniBond Premier Division clash with FC United of Manchester an all-ticket affair
Source: Crosby Herald
Feb 26 2009 Crosby Herald
MARINE have finalised a plan of action to ensure their UniBond Premier Division game with FC United of Manchester passes without incident.
The Mariners’ management have taken the step to make the March 28 game all-ticket and, after consultation with Merseyside Police, are segregating opposing supporters.
The game will be limited to a 1,750 capacity with 1,000 tickets allocated to FC fans.
Fears had grown that crowd violence could erupt inside the Arriva Stadium with tensions running high following the previous meeting between the two sides.
Alleged incidents involving ex-Mariner John Lawless outraged United supporters on December 20 and ultimately led to the 26-year-old leaving the Whites.
The fixture also falls on an international weekend and there will be a police presence.
Marine chairman Paul Leary said: “To enable Marine, in conjunction with the authorities, to provide the appropriate resources for the day the only option available to us was to make the match all-ticket especially after considering that there are no Premiership games on the day. It is important that we are able to look after all supporters attending the game and that we plan accordingly and our ongoing discussions and assistance from the officials of FC United of Manchester, Sefton Council and Merseyside Police will help us to do that.”
FC United general manager Andy Walsh added: “Whilst all-ticket games are not always desirable we understand that they are occasionally necessary from a practical point of view. We are happy that Marine has explored all options for the game to go ahead.”
Tickets for Marine fans will be available before the intervening home games and each evening from 6pm at the club from March 1.
Feb 26 2009 Crosby Herald
MARINE have finalised a plan of action to ensure their UniBond Premier Division game with FC United of Manchester passes without incident.
The Mariners’ management have taken the step to make the March 28 game all-ticket and, after consultation with Merseyside Police, are segregating opposing supporters.
The game will be limited to a 1,750 capacity with 1,000 tickets allocated to FC fans.
Fears had grown that crowd violence could erupt inside the Arriva Stadium with tensions running high following the previous meeting between the two sides.
Alleged incidents involving ex-Mariner John Lawless outraged United supporters on December 20 and ultimately led to the 26-year-old leaving the Whites.
The fixture also falls on an international weekend and there will be a police presence.
Marine chairman Paul Leary said: “To enable Marine, in conjunction with the authorities, to provide the appropriate resources for the day the only option available to us was to make the match all-ticket especially after considering that there are no Premiership games on the day. It is important that we are able to look after all supporters attending the game and that we plan accordingly and our ongoing discussions and assistance from the officials of FC United of Manchester, Sefton Council and Merseyside Police will help us to do that.”
FC United general manager Andy Walsh added: “Whilst all-ticket games are not always desirable we understand that they are occasionally necessary from a practical point of view. We are happy that Marine has explored all options for the game to go ahead.”
Tickets for Marine fans will be available before the intervening home games and each evening from 6pm at the club from March 1.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Kendal 1 FC United 2, Unibond Premier League
Source: Bury Times
4:47pm Wednesday 25th February 2009
By Bury Times Sports Reporter »
FC United entertain Buxton at Gigg Lane on Saturday after they swaggered back down the M6 with all three points First-half goals from Jerome Wright and Simon Carden were enough to claim a victory that puts the Reds back in the play-off contention.
Substitute Michael Cole fired home a penalty with 25 minutes to go to set up a tense finale, but Sam Ashton was never really troubled and the men from Manchester saw out the victory in front of 1,010 supporters at Parkside Road.
Wright, playing up front with Carl Lomax, opened the scoring for United after only 12 minutes.
Lomax wriggled free of the home defence and had just enough time to square the ball to the unmarked Wright at the edge of the box.
The winger was in no mood to pass up the gift of a chance and moved into the area before confidently slotting the ball into the bottom right corner past David Newnes.
United doubled their lead 16 minutes later thanks to a sweeping move which saw Dave Neville slip a pass in behind the Town defence to Carden.
The midfielder looked like he could have been offside and for a split second the game stopped as both sets of players looked to the linesman. However, with no flag raised the number eight coolly slotted the ball past the oncoming Newnes to make it two.
Carlos Roca missed a golden opportunity to put FC further ahead before Michael Cole pulled one back from the penalty spot with 25 minutes to go.
4:47pm Wednesday 25th February 2009
By Bury Times Sports Reporter »
FC United entertain Buxton at Gigg Lane on Saturday after they swaggered back down the M6 with all three points First-half goals from Jerome Wright and Simon Carden were enough to claim a victory that puts the Reds back in the play-off contention.
Substitute Michael Cole fired home a penalty with 25 minutes to go to set up a tense finale, but Sam Ashton was never really troubled and the men from Manchester saw out the victory in front of 1,010 supporters at Parkside Road.
Wright, playing up front with Carl Lomax, opened the scoring for United after only 12 minutes.
Lomax wriggled free of the home defence and had just enough time to square the ball to the unmarked Wright at the edge of the box.
The winger was in no mood to pass up the gift of a chance and moved into the area before confidently slotting the ball into the bottom right corner past David Newnes.
United doubled their lead 16 minutes later thanks to a sweeping move which saw Dave Neville slip a pass in behind the Town defence to Carden.
The midfielder looked like he could have been offside and for a split second the game stopped as both sets of players looked to the linesman. However, with no flag raised the number eight coolly slotted the ball past the oncoming Newnes to make it two.
Carlos Roca missed a golden opportunity to put FC further ahead before Michael Cole pulled one back from the penalty spot with 25 minutes to go.
Visiting football club provides financial boost for Kendal - Westmorland Gazette
Source: Westmorland Gazette
3:24pm Wednesday 25th February 2009
By Ian Boydon
A KENDAL football club’s finances received a boost this week with the visit of well-supported opposition.
Kendal Town Football Club played host to FC United of Manchester at the weekend, and the fixture saw an influx of hundreds of followers of the Manchester club.
For the full story read the Westmorland Gazette on Friday.
3:24pm Wednesday 25th February 2009
By Ian Boydon
A KENDAL football club’s finances received a boost this week with the visit of well-supported opposition.
Kendal Town Football Club played host to FC United of Manchester at the weekend, and the fixture saw an influx of hundreds of followers of the Manchester club.
For the full story read the Westmorland Gazette on Friday.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Marine FC v FC United of Manchester to be all-ticket
Source: Crosby Herald
Feb 24 2009 By Phil Kirkbride
MARINE have today laid down plans on how they will minimise the threat of crowd trouble in their match with FC United of Manchester on Saturday, March 28.
The major steps taken by the Mariners, after consultation with Merseyside Police, are to make the game all-ticket and segregate the two sets of supporters.
The Arriva Stadium outfit have confirmed there will be a police presence inside and outside the ground.
Marine have been allocated 750 tickets whilst FC United have been handed 1,000 for the game which falls on an international weekend - no tickets will be on sale the day of the game.
For the full story and comments from Marine chairman Paul Leary and FC United general manager
Andy Walsh, pick up a copy of Thursday's Herald.
Feb 24 2009 By Phil Kirkbride
MARINE have today laid down plans on how they will minimise the threat of crowd trouble in their match with FC United of Manchester on Saturday, March 28.
The major steps taken by the Mariners, after consultation with Merseyside Police, are to make the game all-ticket and segregate the two sets of supporters.
The Arriva Stadium outfit have confirmed there will be a police presence inside and outside the ground.
Marine have been allocated 750 tickets whilst FC United have been handed 1,000 for the game which falls on an international weekend - no tickets will be on sale the day of the game.
For the full story and comments from Marine chairman Paul Leary and FC United general manager
Andy Walsh, pick up a copy of Thursday's Herald.
Monday, February 23, 2009
BACUP DELIGHT AT STRIKERS` RETURN
Source: Non-league Daily
23/02/2009
Brent Peters, manager of Vodkat North West Counties League Premier Division club Bacup Borough, finally got his wishe when his leading marksman Tommy Turner (pictured above) returned to the club following a short stint at UniBond League Premier Division neighbours FC United of Manchester, where he bagged five goals in nine appearances.
A highly delighted Peters (right) said: “It`s not for me to question how an opposing manager wishes to conduct his selection policy. However, what I will say in the case of Tommy Turner is that he is without doubt a top striker who is a natural finisher.
“It’s my opinion that with any strikers they play on their confidence and their confidence comes with scoring goals, but that said they need to be playing regularly.
“Tommy’s return in games played at FC United certainly can’t be ignored. However, he needs to be playing every week and that is the reason he has returned to us.
“I stated on his departure that he had unfinished business here at Bacup Borough, and I also stated that he had bigger fish to fry than FC United of Manchester. This is something I firmly believe he will achieve with the help and guidance of myself and my excellent coaching staff of Lawrence Greenhalgh and Phil Melville.
“Tommy Turner has got a lot of football to be played here at Bacup, and with twenty-three league matches still to play, he has the chance to not only help push Bacup into a challenging position in the league but also he can achieve personal goals for himself.
“Currently he sits two goals behind the Premier Division’s leading goalscorer, and is in the running for the `golden boot` award. Should he achieve on both fronts, then who knows where that will take him, and by this I mean Conference or Football League level, such is the confidence I have in this lad.”
23/02/2009
Brent Peters, manager of Vodkat North West Counties League Premier Division club Bacup Borough, finally got his wishe when his leading marksman Tommy Turner (pictured above) returned to the club following a short stint at UniBond League Premier Division neighbours FC United of Manchester, where he bagged five goals in nine appearances.
A highly delighted Peters (right) said: “It`s not for me to question how an opposing manager wishes to conduct his selection policy. However, what I will say in the case of Tommy Turner is that he is without doubt a top striker who is a natural finisher.
“It’s my opinion that with any strikers they play on their confidence and their confidence comes with scoring goals, but that said they need to be playing regularly.
“Tommy’s return in games played at FC United certainly can’t be ignored. However, he needs to be playing every week and that is the reason he has returned to us.
“I stated on his departure that he had unfinished business here at Bacup Borough, and I also stated that he had bigger fish to fry than FC United of Manchester. This is something I firmly believe he will achieve with the help and guidance of myself and my excellent coaching staff of Lawrence Greenhalgh and Phil Melville.
“Tommy Turner has got a lot of football to be played here at Bacup, and with twenty-three league matches still to play, he has the chance to not only help push Bacup into a challenging position in the league but also he can achieve personal goals for himself.
“Currently he sits two goals behind the Premier Division’s leading goalscorer, and is in the running for the `golden boot` award. Should he achieve on both fronts, then who knows where that will take him, and by this I mean Conference or Football League level, such is the confidence I have in this lad.”
Rebels on Wright path
Source: M.E.N.
February 23, 2009
FC UNITED'S wanted man, Jerome Wright, further impressed his growing band of potential suitors by hitting the goal which put the Rebel Reds on the road to victory at Kendal.
York City target Wright, who's also thought to be being chased by at least two League clubs, struck to give Karl Marginson's men a 13th minute lead as they sought to bounce back from two successive UniBond premier division defeats.
Simon Carden then made it 2-0 shortly before the half-hour mark and, though the Cumbrians pulled a goal back with a 65th minute penalty awarded against Simon Garner for handling, FC held on.
Glossop North End suffered a Vodkat League promotion set-back ahead of Saturday's FA Vase quarter-final with Marske United as they could only draw 2-2 at struggling Nelson. Marske beat St Ives 3-0 in the Vase.
February 23, 2009
FC UNITED'S wanted man, Jerome Wright, further impressed his growing band of potential suitors by hitting the goal which put the Rebel Reds on the road to victory at Kendal.
York City target Wright, who's also thought to be being chased by at least two League clubs, struck to give Karl Marginson's men a 13th minute lead as they sought to bounce back from two successive UniBond premier division defeats.
Simon Carden then made it 2-0 shortly before the half-hour mark and, though the Cumbrians pulled a goal back with a 65th minute penalty awarded against Simon Garner for handling, FC held on.
Glossop North End suffered a Vodkat League promotion set-back ahead of Saturday's FA Vase quarter-final with Marske United as they could only draw 2-2 at struggling Nelson. Marske beat St Ives 3-0 in the Vase.
UniBond League Round-up
Source: The Bolton News
8:20am Monday 23rd February 2009
A BELOW-PAR Leigh Genesis slumped to a 3-1 defeat against promotion-chasing Guiseley in the Premier Division.
Struggling Leigh went behind after seven minutes when former full-back Jerome Fitzgerald cracked home a free-kick.
Second-bottom Leigh levelled in the 58th minute when Chris Thompson laid the ball off to the edge of the area for Andy Heald, who was sent off in the midweek defeat to Kendal Town, to smash home his first goal in his third spell with the club from 25 yards, albeit with a Karl Brown deflection proving hugely vital.
The lead was to last only seven minutes when James Cotterill headed home from Chris Davey’s corner. And Genesis’ fate was sealed in the 76th minute when Adam Muller nodded home Guiseley’s third.
FC United moved back into the play-off places with a 2-1 victory at Kendal Town. Jerome Wright, who is set to leave the club this week for a team higher up the non-league pyramid, and Simon Carden put the Rebels two up inside the first 28 minutes. Town pulled one back through Michael Cole’s 66th-minute penalty but Karl Marginson’s side held on for three vital points.
In Division One North, Radcliffe Borough suffered a 1-0 home defeat against Warrington Town.
Boro succumbed to a strike in first-half injury time by Philip Hadland – the visitors’ only shot on target in the match. Town goalkeeper Ritchie Mottram turned in a man-of-the-match performance, making brilliant saves from Adam Roscoe, Craig Dawson and Griff Jones as Boro stretched their miserable run to one league win in 17 matches.
8:20am Monday 23rd February 2009
A BELOW-PAR Leigh Genesis slumped to a 3-1 defeat against promotion-chasing Guiseley in the Premier Division.
Struggling Leigh went behind after seven minutes when former full-back Jerome Fitzgerald cracked home a free-kick.
Second-bottom Leigh levelled in the 58th minute when Chris Thompson laid the ball off to the edge of the area for Andy Heald, who was sent off in the midweek defeat to Kendal Town, to smash home his first goal in his third spell with the club from 25 yards, albeit with a Karl Brown deflection proving hugely vital.
The lead was to last only seven minutes when James Cotterill headed home from Chris Davey’s corner. And Genesis’ fate was sealed in the 76th minute when Adam Muller nodded home Guiseley’s third.
FC United moved back into the play-off places with a 2-1 victory at Kendal Town. Jerome Wright, who is set to leave the club this week for a team higher up the non-league pyramid, and Simon Carden put the Rebels two up inside the first 28 minutes. Town pulled one back through Michael Cole’s 66th-minute penalty but Karl Marginson’s side held on for three vital points.
In Division One North, Radcliffe Borough suffered a 1-0 home defeat against Warrington Town.
Boro succumbed to a strike in first-half injury time by Philip Hadland – the visitors’ only shot on target in the match. Town goalkeeper Ritchie Mottram turned in a man-of-the-match performance, making brilliant saves from Adam Roscoe, Craig Dawson and Griff Jones as Boro stretched their miserable run to one league win in 17 matches.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Town sunk by FC United
6:19pm Saturday 21st February 2009
KENDAL Town’s recent resurgence came unhinged today as they lost 2-1 at home against FC United in front of a bumper crowd of 1010.
Despite a strong second half performance, Town didn’t quite have enough in their locker as they attempted to respond to the two-goal lead FC United had established in the first half.
Jerome Wright opened the scoring for United after only 12 minutes of play. The number ten had found the ball at his feet in the area after Calos Roca’s effort had been blocked. The striker sent a low shot past David Newnes at the keeper’s right hand post.
United’s second which arrived on 28 minutes came with a hint of controversy. A sweeping move forward saw Roca slip a pass in behind the Town defence to Simon Carden. The midfielder looked suspiciously offside and for a half second the game stopped as both sets of players looked to the linesman, however, with no flag raised the number eight poked the ball past the oncoming Newnes to make it two.
Kendal had failed to force United stopper Sam Ashton into making any real saves in the first half, but as they settled into their game for the second period they began to pick ways through the FC back line.
Defender Simon Garner had keeper Ashton to thank for sparing his blushes on 50 minutes. The defender very nearly turned the ball into his own net after Mulvaney had jinxed his way into the box and sent a fizzing ball into the six-yard area that would have ended up in the top corner after Garner’s connection, but for athleticism of Ashton.
The referee lit a fire under the large FC United support when he awarded a penalty against Adam Tong. The number six was judged to have handballed Ian Kilford’s 63rd minute strike and was given a lengthy talking to by the referee to a back drop of cat calls and whistles from the FC fans who were making their feelings on the decision very clear.
Half time substitute Michael Cole stepped up and buried the spot kick into the bottom right and set up a fiery finish.
Knowing a third goal would decide the fixture both teams continued to attack and both came close to scoring. Carlos Roca had an effort hooked off the line by David Standley, while Craig Hobson almost had a clear shot on an unguarded goal as a collision between Taylor and Ashton so nearly presented the striker with the ball, but the bounce was unkind and the chance evaporated.
Kendal attacked into the dying moments but despite their best efforts they could not muster a dramatic equalizer and FC United go home with all three points.
KENDAL Town’s recent resurgence came unhinged today as they lost 2-1 at home against FC United in front of a bumper crowd of 1010.
Despite a strong second half performance, Town didn’t quite have enough in their locker as they attempted to respond to the two-goal lead FC United had established in the first half.
Jerome Wright opened the scoring for United after only 12 minutes of play. The number ten had found the ball at his feet in the area after Calos Roca’s effort had been blocked. The striker sent a low shot past David Newnes at the keeper’s right hand post.
United’s second which arrived on 28 minutes came with a hint of controversy. A sweeping move forward saw Roca slip a pass in behind the Town defence to Simon Carden. The midfielder looked suspiciously offside and for a half second the game stopped as both sets of players looked to the linesman, however, with no flag raised the number eight poked the ball past the oncoming Newnes to make it two.
Kendal had failed to force United stopper Sam Ashton into making any real saves in the first half, but as they settled into their game for the second period they began to pick ways through the FC back line.
Defender Simon Garner had keeper Ashton to thank for sparing his blushes on 50 minutes. The defender very nearly turned the ball into his own net after Mulvaney had jinxed his way into the box and sent a fizzing ball into the six-yard area that would have ended up in the top corner after Garner’s connection, but for athleticism of Ashton.
The referee lit a fire under the large FC United support when he awarded a penalty against Adam Tong. The number six was judged to have handballed Ian Kilford’s 63rd minute strike and was given a lengthy talking to by the referee to a back drop of cat calls and whistles from the FC fans who were making their feelings on the decision very clear.
Half time substitute Michael Cole stepped up and buried the spot kick into the bottom right and set up a fiery finish.
Knowing a third goal would decide the fixture both teams continued to attack and both came close to scoring. Carlos Roca had an effort hooked off the line by David Standley, while Craig Hobson almost had a clear shot on an unguarded goal as a collision between Taylor and Ashton so nearly presented the striker with the ball, but the bounce was unkind and the chance evaporated.
Kendal attacked into the dying moments but despite their best efforts they could not muster a dramatic equalizer and FC United go home with all three points.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Football - Club advise fans to travel on foot
Source: Westmorland Gazette
Thursday 19th February 2009
FOOTBALL fans planning to watch Saturday’s game between Kendal and FC United are being advised to walk to the Parkside Road Ground whereever possible.
With 1,000 FC United fans expected to make the trip up the M6 on Saturday, local Police and Kendal Town officials have warned that roads leading up to the Ground are expected to be heavily congested and are advising all those who can to walk to Parkside.
In response to the high numbers predicated Kendal will also be opening the Parkside Road entrances in addition to the normal gates outside the clubhouse.
Kick-off on Saturday is at 3pm.
Thursday 19th February 2009
FOOTBALL fans planning to watch Saturday’s game between Kendal and FC United are being advised to walk to the Parkside Road Ground whereever possible.
With 1,000 FC United fans expected to make the trip up the M6 on Saturday, local Police and Kendal Town officials have warned that roads leading up to the Ground are expected to be heavily congested and are advising all those who can to walk to Parkside.
In response to the high numbers predicated Kendal will also be opening the Parkside Road entrances in addition to the normal gates outside the clubhouse.
Kick-off on Saturday is at 3pm.
Marsh's FC snub proves costly
19/ 2/2009
FORMER Manchester United player Phil Marsh snubbed a bid from FC United to sign him before rubbing salt into their wounds by scoring a hat-trick to give basement club Leigh a shock 4-2 win at Gigg Lane.
FC attempted to sign Marsh in the run up to Saturday’s game and he was the difference between the two sides.
United failed to capitalise on several chances while the Leigh number 10 knocked goals in at will for the visitors.
The reds had already beaten the UniBond Premier League’s basement club 2-0 the previous week and they were expected to strengthen their place in the play-off places on Saturday. But defensive shockers put paid to that notion.
A mix-up between FC keeper Sam Ashton and skipper Dave Chadwick in the first minute resulted in the former bringing Marsh down for a penalty that he converted with ease.
Carl Lomax, making his United debut, hit a post and the crossbar as the reds battled to draw level but it was midfielder Neil Chappell who eventually gained parity for FC with a well taken goal from a rebound.
It did not last though as the impish Marsh nipped in to draw a foul from Adam Tong before picking himself up to convert his second spot kick of the game.
FC drew level again with just five minutes to go through Lomax and the fans must have expected the home side to go on to take all three points.
But two bad howlers in the dying minutes allowed Chris Thompson to score Leigh’s third goal before Marsh secured his hat-trick in injury time.
Seventh-placed United have a mountain to climb as they hope to bounce back this Saturday, February 21. They travel to Kendal where they will have to play mint if they want to edge out the side who lie four points below them with four games in hand. The match kicks off at 3pm.
FORMER Manchester United player Phil Marsh snubbed a bid from FC United to sign him before rubbing salt into their wounds by scoring a hat-trick to give basement club Leigh a shock 4-2 win at Gigg Lane.
FC attempted to sign Marsh in the run up to Saturday’s game and he was the difference between the two sides.
United failed to capitalise on several chances while the Leigh number 10 knocked goals in at will for the visitors.
The reds had already beaten the UniBond Premier League’s basement club 2-0 the previous week and they were expected to strengthen their place in the play-off places on Saturday. But defensive shockers put paid to that notion.
A mix-up between FC keeper Sam Ashton and skipper Dave Chadwick in the first minute resulted in the former bringing Marsh down for a penalty that he converted with ease.
Carl Lomax, making his United debut, hit a post and the crossbar as the reds battled to draw level but it was midfielder Neil Chappell who eventually gained parity for FC with a well taken goal from a rebound.
It did not last though as the impish Marsh nipped in to draw a foul from Adam Tong before picking himself up to convert his second spot kick of the game.
FC drew level again with just five minutes to go through Lomax and the fans must have expected the home side to go on to take all three points.
But two bad howlers in the dying minutes allowed Chris Thompson to score Leigh’s third goal before Marsh secured his hat-trick in injury time.
Seventh-placed United have a mountain to climb as they hope to bounce back this Saturday, February 21. They travel to Kendal where they will have to play mint if they want to edge out the side who lie four points below them with four games in hand. The match kicks off at 3pm.
Wright in transfer scramble
Source: Manchester Evening News
Stuart Brennan
February 19, 2009
FC UNITED ace Jerome Wright is at the centre of a transfer scramble, with two League clubs believed to be in the chase.
The winger, voted the supporters’ player of the year last season, played and scored on trial for Conference side York’s reserves in a clash with Grimsby this week.
York are believed to be readying a bid for Wright – one of six FC players contracted to the club – but they face competition.
FC boss Karl Marginson is expecting three offers for Wright, and says: “It’s not a great surprise. The first time I saw him play, against us for Maine Road, I thought he had everything – pace, the ability to get past people, decent delivery, aggression and work rate.
“If he leaves, we will hopefully get back some of the outlay on his wages for the last two years, and it gives some of our other players a chance – Danny Williams is champing at the bit.”
The Rebels are still awaiting news of top scorer Kyle Wilson’s knee injury as they travel north to Kendal, one of a host of sides tucked in behind them with games in hand in the UniBond League premier division promotion race.
Another striker, Tommy Turner, has returned to Bacup Borough. After scoring four goals in six games, Turner wanted assurances that he would play every week, something Marginson was unable to give.
“We have cover up front, with Carl Lomax having an encouraging debut and scoring last week. So we might have a different combination up front, with Danny Williams, Tris Whitman and Carlos Roca all in the reckoning.”
The difficult trip to Kendal got harder with news that left back Simon garner has a knee problem which stopped him training earlier this week – he faces a late fitness test.
But FC have taken New Zealand under-20 skipper Jack Pelter – a centre back who was on Sunderland’s books last season – on trial.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
FC crash to underdogs
Source: Bury Times
Wednesday 18th February 2009
By Liam Chronnell
BARELY 24 hours after rejecting a move to FC United, Phil Marsh showed the club he spurned exactly what they had missed when he scored a hat-trick to help struggling Leigh Genesispull off a shock 4-2 victory.
Rebels boss Karl Marginson was eager to sign the former Manchester United youngster as a replacement for Kyle Wilson, the UniBond Premier League’s top scorer, who failed a late fitness test.
And the striker took less than a minute to show why FC had courted his talents after winning, then scoring, the penalty which set the tone for a disastrous afternoon at Gigg Lane for the promotion-chasing hosts. In the end, it was two goals in the last five minutes which sealed United’s fate against Genesis, bottom of the table before kick-off.
The Reds were twice forced to come from behind but, when new signing Carl Lomax, who joined from Hyde United, struck an 85th-minute equaliser it looked like they had salvaged a scarcely deserved point.
But, just a minute later, Chris Thompson put the relegation-threatened visitors back in front and Marsh completed a miserable afternoon for Marginson’s men, who dropped out of the play-off places, after another defensive blunder in injury time to seal their first league win since October.
Neil Chappell and Lomax had earlier both seen efforts come back off the woodwork, before the former cancelled out Marsh’s opener on 64 minutes But Leigh regained the lead when Marsh won and converted his second penalty, with Adam Tong again the guilty party.
FC travel to Kendal Town, one place and a point below them in the table but with games in hand, on Saturday desperate to reignite their promotion charge after successive defeats.
Wednesday 18th February 2009
By Liam Chronnell
BARELY 24 hours after rejecting a move to FC United, Phil Marsh showed the club he spurned exactly what they had missed when he scored a hat-trick to help struggling Leigh Genesispull off a shock 4-2 victory.
Rebels boss Karl Marginson was eager to sign the former Manchester United youngster as a replacement for Kyle Wilson, the UniBond Premier League’s top scorer, who failed a late fitness test.
And the striker took less than a minute to show why FC had courted his talents after winning, then scoring, the penalty which set the tone for a disastrous afternoon at Gigg Lane for the promotion-chasing hosts. In the end, it was two goals in the last five minutes which sealed United’s fate against Genesis, bottom of the table before kick-off.
The Reds were twice forced to come from behind but, when new signing Carl Lomax, who joined from Hyde United, struck an 85th-minute equaliser it looked like they had salvaged a scarcely deserved point.
But, just a minute later, Chris Thompson put the relegation-threatened visitors back in front and Marsh completed a miserable afternoon for Marginson’s men, who dropped out of the play-off places, after another defensive blunder in injury time to seal their first league win since October.
Neil Chappell and Lomax had earlier both seen efforts come back off the woodwork, before the former cancelled out Marsh’s opener on 64 minutes But Leigh regained the lead when Marsh won and converted his second penalty, with Adam Tong again the guilty party.
FC travel to Kendal Town, one place and a point below them in the table but with games in hand, on Saturday desperate to reignite their promotion charge after successive defeats.
Monday, February 16, 2009
A look ahead to the weekend's sport
1:49pm Monday 16th February 2009
SATURDAY see’s the hugely anticipated visit of FC United to Kendal Town’s Parkside Road Ground. The Bury based outfit was formed by disgruntled Manchester United fans in the wake of Malcolm Glazer’s takeover of the club, and is famed for its strong support and passionate fans.
Kendal will be expecting record gates for tomorrow’s Unibond League fixture. Town will be hopeful that they can emulate the form they showed back in October when they ran out 3-1 winners against Karl Marginson’s men at Gigg Lane. Kick off is at 3pm.
Across Town, Kendal Rugby Club face another difficult test tomorrow as they welcome third in the table Fylde to the Mint Bridge.
Kendal put in a gutsy performance against second in the National League three North Nuneation last Saturday, going down 21-13 in Warwickshire. Despite the seven places between the sides Kendal will be looking to their impressive home form as they attempt to take down high-flying opposition. Kick off tomorrow is at 2pm.
SATURDAY see’s the hugely anticipated visit of FC United to Kendal Town’s Parkside Road Ground. The Bury based outfit was formed by disgruntled Manchester United fans in the wake of Malcolm Glazer’s takeover of the club, and is famed for its strong support and passionate fans.
Kendal will be expecting record gates for tomorrow’s Unibond League fixture. Town will be hopeful that they can emulate the form they showed back in October when they ran out 3-1 winners against Karl Marginson’s men at Gigg Lane. Kick off is at 3pm.
Across Town, Kendal Rugby Club face another difficult test tomorrow as they welcome third in the table Fylde to the Mint Bridge.
Kendal put in a gutsy performance against second in the National League three North Nuneation last Saturday, going down 21-13 in Warwickshire. Despite the seven places between the sides Kendal will be looking to their impressive home form as they attempt to take down high-flying opposition. Kick off tomorrow is at 2pm.
Rebels suffer setback
February 16, 2009
FC United's UniBond premier promotion hopes were unexpectedly hit as they crashed 4-2 to relegation-threatened visitors Leigh.
United target Phil Marsh was the main architect of their downfall with a hat-trick which included two penalties. Chris Thompson bagged Leigh's other goal.
Neil Chappell and debutant Carl Lomax replied for the Rebel Reds.
Ashton United came from 3-1 down to draw 3-3 with Whitby at Hurst Cross, while in division one north, Curzon Ashton took the derby honours with a 4-1 win at Radcliffe but Salford remain 14 points adrift at the bottom after losing 1-0 to visiting Durham.
FC United's UniBond premier promotion hopes were unexpectedly hit as they crashed 4-2 to relegation-threatened visitors Leigh.
United target Phil Marsh was the main architect of their downfall with a hat-trick which included two penalties. Chris Thompson bagged Leigh's other goal.
Neil Chappell and debutant Carl Lomax replied for the Rebel Reds.
Ashton United came from 3-1 down to draw 3-3 with Whitby at Hurst Cross, while in division one north, Curzon Ashton took the derby honours with a 4-1 win at Radcliffe but Salford remain 14 points adrift at the bottom after losing 1-0 to visiting Durham.
Phil Marsh hat-trick as Leigh Genesis end victory drought against FC United
12:34am Monday 16th February 2009
By Matt Lawton
FC United of Manchester 2 Leigh Genesis 4
BARELY 24 hours after rejecting a possible move to FC United of Manchester, Genesis striker Phil Marsh showed the hosts exactly what they are missing out on with a remarkable hat-trick as Leigh secured their first league victory since October in particularly stunning fashion.
Although United manager Karl Marginson was left disappointed by Marsh’s show of loyalty to remain with Leigh, the hosts still managed to field a debutant striker in the shape of former Hyde United man Carl Lomax, who joined Jerome Wright and Danny Williams in a three-pronged attack.
The game began in almost unbelievable fashion as Leigh found themselves with a golden opportunity to take the lead after barely twenty seconds of action when Marsh hared through on goal, only to be brought down by former Bolton Wanderers goalkeeper Sam Ashton; Marsh dusting himself off to clinically score from the spot and put his side in front within a minute.
In recent fixtures, Leigh have been left to rue early missed chances but, with a one goal advantage, they almost appeared to invite pressure on themselves as they looked to defend their slender lead.
Leigh goalkeeper Danny Morton found himself called upon to tip a Neil Chappell header over the crossbar before United left back Simon Garner flashed a shot narrowly wide of goal after fifteen minutes.
Just two minutes later and United were a coat of paint away from finding themselves on level terms when Chappell’s deflected shot deceived Morton, only for the ball to strike the goalkeeper’s left hand post.
Although the hosts were largely dominating possession at this stage, that wasn’t to say that Leigh didn’t post a threat on the counter attack, and they came close after twenty one minutes when a cute lay-off from the lively Chris Thompson gave Karl Brown a view of goal, with the midfielder curling his twenty five yard effort just wide of the target.
Leigh man Alex Cunliffe had made all nine of his previous Genesis appearances as either a forward or midfielder, but with captain Chris Page at right back and right-footed Richmond Botchey playing rather unfamiliarly at left back, Cunliffe was in sterling form alongside Ben McHugh at the heart of the Leigh defence, nullifying Lomax’s aerial threat on countless occasions as the Leigh defence dominated in the air, with Lee Merricks’ young side enjoying a one goal half-time lead.
In front of over 1,800 spectators at Gigg Lane, Leigh looked, if anything, the more likely to add to the scoreline in the early stages of the second half as first United ‘keeper Sam Ashton was grateful to pounce on the ball after spilling a low Chris Thompson strike, created by a smart turn from the on-loan striker, before Kyle Lambert sent a shot flashing across goal after an incisive Steve Settle through ball on the counter attack.
FCUM struck the Leigh woodwork for a second time on 61 minutes with an ambitious Carl Lomax strike from long range before finally getting on level terms on 64 minutes when winger Carlos Roca drew a soft free kick from a Botchey foul. Morton did well to parry Garner’s fizzing set piece, but the rebound fell only as far as Neil Chappell, who got his name on the scoresheet at long last to equalise.
In previous matches, such a hammer blow might have been the death knell for Leigh’s young side, but their character shone through on this occasion and they found themselves back in the lead just six minutes later when Phil Marsh scored his second penalty of the afternoon. The Leigh striker did superbly to retrieve what originally appeared to be a lost cause in the corner of the field before heading back towards goal, knocking the ball through the legs of Adam Tong as he looked to pull the trigger, only for Tong to bring Marsh down in the area.
At this point, Leigh had just twenty minutes to hold firm, and they were lucky to escape when Chappell headed over the bar when left unmarked just six yards out, but their resistance was finally broken with just five minutes remaining when, in an almost identical fashion to United’s first goal, Carl Lomax notched a debut goal on the rebound after Morton had parried an original shot from long distance.
Again, Genesis might have crumbled after conceding such a heartbreakingly late equaliser, but incredibly they went straight up to the other end and regained the lead within sixty seconds of being pegged back. Former Rochdale man Kyle Lambert, playing out wide rather than in the centre of midfield for the first time for the club, did well to break down the right flank and round United’s full back, laying the ball off for Chris Thompson to joyfully sweep home the second of his, to date, three game loan spell from Blue Square Premier side Barrow.
Most sides would have been truly delighted with the score at 3-2 as the game headed in to stoppage time, but Genesis weren’t done there as, despite an exhaustingly hectic afternoon in the Leigh attack, Phil Marsh showed enough alertness and anticipation to latch on to a routine Danny Warrender throw in to Sam Ashton, tackling the FCUM goalkeeper and nudging the ball over the line for his hat trick strike, to the wild delight of the travelling Leigh support.
Shortly afterwards, Marsh was brought off to a standing ovation as he was given the chance to deservedly lap up the applause for all it was worth, before returning to the field at the full-time whistle to herald a joyous, if unlikely, Genesis victory on an afternoon where bookmakers had been offering odds of as much as 8-1 for Leigh to collect all three points from Gigg Lane.
Collect those they did, and they will be looking to build on such a terrific performance when they take on Kendal Town in a ‘home’ fixture at Ashton United’s Hurst Cross home tomorrow, Tuesday, 7.45pm start.
Leigh Genesis; Danny Morton, Chris Page, Richmond Botchey, Andy Heald, Ben McHugh, Alex Cunliffe, Kyle Lambert, Karl Brown (Scott Sephton), Chris Thompson, Phil Marsh (David Hill), Steve Settle (Dale Whitham)
By Matt Lawton
FC United of Manchester 2 Leigh Genesis 4
BARELY 24 hours after rejecting a possible move to FC United of Manchester, Genesis striker Phil Marsh showed the hosts exactly what they are missing out on with a remarkable hat-trick as Leigh secured their first league victory since October in particularly stunning fashion.
Although United manager Karl Marginson was left disappointed by Marsh’s show of loyalty to remain with Leigh, the hosts still managed to field a debutant striker in the shape of former Hyde United man Carl Lomax, who joined Jerome Wright and Danny Williams in a three-pronged attack.
The game began in almost unbelievable fashion as Leigh found themselves with a golden opportunity to take the lead after barely twenty seconds of action when Marsh hared through on goal, only to be brought down by former Bolton Wanderers goalkeeper Sam Ashton; Marsh dusting himself off to clinically score from the spot and put his side in front within a minute.
In recent fixtures, Leigh have been left to rue early missed chances but, with a one goal advantage, they almost appeared to invite pressure on themselves as they looked to defend their slender lead.
Leigh goalkeeper Danny Morton found himself called upon to tip a Neil Chappell header over the crossbar before United left back Simon Garner flashed a shot narrowly wide of goal after fifteen minutes.
Just two minutes later and United were a coat of paint away from finding themselves on level terms when Chappell’s deflected shot deceived Morton, only for the ball to strike the goalkeeper’s left hand post.
Although the hosts were largely dominating possession at this stage, that wasn’t to say that Leigh didn’t post a threat on the counter attack, and they came close after twenty one minutes when a cute lay-off from the lively Chris Thompson gave Karl Brown a view of goal, with the midfielder curling his twenty five yard effort just wide of the target.
Leigh man Alex Cunliffe had made all nine of his previous Genesis appearances as either a forward or midfielder, but with captain Chris Page at right back and right-footed Richmond Botchey playing rather unfamiliarly at left back, Cunliffe was in sterling form alongside Ben McHugh at the heart of the Leigh defence, nullifying Lomax’s aerial threat on countless occasions as the Leigh defence dominated in the air, with Lee Merricks’ young side enjoying a one goal half-time lead.
In front of over 1,800 spectators at Gigg Lane, Leigh looked, if anything, the more likely to add to the scoreline in the early stages of the second half as first United ‘keeper Sam Ashton was grateful to pounce on the ball after spilling a low Chris Thompson strike, created by a smart turn from the on-loan striker, before Kyle Lambert sent a shot flashing across goal after an incisive Steve Settle through ball on the counter attack.
FCUM struck the Leigh woodwork for a second time on 61 minutes with an ambitious Carl Lomax strike from long range before finally getting on level terms on 64 minutes when winger Carlos Roca drew a soft free kick from a Botchey foul. Morton did well to parry Garner’s fizzing set piece, but the rebound fell only as far as Neil Chappell, who got his name on the scoresheet at long last to equalise.
In previous matches, such a hammer blow might have been the death knell for Leigh’s young side, but their character shone through on this occasion and they found themselves back in the lead just six minutes later when Phil Marsh scored his second penalty of the afternoon. The Leigh striker did superbly to retrieve what originally appeared to be a lost cause in the corner of the field before heading back towards goal, knocking the ball through the legs of Adam Tong as he looked to pull the trigger, only for Tong to bring Marsh down in the area.
At this point, Leigh had just twenty minutes to hold firm, and they were lucky to escape when Chappell headed over the bar when left unmarked just six yards out, but their resistance was finally broken with just five minutes remaining when, in an almost identical fashion to United’s first goal, Carl Lomax notched a debut goal on the rebound after Morton had parried an original shot from long distance.
Again, Genesis might have crumbled after conceding such a heartbreakingly late equaliser, but incredibly they went straight up to the other end and regained the lead within sixty seconds of being pegged back. Former Rochdale man Kyle Lambert, playing out wide rather than in the centre of midfield for the first time for the club, did well to break down the right flank and round United’s full back, laying the ball off for Chris Thompson to joyfully sweep home the second of his, to date, three game loan spell from Blue Square Premier side Barrow.
Most sides would have been truly delighted with the score at 3-2 as the game headed in to stoppage time, but Genesis weren’t done there as, despite an exhaustingly hectic afternoon in the Leigh attack, Phil Marsh showed enough alertness and anticipation to latch on to a routine Danny Warrender throw in to Sam Ashton, tackling the FCUM goalkeeper and nudging the ball over the line for his hat trick strike, to the wild delight of the travelling Leigh support.
Shortly afterwards, Marsh was brought off to a standing ovation as he was given the chance to deservedly lap up the applause for all it was worth, before returning to the field at the full-time whistle to herald a joyous, if unlikely, Genesis victory on an afternoon where bookmakers had been offering odds of as much as 8-1 for Leigh to collect all three points from Gigg Lane.
Collect those they did, and they will be looking to build on such a terrific performance when they take on Kendal Town in a ‘home’ fixture at Ashton United’s Hurst Cross home tomorrow, Tuesday, 7.45pm start.
Leigh Genesis; Danny Morton, Chris Page, Richmond Botchey, Andy Heald, Ben McHugh, Alex Cunliffe, Kyle Lambert, Karl Brown (Scott Sephton), Chris Thompson, Phil Marsh (David Hill), Steve Settle (Dale Whitham)
Sunday, February 15, 2009
FC United 2 Leigh Genesis 4
6:47pm Sunday 15th February 2009
BARELY 24 hours after rejecting a move to FC United, Phil Marsh showed the club he spurned exactly what they had missed when he scored a hat trick to help Genesis secure their first UniBond Premier League win since October.
Marsh took less than a minute to underline his commitment to Leigh. Racing through on goal he was brought down by former Bolton Wanderers’ keeper Sam Ashton and duly tucked away the penalty In recent fixtures, Leigh have been left to rue early missed chances and they were their own worst enemies again, inviting pressure on themselves as they looked to defend their slender lead. But with Alex Cunliffe in sterling form alongside Ben McHugh at the heart of the defence, nullifying the aerial threat of Carl Lomax, Genesis were still ahead at half-time.
FC, unlucky in the first half when a Neil Chappell shot deflected against the post, hit the woodwork again early in the second half when Lomax was the unfortunate attacker. But the Rebels pulled level on 64 minutes, Chappell pouncing after Danny Morton parried Simon Garner’s free kick.
Genesis, showing character in front of a Gigg Lane crowd of 1,800, were back in front six minutes later when Marsh won and converted his second penalty – only for FC to draw level once again when Lomax pounced on another rebound after Morton had saved a long-range strike.
Lee Merricks’ young side would not be denied though and were back in front within a minute when Kyle Lambert set up Chris Thompson before Marsh completed his hat-trick in stoppage time, challenging Ashton as he tried to collect Danny Warrender’s throw and scoring at close range.
Leigh will look to build on the win when they take on Kendal Town in a ‘home’ fixture at Ashton United tomorrow.
BARELY 24 hours after rejecting a move to FC United, Phil Marsh showed the club he spurned exactly what they had missed when he scored a hat trick to help Genesis secure their first UniBond Premier League win since October.
Marsh took less than a minute to underline his commitment to Leigh. Racing through on goal he was brought down by former Bolton Wanderers’ keeper Sam Ashton and duly tucked away the penalty In recent fixtures, Leigh have been left to rue early missed chances and they were their own worst enemies again, inviting pressure on themselves as they looked to defend their slender lead. But with Alex Cunliffe in sterling form alongside Ben McHugh at the heart of the defence, nullifying the aerial threat of Carl Lomax, Genesis were still ahead at half-time.
FC, unlucky in the first half when a Neil Chappell shot deflected against the post, hit the woodwork again early in the second half when Lomax was the unfortunate attacker. But the Rebels pulled level on 64 minutes, Chappell pouncing after Danny Morton parried Simon Garner’s free kick.
Genesis, showing character in front of a Gigg Lane crowd of 1,800, were back in front six minutes later when Marsh won and converted his second penalty – only for FC to draw level once again when Lomax pounced on another rebound after Morton had saved a long-range strike.
Lee Merricks’ young side would not be denied though and were back in front within a minute when Kyle Lambert set up Chris Thompson before Marsh completed his hat-trick in stoppage time, challenging Ashton as he tried to collect Danny Warrender’s throw and scoring at close range.
Leigh will look to build on the win when they take on Kendal Town in a ‘home’ fixture at Ashton United tomorrow.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Wilson doubt for Rebels clash
6:30am Friday 13th February 2009
By Liam Chronnell
FC United v Leigh Genesis
FC United are sweating on the fitness of top-scorer Kyle Wilson ahead of their clash with struggling Leigh Genesis.
The 23-goal former Crewe striker was badly missed in last weekend’s 3-0 defeat at Nantwich with a knee injury.
Wilson will discover the full extent of the problem when he sees a specialist today.
But the promotion-chasing Rebels will be desperate to have the UniBond Premier League’s leading marksman back for tomorrow’s visit of bottom club Leigh.
“He’s an important player for us and we saw that last week when he wasn’t playing,” said manager Karl Marginson.
“We got about 15 crosses into the box but couldn’t get on the end of any of them. If any of those had gone in it could’ve been a different story. We need to be more ruthless in front of goal.”
And Marginson believes it is vital his side pile on the misery for cash-strapped Leigh as they look to consolidate their position in the play-off spots.
He said: “Leigh are struggling financially and we need to take advantage of that and get back on track after the defeat at Nantwich.”
The Gigg Lane tenants will be boosted by the return to the starting line-up of captain Dave Chadwick with the defender now fully recovered from an ankle problem.
Genesis, five points from safety but with four games in hand of their closest rivals in the drop zone, will be hoping to build on their encouraging display in last weekend’s 3-1 defeat to title-chasing Hednesford Town.
By Liam Chronnell
FC United v Leigh Genesis
FC United are sweating on the fitness of top-scorer Kyle Wilson ahead of their clash with struggling Leigh Genesis.
The 23-goal former Crewe striker was badly missed in last weekend’s 3-0 defeat at Nantwich with a knee injury.
Wilson will discover the full extent of the problem when he sees a specialist today.
But the promotion-chasing Rebels will be desperate to have the UniBond Premier League’s leading marksman back for tomorrow’s visit of bottom club Leigh.
“He’s an important player for us and we saw that last week when he wasn’t playing,” said manager Karl Marginson.
“We got about 15 crosses into the box but couldn’t get on the end of any of them. If any of those had gone in it could’ve been a different story. We need to be more ruthless in front of goal.”
And Marginson believes it is vital his side pile on the misery for cash-strapped Leigh as they look to consolidate their position in the play-off spots.
He said: “Leigh are struggling financially and we need to take advantage of that and get back on track after the defeat at Nantwich.”
The Gigg Lane tenants will be boosted by the return to the starting line-up of captain Dave Chadwick with the defender now fully recovered from an ankle problem.
Genesis, five points from safety but with four games in hand of their closest rivals in the drop zone, will be hoping to build on their encouraging display in last weekend’s 3-1 defeat to title-chasing Hednesford Town.
Rebels launch Marsh bid
February 12, 2009
FC UNITED are hoping to sign former Manchester United youngster Phil Marsh in time for him to make his debut against Leigh Genesis at Gigg Lane on Saturday.
Marsh, 22, has been playing for UniBond premier bottom club Genesis but Rebels boss Karl Marginson put in seven days' notice on the striker last week and is now awaiting an answer from the player.
The St Helens-born player was a product of United's youth system, but almost had his career ended as a 17-year-old when he was the innocent victim of a car crash which saw team-mates Calum Flanagan and Mads Timm sent to a young offenders' institute.
Marsh recovered to become a right back in the reserves and made his only first-team appearance in a Carling Cup tie at Crewe in 2006.
After being released by United in 2007, he drifted to Blackpool - where he failed to play in the first team - and has since been in non-League.
This season he was at Northwich and Hyde before signing for Leigh, for whom he has scored three goals in nine games.
Marsh may be needed to replace top scorer Kyle Wilson, who faces a consultation tomorrow on a knee injury which could keep him out for up to six weeks.
The Rebels have already added to their firepower this week, bringing in 27-year-old Hyde front man Carl Lomax.
"He's a big, strong lad who can play with his back to goal but also has an eye for goal - he has scored against us in the past for Ramsbottom and Rossendale," says Marginson.
With skipper Dave Chadwick over a niggle, Marginson faces a tough decision for his centre back pairing as Leigh - without a win in ten games - visit Gigg.
FC UNITED are hoping to sign former Manchester United youngster Phil Marsh in time for him to make his debut against Leigh Genesis at Gigg Lane on Saturday.
Marsh, 22, has been playing for UniBond premier bottom club Genesis but Rebels boss Karl Marginson put in seven days' notice on the striker last week and is now awaiting an answer from the player.
The St Helens-born player was a product of United's youth system, but almost had his career ended as a 17-year-old when he was the innocent victim of a car crash which saw team-mates Calum Flanagan and Mads Timm sent to a young offenders' institute.
Marsh recovered to become a right back in the reserves and made his only first-team appearance in a Carling Cup tie at Crewe in 2006.
After being released by United in 2007, he drifted to Blackpool - where he failed to play in the first team - and has since been in non-League.
This season he was at Northwich and Hyde before signing for Leigh, for whom he has scored three goals in nine games.
Marsh may be needed to replace top scorer Kyle Wilson, who faces a consultation tomorrow on a knee injury which could keep him out for up to six weeks.
The Rebels have already added to their firepower this week, bringing in 27-year-old Hyde front man Carl Lomax.
"He's a big, strong lad who can play with his back to goal but also has an eye for goal - he has scored against us in the past for Ramsbottom and Rossendale," says Marginson.
With skipper Dave Chadwick over a niggle, Marginson faces a tough decision for his centre back pairing as Leigh - without a win in ten games - visit Gigg.
Fans launch plans to run Reds
By Gary Morgan
12 February 2009
A HIGH profile first team manager is just one of the exciting new proposals pledged by a group of dedicated Redditch United fans keen to ensure the town's club remains, should the current cash-strapped set-up succumb to its reported financial difficulties.
Fronted by fan Steve Workman, the nine-man supporters' group, which has a working title of AFC Redditch, gave a presentation to fellow followers at Batchley Social Club last Thursday night when they outlined their contingency plans if the club went bust.
The ambitious proposals would see the not-for-profit club effectively owned by the fans in a co-operative with a one share per person scheme.
Each member of the co-operative would also be given one vote on all football matters, including team strip and admission prices.
The club would aim to be at the heart of the Redditch community delivering a range of projects, such as disability schemes and school tournaments, and would be run by a paid operations manager who would be accountable to a steering committee made up of democratically elected supporters.
Mr Workman, who has been in close contact with officials at 'fans clubs' AFC Wimbledon and FC United of Manchester, insisted the proposals should not be viewed as a threat to the current board.
"This is not a challenge, it is important to stress that, it is just something we have in place so that we can move quickly when the situation arises," he told The Standard.
"I do believe it is a case of when and not if now so we have to make sure we have these plans in place so we can protect the future of the club we are all so passionate about."
If the current Blue Square North club did go into liquidation it is likely any 'new' set-up would be forced to drop a couple of levels in the football pyramid.
While that may concern some fans, the group behind AFC Redditch has pledged to rebuild the club into one that is successful and sustainable on and off the pitch.
Mr Workman has already held discussions with the town's business community and received positive feedback regarding sponsorship opportunities.
And in a move which is likely to whet the appetite of fans, he revealed he had already met with prospective "high profile" first team managers.
While not in a position to reveal any names, Mr Workman did suggest their identities would help recapture fans' love and imagination for their club.
"I have spoken to a firm who have already pledged to sponsor the first team manager's salary because they are so impressed with the community nature of this proposal," he said.
"I have also had a meeting with a couple of potential first team managers and, while it is too early to discuss names, let me tell you I couldn't sleep I was so excited after meeting one of them."
The group have also shown their presentation to officials at Redditch Borough Council and received a warm response.
They are planning a further presentation to fans who were unable to attend last week's meeting
12 February 2009
A HIGH profile first team manager is just one of the exciting new proposals pledged by a group of dedicated Redditch United fans keen to ensure the town's club remains, should the current cash-strapped set-up succumb to its reported financial difficulties.
Fronted by fan Steve Workman, the nine-man supporters' group, which has a working title of AFC Redditch, gave a presentation to fellow followers at Batchley Social Club last Thursday night when they outlined their contingency plans if the club went bust.
The ambitious proposals would see the not-for-profit club effectively owned by the fans in a co-operative with a one share per person scheme.
Each member of the co-operative would also be given one vote on all football matters, including team strip and admission prices.
The club would aim to be at the heart of the Redditch community delivering a range of projects, such as disability schemes and school tournaments, and would be run by a paid operations manager who would be accountable to a steering committee made up of democratically elected supporters.
Mr Workman, who has been in close contact with officials at 'fans clubs' AFC Wimbledon and FC United of Manchester, insisted the proposals should not be viewed as a threat to the current board.
"This is not a challenge, it is important to stress that, it is just something we have in place so that we can move quickly when the situation arises," he told The Standard.
"I do believe it is a case of when and not if now so we have to make sure we have these plans in place so we can protect the future of the club we are all so passionate about."
If the current Blue Square North club did go into liquidation it is likely any 'new' set-up would be forced to drop a couple of levels in the football pyramid.
While that may concern some fans, the group behind AFC Redditch has pledged to rebuild the club into one that is successful and sustainable on and off the pitch.
Mr Workman has already held discussions with the town's business community and received positive feedback regarding sponsorship opportunities.
And in a move which is likely to whet the appetite of fans, he revealed he had already met with prospective "high profile" first team managers.
While not in a position to reveal any names, Mr Workman did suggest their identities would help recapture fans' love and imagination for their club.
"I have spoken to a firm who have already pledged to sponsor the first team manager's salary because they are so impressed with the community nature of this proposal," he said.
"I have also had a meeting with a couple of potential first team managers and, while it is too early to discuss names, let me tell you I couldn't sleep I was so excited after meeting one of them."
The group have also shown their presentation to officials at Redditch Borough Council and received a warm response.
They are planning a further presentation to fans who were unable to attend last week's meeting
FC lose to promotion rivals
12/ 2/2009
FC UNITED slumped to a 3-0 defeat against promotion rivals Nantwich Town in front of 1,547 supporters at the Weaver Stadium.
Michael Lennon broke the deadlock with a 13th minute penalty and the reds were always chasing the game after that.
Ashley Carter doubled the lead with a good counter attacking goal on the hour mark before Lennon delivered a sucker punch by netting his second goal of Saturday’s game with four minutes to go.
Despite having a great deal of possession, it was a rather toothless performance from United and they clearly missed the capabilities of the UniBond’s leading goal scorer Kyle Wilson, who will remain on the sidelines for several weeks due to a knee injury.
Despite the defeat, fifth-placed FC are still in the play-off places and they will hope to further their claims for promotion when they host basement club Leigh Genesis at Gigg Lane this coming Saturday, February 14, kick-off 3pm.
FC UNITED slumped to a 3-0 defeat against promotion rivals Nantwich Town in front of 1,547 supporters at the Weaver Stadium.
Michael Lennon broke the deadlock with a 13th minute penalty and the reds were always chasing the game after that.
Ashley Carter doubled the lead with a good counter attacking goal on the hour mark before Lennon delivered a sucker punch by netting his second goal of Saturday’s game with four minutes to go.
Despite having a great deal of possession, it was a rather toothless performance from United and they clearly missed the capabilities of the UniBond’s leading goal scorer Kyle Wilson, who will remain on the sidelines for several weeks due to a knee injury.
Despite the defeat, fifth-placed FC are still in the play-off places and they will hope to further their claims for promotion when they host basement club Leigh Genesis at Gigg Lane this coming Saturday, February 14, kick-off 3pm.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
UniBond League football: Nantwich Town 3 FC United of Manchester 0
Source: Crewe Chronicle
NANTWICH Town brushed aside FC United with a superb second-half display in front of more than 1,500 people at the Weaver Stadium on Saturday.
After a tight first half the Dabbers were too hot to handle for the visitors in the second and move up to third in the Premier Division thanks to the 3-0 win.
A Micky Lennon brace complimented by fine individual effort from Ash Carter got the job done.
Boss Steve Davis said: “I didn’t think we played well first half and I couldn’t wait to get in there at half time and say a few harsh words.
“In the second half we were more positive and I got the right response. We could have had even more goals but 3-0 against them is a good result.
“Some of the lads felt intimidated by the big crowd but we have got to get used to big crowds because hopefully in the next few years we will be getting them regularly.”
Fourth-placed Nantwich were without five key players for the test against fifth-placed United. Skipper Phil Parkinson (hamstring), defender Darren Tinson (tonsillitis) and suspended trio Robin Gibson, Dave Walker and Mark Beeston missed out.
The kick-off was delayed for a few minutes while the big crowd filtered in. In the 12th minute the Dabbers were the victims of a controversial decision. United defender Adam Tong handled Glyn Blackhurst’s effort on the line and a penalty was awarded. While a red card is mandatory for that offence the referee decided on a yellow. Lennon clinically dispatched his 21st goal of the season from the spot.
On the half-hour mark Lennon skipped past Tong on the edge of the area only to be hacked down. Amazingly the big defender again escaped an early bath.
Nantwich looked hungrier than ever on the restart. Whittaker and Charlie O’Loughlin had efforts cleared off the line at set-pieces, but on the hour nobody could stop Carter.
Whittaker did brilliantly to battle back and win possession and Dave MacPherson sent the winger racing clear.
Carter had a long way to go but he held off the attentions of Tong and Tunji Moses at speed and delicately lifted the ball over keeper Sam Ashton.
Nantwich were rampant now as United heads dropped. Lennon got another four minutes from time when Blackhurst intercepted and unselfishly laid him on for an easy finish.
Monday, February 09, 2009
Children’s charity effort hits the right note
12:00pm Monday 9th February 2009
YOUNGSTERS from two local primary schools were in perfect harmony as they helped a children’s charity one step closer to its goal.
Pupils from Park View in Prestwich and Ribble Drive in Whitefield gave an hour-long choral performance at St Margaret’s Church, Prestwich, in December.
The show raised £570 and last week pupils presented a cheque to staff from Medequip4kids.
The charity is aiming to raise £250,000 for medical facilities at the women and children’s unit being built at North Manchester General Hospital.
Lindsay Southall, the charity’s community fundraiser, said: “The concert was a fantastic success and raised far more money than we ever expected.
“As we are a Prestwich-based charity, it was great to have such an event in Prestwich and the children from both schools were brilliant.
“They sang their hearts out and we wanted to say thank you for all their hard work.”
Medequip4kids got more good news when fans from Bury-based football team FC United of Manchester presented a cheque for £10,000. The money was raised when more than 100 FC United fans took part in a family fun run in Chorlton.
YOUNGSTERS from two local primary schools were in perfect harmony as they helped a children’s charity one step closer to its goal.
Pupils from Park View in Prestwich and Ribble Drive in Whitefield gave an hour-long choral performance at St Margaret’s Church, Prestwich, in December.
The show raised £570 and last week pupils presented a cheque to staff from Medequip4kids.
The charity is aiming to raise £250,000 for medical facilities at the women and children’s unit being built at North Manchester General Hospital.
Lindsay Southall, the charity’s community fundraiser, said: “The concert was a fantastic success and raised far more money than we ever expected.
“As we are a Prestwich-based charity, it was great to have such an event in Prestwich and the children from both schools were brilliant.
“They sang their hearts out and we wanted to say thank you for all their hard work.”
Medequip4kids got more good news when fans from Bury-based football team FC United of Manchester presented a cheque for £10,000. The money was raised when more than 100 FC United fans took part in a family fun run in Chorlton.
Promotion the target for Nantwich
Nantwich Town can achieve promotion for a third successive year, according to Dabbers head coach Steve Davis.
A 3-0 win over FC United of Manchester on Saturday lifted them to third position in the Unibond Premier League.
Davis told BBC Radio Stoke: "We've come a long way in a short time and it would be a magnificent achievement to go up.
"It would be excellent to be in the Blue Square North if we got the chance. We've just got to keep winning games and keep performing well."
The former Crewe and Burnley defender is the most successful manager in Nantwich's history.
He was in charge of the Dabbers when they lifted the FA Vase in 2006, and then led them to back-to-back promotions in 2007 and 2008.
Page last updated at 09:20 GMT, Monday, 9 February 2009
A 3-0 win over FC United of Manchester on Saturday lifted them to third position in the Unibond Premier League.
Davis told BBC Radio Stoke: "We've come a long way in a short time and it would be a magnificent achievement to go up.
"It would be excellent to be in the Blue Square North if we got the chance. We've just got to keep winning games and keep performing well."
The former Crewe and Burnley defender is the most successful manager in Nantwich's history.
He was in charge of the Dabbers when they lifted the FA Vase in 2006, and then led them to back-to-back promotions in 2007 and 2008.
Page last updated at 09:20 GMT, Monday, 9 February 2009
Non-league football: Nantwich defeat promotion rivals
Monday, February 09, 2009, 08:45
UniBond League Premier Division
Nantwich Town 3, FC United of Manchester 0
by Paul Downey
NANTWICH manager Steve Davis praised the contribution of captain Michael Lennon after he fired a brace in a 3-0 victory over FC United of Manchester at the Weaver Stadium.
"He's got better and better," said Davis.
"I showed a lot of faith in him when he wasn't playing as well as he can at the start of the season. He's responded well, and took his goals really well."
FC had the first chance of the game in the first few minutes when Jerome Wright cut in from the left and flashed a powerful effort just over the bar.
Nantwich came back into the game and could have taken the lead in spectacular fashion when Danny Griggs cut inside Danny Warrender and curled an effort just wide of Ashton's goal.
They were awarded a penalty after 13 minutes as Glyn Blackhurst's shot was blocked by the hand of Adam Tong, who was fortunate to receive just a yellow card despite stopping a clear goal-scoring opportunity.
Lennon stepped up to send Ashton the wrong way, slotting the ball into the right corner of the net.
The home side could have doubled their lead shortly after when Ashley Carter played in full-back Damian Jarrett, but he fired straight at Ashton from just inside the box.
United could have been level on the 20-minute mark, but Jerome Wright's cross was smashed narrowly wide by Adam Carden
Tong should have received his marching orders on 28 minutes after a blatant body check on Lennon, but wasn't even booked, much to the dismay of Nantwich boss Davis.
United were now having the lion's share of the possession and should have been on level terms six minutes before the break when Simon Garner's cross was headed over by the unmarked Rob Nugent.
Town could have gone into the break further ahead, but for a superb save by Ashton from Blackhurst's superb half-volley.
Nantwich came out the traps early in the second half, and could have scored twice in the space of a couples of minutes when Richard Smith and Blackhurst both had headers cleared off the line.
The pressure finally told just past the hour mark as a superb through-ball by Dave MacPherson found Carter, who broke clear of the defence and slotted home well under the advancing Ashton.
The goal seemed to relax the home side, and they started to create chances at a canter, with the dangerous Lennon and Griggs going close.
They were rewarded with a third goal three minutes from time when Blackhurst robbed United substitute Dave Chadwick and squared to the unmarked Lennon to tap home.
The forward could have completed his hat-trick a minute later, but fired wide from a low Carter cross.
Both teams could have been reduced to 10 men in stoppage time when Carden clashed with Lennon by the dugouts, but both players received a yellow for their troubles.
Davies was delighted with the victory, but revealed he had harsh words with some of his players at half-time.
"I didn't think we played particularly well in the first half," he said. "I didn't feel we were using the ball well enough in wide areas.
"In the second half, we came out with a lot more purpose and it showed in the performance."
After a victory over one of their closest rivals, Davies insisted the future is bright for the Dabbers.
"There are plenty of games to go, and we aren't looking past our next game, but we have come a long way in a short space of time and are aiming to get into the Blue Square sooner, rather than later," he said.
NANTWICH: Jones, Jarrett, Tickle, Smith, O'Loughlin, Blackhurst, Carter, MacPherson, Whittaker, Lennon, Griggs. Subs: Francis, Hawthorne, Jack, Southern, Mahmoud.
Attendance: 1,547.
UniBond League Premier Division
Nantwich Town 3, FC United of Manchester 0
by Paul Downey
NANTWICH manager Steve Davis praised the contribution of captain Michael Lennon after he fired a brace in a 3-0 victory over FC United of Manchester at the Weaver Stadium.
"He's got better and better," said Davis.
"I showed a lot of faith in him when he wasn't playing as well as he can at the start of the season. He's responded well, and took his goals really well."
FC had the first chance of the game in the first few minutes when Jerome Wright cut in from the left and flashed a powerful effort just over the bar.
Nantwich came back into the game and could have taken the lead in spectacular fashion when Danny Griggs cut inside Danny Warrender and curled an effort just wide of Ashton's goal.
They were awarded a penalty after 13 minutes as Glyn Blackhurst's shot was blocked by the hand of Adam Tong, who was fortunate to receive just a yellow card despite stopping a clear goal-scoring opportunity.
Lennon stepped up to send Ashton the wrong way, slotting the ball into the right corner of the net.
The home side could have doubled their lead shortly after when Ashley Carter played in full-back Damian Jarrett, but he fired straight at Ashton from just inside the box.
United could have been level on the 20-minute mark, but Jerome Wright's cross was smashed narrowly wide by Adam Carden
Tong should have received his marching orders on 28 minutes after a blatant body check on Lennon, but wasn't even booked, much to the dismay of Nantwich boss Davis.
United were now having the lion's share of the possession and should have been on level terms six minutes before the break when Simon Garner's cross was headed over by the unmarked Rob Nugent.
Town could have gone into the break further ahead, but for a superb save by Ashton from Blackhurst's superb half-volley.
Nantwich came out the traps early in the second half, and could have scored twice in the space of a couples of minutes when Richard Smith and Blackhurst both had headers cleared off the line.
The pressure finally told just past the hour mark as a superb through-ball by Dave MacPherson found Carter, who broke clear of the defence and slotted home well under the advancing Ashton.
The goal seemed to relax the home side, and they started to create chances at a canter, with the dangerous Lennon and Griggs going close.
They were rewarded with a third goal three minutes from time when Blackhurst robbed United substitute Dave Chadwick and squared to the unmarked Lennon to tap home.
The forward could have completed his hat-trick a minute later, but fired wide from a low Carter cross.
Both teams could have been reduced to 10 men in stoppage time when Carden clashed with Lennon by the dugouts, but both players received a yellow for their troubles.
Davies was delighted with the victory, but revealed he had harsh words with some of his players at half-time.
"I didn't think we played particularly well in the first half," he said. "I didn't feel we were using the ball well enough in wide areas.
"In the second half, we came out with a lot more purpose and it showed in the performance."
After a victory over one of their closest rivals, Davies insisted the future is bright for the Dabbers.
"There are plenty of games to go, and we aren't looking past our next game, but we have come a long way in a short space of time and are aiming to get into the Blue Square sooner, rather than later," he said.
NANTWICH: Jones, Jarrett, Tickle, Smith, O'Loughlin, Blackhurst, Carter, MacPherson, Whittaker, Lennon, Griggs. Subs: Francis, Hawthorne, Jack, Southern, Mahmoud.
Attendance: 1,547.
More than 1,500 see superb Dabbers win
Feb 9 2009 by Dave Fox, Crewe Chronicle
Nantwich Town 3 FC United of Manchester 0
MICKY Lennon's brace helped Nantwich to a superb win over FC United in front of more than 1,500 at the Weaver Stadium on Saturday
The club's top-scorer now has 22 goals for the season after opening the scoring with a first-half penalty and rounding off the win with a tap-in in the second half. Winger Ash Carter got the other Dabbers goal.
Boss Steve Davis said: “I think they played a bit more football than us but we created much the better chances. Micky is looking like the player I thought he was now. I chased him for a long time and now people can see why.”
The win propelled Nantwich to third in the UniBond Premier.
Nantwich Town 3 FC United of Manchester 0
MICKY Lennon's brace helped Nantwich to a superb win over FC United in front of more than 1,500 at the Weaver Stadium on Saturday
The club's top-scorer now has 22 goals for the season after opening the scoring with a first-half penalty and rounding off the win with a tap-in in the second half. Winger Ash Carter got the other Dabbers goal.
Boss Steve Davis said: “I think they played a bit more football than us but we created much the better chances. Micky is looking like the player I thought he was now. I chased him for a long time and now people can see why.”
The win propelled Nantwich to third in the UniBond Premier.
Non League round-up
Source: Manchester Evening News
February 08, 2009
FC UNITED'S UniBond premier promotion push skidded to a halt on a day when all but three of the region's senior semi-pro clubs saw their games fall victim to snow and ice.
The rebel Reds' hopes of consolidating their position in the play-off places came well and truly unstuck as their run of five wins in six games was ended in a crushing 3-0 defeat at title-chasing Nantwich.
Karl Marginson's men were soon up against it when the prolific Michael Lennon fired the hosts in front with a 13th minute penalty after Adam Tong had handled Glyn Blackhurst's goal-bound shot on the line.
Tong surprisingly escaped with a booking, but there were to be no more such lucky escapes for United as Nantwich sealed the points with further strikes by Ashley Carter and Lennon in the second-half.
Elsewhere, there was further woe for relegation-haunted pair Hyde United and Leigh Genesis as both lost yet again.
The troubled Tigers remain entrenched in the Blue Square North drop-zone after sinking 2-0 at high-flying Southport.
Ex-Droylsden striker Steve Daly was Hyde's two-goal assassin as the Sandgrounders cruised to victory over the cash-strapped Ewen Fields outfit.
Leigh wasted a chance to haul themselves off the foot of the UniBond premier division in going down 3-1 to Hednesford.
And Lee Merricks' side had no-one to blame but themselves as they squandered a hatful of chances before the championship-chasing visitors finally showed their class by easing into a three-goal lead.
Phil Marsh pulled one back on the hour, but it wasn't enough.
Meanwhile, Glossop's FA Vase fifth-round clash at Bitton and Altrincham's home Blue Square Premier date with Eastbourne headed the long list of postponed games.
Abbey Hey boosted their Vodkat premier division survival bid with Danny Heffernan scoring twice in their 3-1 win at Formby, while Flixton's Chris Smith was also a two-goal star as the Valley Road side came from behind to beat Colne 2-1.
Cheadle lost 1-0 to visiting first division leaders AFC Liverpool.
February 08, 2009
FC UNITED'S UniBond premier promotion push skidded to a halt on a day when all but three of the region's senior semi-pro clubs saw their games fall victim to snow and ice.
The rebel Reds' hopes of consolidating their position in the play-off places came well and truly unstuck as their run of five wins in six games was ended in a crushing 3-0 defeat at title-chasing Nantwich.
Karl Marginson's men were soon up against it when the prolific Michael Lennon fired the hosts in front with a 13th minute penalty after Adam Tong had handled Glyn Blackhurst's goal-bound shot on the line.
Tong surprisingly escaped with a booking, but there were to be no more such lucky escapes for United as Nantwich sealed the points with further strikes by Ashley Carter and Lennon in the second-half.
Elsewhere, there was further woe for relegation-haunted pair Hyde United and Leigh Genesis as both lost yet again.
The troubled Tigers remain entrenched in the Blue Square North drop-zone after sinking 2-0 at high-flying Southport.
Ex-Droylsden striker Steve Daly was Hyde's two-goal assassin as the Sandgrounders cruised to victory over the cash-strapped Ewen Fields outfit.
Leigh wasted a chance to haul themselves off the foot of the UniBond premier division in going down 3-1 to Hednesford.
And Lee Merricks' side had no-one to blame but themselves as they squandered a hatful of chances before the championship-chasing visitors finally showed their class by easing into a three-goal lead.
Phil Marsh pulled one back on the hour, but it wasn't enough.
Meanwhile, Glossop's FA Vase fifth-round clash at Bitton and Altrincham's home Blue Square Premier date with Eastbourne headed the long list of postponed games.
Abbey Hey boosted their Vodkat premier division survival bid with Danny Heffernan scoring twice in their 3-1 win at Formby, while Flixton's Chris Smith was also a two-goal star as the Valley Road side came from behind to beat Colne 2-1.
Cheadle lost 1-0 to visiting first division leaders AFC Liverpool.
Friday, February 06, 2009
Rebels sweat on Wilson fitness
Source: Manchester Evening News
Stuart Brennan
February 06, 2009
FC UNITED may be without top scorer Kyle Wilson as they launch a final push on promotion from the UniBond League.
The former Crewe striker, who has scored 23 times, suffered a knee injury in last week's win over Guiseley which may rule him out of tomorrow's trip to Nantwich.
Youngster Danny Williams will be drafted into the squad but manager Karl Marginson is also toying the idea of pairing either Jamie Baguley or Jerome Wright with Tommy Turner.
Stuart Brennan
February 06, 2009
FC UNITED may be without top scorer Kyle Wilson as they launch a final push on promotion from the UniBond League.
The former Crewe striker, who has scored 23 times, suffered a knee injury in last week's win over Guiseley which may rule him out of tomorrow's trip to Nantwich.
Youngster Danny Williams will be drafted into the squad but manager Karl Marginson is also toying the idea of pairing either Jamie Baguley or Jerome Wright with Tommy Turner.
Non League preview
10:40am Friday 6th February 2009
LEIGH Genesis will play at the town’s Sports Village for only the second time tomorrow looking for at least a point to end a disastrous run in the UniBond Premier League.
But second-placed Hednesford Town will provide a stern test.
Genesis need to improve on recent shows, however, which have seen them pick up just one point from their last eight league games.
FC United will look to consolidate their position in the play-off zone when they travel to promotion rivals Nantwich.
But they expect to be without striker Kyle Wilson. The league’s top scorer limped out of last week’s victory over Guiseley with a knee problem.
Radcliffe Borough visit Garforth Town on the back of an encouraging 2-1 win over Fleetwood Town in the Lancashire Cup on Wednesday. But director of football Gerry Luczka will be more worried about improving the club’s form in UniBond Division One North.
But they have now scored six goals in their last three games, an encouraging statistic for the Stainton Park men.
Boro will be without Michael Oates who is suspended, but Craig Dawson, who was banned for the Fleetwood game, is available.
MIDFIELDER Andy Walker returns from suspension to strengthen Atherton Collieries for their home game against Vodkat NW Counties Premier Division high-flyers Newcastle Town at Alder House tomorrow, kick-off 3pm.
The Potteries side, currently second behind runaway leaders AFC Fylde, have transfer-listed all their contract players as a cost-cutting measure but will still povide a stern test for Dave Conlon’s Colls who are again without suspended striker Troy Hayder.
In-form Atherton LR, who were frustrated by the weather when their game at Congleton was postponed on Tuesday, take on Ramsbottom United at Crilly Park.
Ramsbottom, who lost to Skelmersdale United in the Lancashire Trophy quarter-finals in midweek, have not played a league game since Boxing Day.
Daisy Hill have been working hard to get their New Sirs pitch in shape for a home game against Norton.
Manager Craig Thomas has strengthened his squad by re-signing two former players – striker Kevin Hughes and midfielder Steve Collier. But he is unlikely to be able call on another ex-Daisy Hill favourite Danny Williams – now on FC United’s books – who was due to test his recovery from a recent injury in the game at Bootle on Tuesday until the game fell victim to the weather.
LEIGH Genesis will play at the town’s Sports Village for only the second time tomorrow looking for at least a point to end a disastrous run in the UniBond Premier League.
But second-placed Hednesford Town will provide a stern test.
Genesis need to improve on recent shows, however, which have seen them pick up just one point from their last eight league games.
FC United will look to consolidate their position in the play-off zone when they travel to promotion rivals Nantwich.
But they expect to be without striker Kyle Wilson. The league’s top scorer limped out of last week’s victory over Guiseley with a knee problem.
Radcliffe Borough visit Garforth Town on the back of an encouraging 2-1 win over Fleetwood Town in the Lancashire Cup on Wednesday. But director of football Gerry Luczka will be more worried about improving the club’s form in UniBond Division One North.
But they have now scored six goals in their last three games, an encouraging statistic for the Stainton Park men.
Boro will be without Michael Oates who is suspended, but Craig Dawson, who was banned for the Fleetwood game, is available.
MIDFIELDER Andy Walker returns from suspension to strengthen Atherton Collieries for their home game against Vodkat NW Counties Premier Division high-flyers Newcastle Town at Alder House tomorrow, kick-off 3pm.
The Potteries side, currently second behind runaway leaders AFC Fylde, have transfer-listed all their contract players as a cost-cutting measure but will still povide a stern test for Dave Conlon’s Colls who are again without suspended striker Troy Hayder.
In-form Atherton LR, who were frustrated by the weather when their game at Congleton was postponed on Tuesday, take on Ramsbottom United at Crilly Park.
Ramsbottom, who lost to Skelmersdale United in the Lancashire Trophy quarter-finals in midweek, have not played a league game since Boxing Day.
Daisy Hill have been working hard to get their New Sirs pitch in shape for a home game against Norton.
Manager Craig Thomas has strengthened his squad by re-signing two former players – striker Kevin Hughes and midfielder Steve Collier. But he is unlikely to be able call on another ex-Daisy Hill favourite Danny Williams – now on FC United’s books – who was due to test his recovery from a recent injury in the game at Bootle on Tuesday until the game fell victim to the weather.
'Club of month' aim to keep momentum
Friday, February 06, 2009, 07:30
MATLOCK Town should welcome back trio Dene Cropper, Jamie Jackson and Lee Featherstone for tomorrow's UniBond Challenge Cup quarter-final at Whitby.
However, striker Ross Hannah is still struggling with the ankle injury he sustained three weeks ago at Buxton.
Manager Mark Atkins is hoping his side can continue the run of form that has seen them pick up the award for the UniBond Club of the Month.
The Gladiators are unbeaten in eight matches and Atkins says the award is well deserved.
"We're chuffed to pick up the Club of the Month Award," he said.
"It's good for everyone involved with the club and particularly the players, who've worked extremely hard recently.
"They deserve everything they've got in the last few weeks."
With a posse of strikers to choose from when Hannah regains full fitness, Atkins is happy with the selection headache he faces.
He said: "I'd rather have that dilemma than not being able to put a team out.
"With competition being strong, people have to perform to keep their place. If they do that, they will and that's what we want."
Meanwhile, Atkins was full of praise for Rob Lund, who scored on his debut in last Saturday's victory over Leigh Genesis.
"Rob Lund was excellent," he said.
"I knew what he could do and he gives us that bit of extra pace down the left.
"He can also operate as a central striker. He took his goal very well."
Matlock look set to play their first Sunday game in 20 years when heavily-supported FC United of Manchester come to Causeway Lane next month.
With United regularly taking over 1,000 supporters to away games, Derbyshire Constabulary have ruled that the game cannot go ahead on the scheduled date of Saturday, March 7, because police presence is needed at Pride Park Stadium, where Derby County will be playing Bristol City.
Both FC United and the UniBond League have given their support for the fixture to be put back 24 hours while Matlock are still waiting to hear from the relevant police authorities.
MATLOCK Town should welcome back trio Dene Cropper, Jamie Jackson and Lee Featherstone for tomorrow's UniBond Challenge Cup quarter-final at Whitby.
However, striker Ross Hannah is still struggling with the ankle injury he sustained three weeks ago at Buxton.
Manager Mark Atkins is hoping his side can continue the run of form that has seen them pick up the award for the UniBond Club of the Month.
The Gladiators are unbeaten in eight matches and Atkins says the award is well deserved.
"We're chuffed to pick up the Club of the Month Award," he said.
"It's good for everyone involved with the club and particularly the players, who've worked extremely hard recently.
"They deserve everything they've got in the last few weeks."
With a posse of strikers to choose from when Hannah regains full fitness, Atkins is happy with the selection headache he faces.
He said: "I'd rather have that dilemma than not being able to put a team out.
"With competition being strong, people have to perform to keep their place. If they do that, they will and that's what we want."
Meanwhile, Atkins was full of praise for Rob Lund, who scored on his debut in last Saturday's victory over Leigh Genesis.
"Rob Lund was excellent," he said.
"I knew what he could do and he gives us that bit of extra pace down the left.
"He can also operate as a central striker. He took his goal very well."
Matlock look set to play their first Sunday game in 20 years when heavily-supported FC United of Manchester come to Causeway Lane next month.
With United regularly taking over 1,000 supporters to away games, Derbyshire Constabulary have ruled that the game cannot go ahead on the scheduled date of Saturday, March 7, because police presence is needed at Pride Park Stadium, where Derby County will be playing Bristol City.
Both FC United and the UniBond League have given their support for the fixture to be put back 24 hours while Matlock are still waiting to hear from the relevant police authorities.
Change of formation pays off
7:38pm Thursday 5th February 2009
Nantwich Town 2 Frickley Athletic 2
STEVE Davis will be looking for an improvement when Nantwich Town entertain FC United in Saturday’s UniBond Premier top-of-the-table clash at The Weaver Stadium.
He said he has to be satisfied with a point from the lacklustre display in the weekend’s draw with Frickley.
“I am afraid we carried four to five players,” he said.
“And with teams coming here now and simply placing most of their players behind the ball our task is that much greater if we don’t operate as a unit from start to finish.
“The change to 3-5-2 paid off and Blacky’s energetic running was just the spark we needed. Otherwise, we were lethargic for the most part and have to be satisfied with a point.”
The Dabbers were boosted by the return of Charlie O’Loughlin, Rob Hawthorne and Glyn Blackhurst from injury and showed promise.
They pressed and took the lead in the 11th minute through Dave Walker’s 20th goal of the season after an intitial break and lofted cross from Richard Smith.
A defensive error cost Nantwich in the 18th minute when Frickley took advantage of slack marking to level the match, with Darren Clarke beating Jones from 12 yards.
Chances came to re-take the lead and although Nantwich’s work rate was high, it lacked an edge.
Action was scrappy at the start of the second half, with Frickley plugging away in an effort to profit from mistakes.
And profit they did in the 57th minute, albeit through an own goal with O’Loughlin inadvertently heading it into the roof of the net.
Almost immediately Nantwich changed their system to 3-5-2, with Francis sacrificed and Blackhurst coming on to add thrust to the midfield.
The change did the job and Blackhurst’s eagerness to inject life into the flagging Dabbers paid dividend in the 65th minute when his knock down into the path of Lennon from a Griggs corner was driven into the roof of the net, also handing Lennon his 20th goal of the season.
Nantwich: Jones, Smith, Francis, Tinson, O’Loughlin, Beeston, Carter, Macpherson, Walker, Lennon, Griggs. Subs: Gibson, Blackhurst, Tickle, Hawthorne, Jack.
Nantwich Town 2 Frickley Athletic 2
STEVE Davis will be looking for an improvement when Nantwich Town entertain FC United in Saturday’s UniBond Premier top-of-the-table clash at The Weaver Stadium.
He said he has to be satisfied with a point from the lacklustre display in the weekend’s draw with Frickley.
“I am afraid we carried four to five players,” he said.
“And with teams coming here now and simply placing most of their players behind the ball our task is that much greater if we don’t operate as a unit from start to finish.
“The change to 3-5-2 paid off and Blacky’s energetic running was just the spark we needed. Otherwise, we were lethargic for the most part and have to be satisfied with a point.”
The Dabbers were boosted by the return of Charlie O’Loughlin, Rob Hawthorne and Glyn Blackhurst from injury and showed promise.
They pressed and took the lead in the 11th minute through Dave Walker’s 20th goal of the season after an intitial break and lofted cross from Richard Smith.
A defensive error cost Nantwich in the 18th minute when Frickley took advantage of slack marking to level the match, with Darren Clarke beating Jones from 12 yards.
Chances came to re-take the lead and although Nantwich’s work rate was high, it lacked an edge.
Action was scrappy at the start of the second half, with Frickley plugging away in an effort to profit from mistakes.
And profit they did in the 57th minute, albeit through an own goal with O’Loughlin inadvertently heading it into the roof of the net.
Almost immediately Nantwich changed their system to 3-5-2, with Francis sacrificed and Blackhurst coming on to add thrust to the midfield.
The change did the job and Blackhurst’s eagerness to inject life into the flagging Dabbers paid dividend in the 65th minute when his knock down into the path of Lennon from a Griggs corner was driven into the roof of the net, also handing Lennon his 20th goal of the season.
Nantwich: Jones, Smith, Francis, Tinson, O’Loughlin, Beeston, Carter, Macpherson, Walker, Lennon, Griggs. Subs: Gibson, Blackhurst, Tickle, Hawthorne, Jack.
Nantwich Town make changes for FC United clash
8:30am Friday 6th February 2009
By Mike Parsons
STEVE Davis will be making at least three changes to his Nantwich Town side for Saturday’s mouthwatering UniBond Premier clash with FC United of Manchester at The Weaver Stadium, kick off 3pm.
Forwards Robin Gibson and Dave Walker as well as defender Mark Beeston will miss out with suspensions but skipper Phil Parkinson could be back for a contest that attracted 1,784 fans when the two sides met in the FA Cup in September.
Saturday’s battle of the ‘league entertainers’ will be the first of three on the sidelines for Gibson, while Walker and Beeston will be available for selection against Cammell Laird on February 14 (Tuesday’s clash with Hednesford has been postponed and yet to be rearranged).
Parkinson has been absent for two matches but Davis is hoping the treatment for the midfielder’s calf injury will pay off for the weekend, while defender Darren Tinson and forward Dave Whittaker should be fit after illness.
Davis has been casting his eye over ‘one or two’ potential signings who would come into contention, although no deals had been completed at the time of going to press.
Nantwich are currently one point ahead of fifth-placed United and, with only five points separating third place to 10th place, need to continue with the momentum that is gathering from a run of four games without defeat.
By Mike Parsons
STEVE Davis will be making at least three changes to his Nantwich Town side for Saturday’s mouthwatering UniBond Premier clash with FC United of Manchester at The Weaver Stadium, kick off 3pm.
Forwards Robin Gibson and Dave Walker as well as defender Mark Beeston will miss out with suspensions but skipper Phil Parkinson could be back for a contest that attracted 1,784 fans when the two sides met in the FA Cup in September.
Saturday’s battle of the ‘league entertainers’ will be the first of three on the sidelines for Gibson, while Walker and Beeston will be available for selection against Cammell Laird on February 14 (Tuesday’s clash with Hednesford has been postponed and yet to be rearranged).
Parkinson has been absent for two matches but Davis is hoping the treatment for the midfielder’s calf injury will pay off for the weekend, while defender Darren Tinson and forward Dave Whittaker should be fit after illness.
Davis has been casting his eye over ‘one or two’ potential signings who would come into contention, although no deals had been completed at the time of going to press.
Nantwich are currently one point ahead of fifth-placed United and, with only five points separating third place to 10th place, need to continue with the momentum that is gathering from a run of four games without defeat.
FC United's Turner prize
5/ 2/2009
A LATE winner from Tommy Turner on Saturday took FC United into the UniBond Premier League play-off places.
Turner’s 88th minute header followed a 25-yard blockbuster from Jerome Wright a minute earlier as FC overcame a 1-0 deficit to beat Guiseley 2-1 and leap-frog them into fifth place.
The result represented sweet revenge for the reds, who were denied a win in the reverse fixture in November by an injury time equaliser.
But it looked like FC’s luck was to desert them again when Wright deflected a Simeon Bambrook shot into his own goal after 17 minutes.
However, FC battled back despite losing the league’s top scorer, Kyle Wilson, with a knee injury early on.
New signing Adam Tong excelled at the back and added a new weapon to United’s armoury with his enormous throw-ins but chances were few and far between. The best fell to loan signing Tristram Whitman, who somehow missed from the goal line following excellent work from Adam Carden on the right.
It took a stroke of genius from Wright to haul the reds level and Turner then secured the spoils by heading home at the back post following a goal mouth melee.
FC will hope to repeat their leap-frogging trick by winning at fourth-placed Nantwich Town on Saturday, February 7, kick-off 3pm.
Admission costs £8 for adults, £5 for concessions and £2 for under-16s.
A LATE winner from Tommy Turner on Saturday took FC United into the UniBond Premier League play-off places.
Turner’s 88th minute header followed a 25-yard blockbuster from Jerome Wright a minute earlier as FC overcame a 1-0 deficit to beat Guiseley 2-1 and leap-frog them into fifth place.
The result represented sweet revenge for the reds, who were denied a win in the reverse fixture in November by an injury time equaliser.
But it looked like FC’s luck was to desert them again when Wright deflected a Simeon Bambrook shot into his own goal after 17 minutes.
However, FC battled back despite losing the league’s top scorer, Kyle Wilson, with a knee injury early on.
New signing Adam Tong excelled at the back and added a new weapon to United’s armoury with his enormous throw-ins but chances were few and far between. The best fell to loan signing Tristram Whitman, who somehow missed from the goal line following excellent work from Adam Carden on the right.
It took a stroke of genius from Wright to haul the reds level and Turner then secured the spoils by heading home at the back post following a goal mouth melee.
FC will hope to repeat their leap-frogging trick by winning at fourth-placed Nantwich Town on Saturday, February 7, kick-off 3pm.
Admission costs £8 for adults, £5 for concessions and £2 for under-16s.
Thursday, February 05, 2009
FC United of Manchester 2 Guiseley 1
4:02pm Thursday 5th February 2009
By Rachel O'Connor
On a bitterly cold day at Bury’s Gigg Lane Guiseley were left disappointed after delivering one of their best defensive performances of the season only to concede two goals in the last three minutes.
With Steve Burton absent injured, Simeon Bambrook came back into the side and new signing from Harrogate Town Michael Roddy made his league debut, on the left of midfield.
Piotr Skiba was first into action to deny Simon Carden’s point-blank effort. James Hanson got his head to a Jerome Fitzgerald free-kick but the the ball just eluded Adam Muller at the far post.
Hanson was then fouled and Bambrook’s free-kick took a deflection off Jerome Wright to go beyond Danny Warrender for the opener.
There was further bad news for United shortly after as star striker Kyle Wilson limped off. The visitors continued to press and Bambrook went close from 20 yards while Chris Bolder put his effort the wrong side of the post.
The second half continued much in the same vein with Guiseley’s midfield trio, Bambrook, Bolder and Roddy, harrying and chasing everything as FC United seemed devoid of ideas of how to break down a resolute defence.
When they did breach the back line they found Danny Ellis in commanding form.
Muller headed over from a Guiseley corner and then Roddy had the chance to seal the game but he delayed his shot which gave Warrender time to race out and smother the threat.
Ellis made a goaline clearance before Wright redeemed himself with a sweet left-foot volley.
Skiba got a hand to it but could not prevent it from sailing into the top corner in the 87th minute. United then scored again through Adam Turner to steal the points. p Guiseley visit Witton Albion in the League Cup on Saturday.
Guiseley out to erase FC memory
3:11pm Thursday 5th February 2009
By Ian Whiting
After the heartbreak of their late defeat at Gigg Lane to FC United of Manchester last weekend, Guiseley turn their attention to the UniBond League Challenge Cup and a quarter-final at Witton Albion on Saturday.
The 2-1 loss to United, after they were leading 1-0 with three minutes remaining, dropped the Lions out of the play-off places in the Premier Division.
They leave their quest to rejoin the promotion-chasing pack in search of a place in the semi-finals of the cup.
“Everyone is hoping it’s on so we can get the FC United game out of our system,” said Guiseley’s assistant manager Wayne Benn.
“A really tough game like this is just the kind of challenge you need to get back on track.
“There are no easy games at this level and going to Witton is always very testing. They gave Eastwood (Premier Division leaders) a fright last week. But when you get to this stage of a competition you go all out for it.”
Benn reports a clean bill of health among the Nethermoor squad.
He said: “There are no injuries, just a few niggles but everyone is keen to play. Steve Burton returns from injury and James Cotterill is back from illness.
“Cotty was laid low with a virus for over a week but he did come out of the house to watch us at Gigg Lane. He is on the mend now. We couldn’t train because of the weather on Tuesday but he joined in later in the week.”
By Ian Whiting
After the heartbreak of their late defeat at Gigg Lane to FC United of Manchester last weekend, Guiseley turn their attention to the UniBond League Challenge Cup and a quarter-final at Witton Albion on Saturday.
The 2-1 loss to United, after they were leading 1-0 with three minutes remaining, dropped the Lions out of the play-off places in the Premier Division.
They leave their quest to rejoin the promotion-chasing pack in search of a place in the semi-finals of the cup.
“Everyone is hoping it’s on so we can get the FC United game out of our system,” said Guiseley’s assistant manager Wayne Benn.
“A really tough game like this is just the kind of challenge you need to get back on track.
“There are no easy games at this level and going to Witton is always very testing. They gave Eastwood (Premier Division leaders) a fright last week. But when you get to this stage of a competition you go all out for it.”
Benn reports a clean bill of health among the Nethermoor squad.
He said: “There are no injuries, just a few niggles but everyone is keen to play. Steve Burton returns from injury and James Cotterill is back from illness.
“Cotty was laid low with a virus for over a week but he did come out of the house to watch us at Gigg Lane. He is on the mend now. We couldn’t train because of the weather on Tuesday but he joined in later in the week.”
Rebels face Kyle crunch
Stuart Brennan
February 05, 2009
FC UNITED may be without top scorer Kyle Wilson as they launch a final push on promotion from the UniBond League.
The former Crewe striker – whose 23 goals have landed him at the top of the premier division scoring charts – tweaked a knee in last week’s win over Guiseley and has minor cartilage damage which may rule him out of tomorrow’s trip to Nantwich.
Youngster Danny Williams will be drafted into the squad, but manager Karl Marginson is also toying the idea of pairing either Jamie Baguley or Jerome Wright with Tommy Turner.
The Rebels also have a new weapon in their attacking armoury after handing a debut to centre half Adam Tong against Guiseley – his repertoire includes a Rory Delap-style long throw.
Tong is expected to continue at the heart of defence alongside skipper Dave Chadwick.
Dave Neville is also missing after receiving a suspension for five yellow cards, with Papis Dieyte and Tunji Moses standing by, while Carlos Roca is another absentee with a hamstring strain.
The club has lost striker Nick Robinson, who has a deal to play semi-pro and coach in Australia, also the destination for former FC midfielder Chris Baguley.
Marginson is hopiong the Rebels can pick up where they left off against Nantwich, after they stormed back from 3-0 and 4-1 down before going out of the FA Cup 4-3 in a replay at Gigg Lane in September.
“We shot ourselves in the foot that night,” says Marginson. “But we have added to our squad in every department since then and are much stronger.”
That strength is manifesting itself in league position, with FC now in the play-off places for the first time this season after five wins from six league games.
Victory in Cheshire tomorrow would see them leapfrog the Dabbers into third place.
February 05, 2009
FC UNITED may be without top scorer Kyle Wilson as they launch a final push on promotion from the UniBond League.
The former Crewe striker – whose 23 goals have landed him at the top of the premier division scoring charts – tweaked a knee in last week’s win over Guiseley and has minor cartilage damage which may rule him out of tomorrow’s trip to Nantwich.
Youngster Danny Williams will be drafted into the squad, but manager Karl Marginson is also toying the idea of pairing either Jamie Baguley or Jerome Wright with Tommy Turner.
The Rebels also have a new weapon in their attacking armoury after handing a debut to centre half Adam Tong against Guiseley – his repertoire includes a Rory Delap-style long throw.
Tong is expected to continue at the heart of defence alongside skipper Dave Chadwick.
Dave Neville is also missing after receiving a suspension for five yellow cards, with Papis Dieyte and Tunji Moses standing by, while Carlos Roca is another absentee with a hamstring strain.
The club has lost striker Nick Robinson, who has a deal to play semi-pro and coach in Australia, also the destination for former FC midfielder Chris Baguley.
Marginson is hopiong the Rebels can pick up where they left off against Nantwich, after they stormed back from 3-0 and 4-1 down before going out of the FA Cup 4-3 in a replay at Gigg Lane in September.
“We shot ourselves in the foot that night,” says Marginson. “But we have added to our squad in every department since then and are much stronger.”
That strength is manifesting itself in league position, with FC now in the play-off places for the first time this season after five wins from six league games.
Victory in Cheshire tomorrow would see them leapfrog the Dabbers into third place.
Wednesday, February 04, 2009
Rebels on course for promotion
4:40pm Wednesday 4th February 2009
By Liam Chronnell
KARL Marginson believes FC United have nothing to fear if they can achieve a fourth successive promotion.
Two goals in a minute from Jerome Wright and Tommy Turner at Guiseley sent the Rebels into the Unibond Premier League play-off spots for the first time this season in the 2-1 victory.
The Gigg Lane tenants travel to rivals Nantwich Town on Saturday chasing a sixth win out of seven games.
But FC will have to do it without UniBond Premier League top-scorer Kyle Wilson after the 24-goal striker limped off in the first half with a knee injury.
“We’ve been competing against enormous wage bills already this season, so if we go up again it won’t be any different,” said Marginson.
“We’ll just have to get the right players in, who want to come and play for us for the right reasons. But for now we’ve just got to go out and try to win every game we play in.”
By Liam Chronnell
KARL Marginson believes FC United have nothing to fear if they can achieve a fourth successive promotion.
Two goals in a minute from Jerome Wright and Tommy Turner at Guiseley sent the Rebels into the Unibond Premier League play-off spots for the first time this season in the 2-1 victory.
The Gigg Lane tenants travel to rivals Nantwich Town on Saturday chasing a sixth win out of seven games.
But FC will have to do it without UniBond Premier League top-scorer Kyle Wilson after the 24-goal striker limped off in the first half with a knee injury.
“We’ve been competing against enormous wage bills already this season, so if we go up again it won’t be any different,” said Marginson.
“We’ll just have to get the right players in, who want to come and play for us for the right reasons. But for now we’ve just got to go out and try to win every game we play in.”
GLADIATORS HOPE TO PUT ON THEIR SUNDAY BEST FOR FC UNITED
04/02/2009
UniBond League Premier Division club Matlock Town look set to play their first Sunday game in two decades when FC United of Manchester come to Causeway Lane next month.
The Derbyshire Constabulary have ruled that the Gladiators cannot stage their league clash against FC United, who regularly take a following approaching or over 1,000 fans to away games, on the scheduled Saturday date of 7th March. Now it seems almost certain that the match will be played twenty four hours later on Sunday, March 8th with a 3pm kick-off.
Explaining the fixture change, Matlock`s Chief Executive said that the move came about due to Derby County entertaining Bristol City at Pride Park Stadium on the Saturday.
"Due to heavy policing requirements for the Derby County versus Bristol City game on Saturday, March 7th, the authorities have instructed that the Matlock Town v FC United of Manchester game due to be played on the same day is moved. We have discussed the situation with both FC United and UniBond League officials and they have both given their support to the fixture being moved to the following day, Sunday March 8th with a 3pm kick-off. The information has been passed to the relevant Police authorities and we expect to receive their full approval during discussions on Thursday. We are very grateful for the very prompt and positive response we've had from the management of FC United and we're confident that the 24 hour delay will not detract from what promises to be a very attractive fixture, possibly similar to the exciting opening game of the season which ended 3-3 in Manchester."
(Ian Richardson)
UniBond League Premier Division club Matlock Town look set to play their first Sunday game in two decades when FC United of Manchester come to Causeway Lane next month.
The Derbyshire Constabulary have ruled that the Gladiators cannot stage their league clash against FC United, who regularly take a following approaching or over 1,000 fans to away games, on the scheduled Saturday date of 7th March. Now it seems almost certain that the match will be played twenty four hours later on Sunday, March 8th with a 3pm kick-off.
Explaining the fixture change, Matlock`s Chief Executive said that the move came about due to Derby County entertaining Bristol City at Pride Park Stadium on the Saturday.
"Due to heavy policing requirements for the Derby County versus Bristol City game on Saturday, March 7th, the authorities have instructed that the Matlock Town v FC United of Manchester game due to be played on the same day is moved. We have discussed the situation with both FC United and UniBond League officials and they have both given their support to the fixture being moved to the following day, Sunday March 8th with a 3pm kick-off. The information has been passed to the relevant Police authorities and we expect to receive their full approval during discussions on Thursday. We are very grateful for the very prompt and positive response we've had from the management of FC United and we're confident that the 24 hour delay will not detract from what promises to be a very attractive fixture, possibly similar to the exciting opening game of the season which ended 3-3 in Manchester."
(Ian Richardson)
Football: UniBond League
Source: Crewe Chronicle
Nantwich Town 2 Frickley Athletic 2
NANTWICH Town will have a chance to cement their place in the Premier Division play-off places in front of a bumper crowd at the Weaver Stadium on Saturday.
Non-league giants FC United of Manchester are the visitors, and with Crewe Alex playing away and Manchester United not in action, a crowd of up to 2,000 is expected.
The game could not be more finely poised. Fourth-placed Dabbers are a point ahead of their rivals and have a game in hand.
Three points could make them hard to stop. Boss Steve Davis said: “We are looking forward to the game. There is a great chance of a bumper crowd and there could hardly be a better contest for them to watch at this level.
“We have a great respect and affinity for United and we always have entertaining matches with them. Saturday should be no exception and there is a great incentive for both teams to go for the win.”
Davis went on to warn his players they must improve from last weekend’s disappointing draw if they are to get anything from the game.
The boss felt Nantwich ‘carried four or five players’ and urged the slackers to get back on form.
He added: “Teams are coming here and getting 10 men behind the ball. That is a big compliment to us, but we have to learn to deal with it.
“I singled out all our wide men – Ash Carter, Danny Griggs, Richard Smith and Liam Francis – for playing well below par and now it is up to them to do better.”
Defender Dave Whittaker reported for the game but was sent home with flu. That meant Charlie O’Loughlin was forced in to starting his first game for almost three months.
The hosts hit the front on 11 minutes. Smith lofted the ball to the near post where Dave Walker stole in to glide home his 20th goal of the season.
But it was 1-1 in the 18th minute when Frickley midfielder Darren Clarke beat keeper Lee Jones from 12 yards.
The visitors went ahead in the 57th minute when Lee Morris’ cross caught O’Loughlin out and the centre-half headed in to the roof of his own net.
Substitute Glyn Blackhurst injected life into the flagging Dabbers and in the 65th minute his knockdown into the path of Micky Lennon from a Griggs corner resulted in the striker’s 20th goal of the season.
Nantwich Town 2 Frickley Athletic 2
NANTWICH Town will have a chance to cement their place in the Premier Division play-off places in front of a bumper crowd at the Weaver Stadium on Saturday.
Non-league giants FC United of Manchester are the visitors, and with Crewe Alex playing away and Manchester United not in action, a crowd of up to 2,000 is expected.
The game could not be more finely poised. Fourth-placed Dabbers are a point ahead of their rivals and have a game in hand.
Three points could make them hard to stop. Boss Steve Davis said: “We are looking forward to the game. There is a great chance of a bumper crowd and there could hardly be a better contest for them to watch at this level.
“We have a great respect and affinity for United and we always have entertaining matches with them. Saturday should be no exception and there is a great incentive for both teams to go for the win.”
Davis went on to warn his players they must improve from last weekend’s disappointing draw if they are to get anything from the game.
The boss felt Nantwich ‘carried four or five players’ and urged the slackers to get back on form.
He added: “Teams are coming here and getting 10 men behind the ball. That is a big compliment to us, but we have to learn to deal with it.
“I singled out all our wide men – Ash Carter, Danny Griggs, Richard Smith and Liam Francis – for playing well below par and now it is up to them to do better.”
Defender Dave Whittaker reported for the game but was sent home with flu. That meant Charlie O’Loughlin was forced in to starting his first game for almost three months.
The hosts hit the front on 11 minutes. Smith lofted the ball to the near post where Dave Walker stole in to glide home his 20th goal of the season.
But it was 1-1 in the 18th minute when Frickley midfielder Darren Clarke beat keeper Lee Jones from 12 yards.
The visitors went ahead in the 57th minute when Lee Morris’ cross caught O’Loughlin out and the centre-half headed in to the roof of his own net.
Substitute Glyn Blackhurst injected life into the flagging Dabbers and in the 65th minute his knockdown into the path of Micky Lennon from a Griggs corner resulted in the striker’s 20th goal of the season.
Monday, February 02, 2009
Guiseley snatch defeat from jaws of victory
6:29pm Sunday 1st February 2009
By Ian Whiting
FC United 2 Guiseley 1
Guiseley suffered the same fate as Bradford City at Gigg Lane but it was late in the day when they succumbed to defeat against tenants FC United.
Guiseley spokesman Stuart Allen said: “I can’t believe it all went wrong in the last few minutes but they had been knocking on the door.
“We had a lot of defending to do in the second half but when you are 1-0 up with three minutes to go you start believing you have done enough.”
Guiseley striker James Hanson came close to breaking the deadlock, heading a free-kick from Jez Fitzgerald back across the face of goal, before an own goal opened the scoring. A wayward header by Jerome Wright, who was part of the wall for a free-kick, looped over the United keeper.
Simeon Bambrook and Steve Bolder went close to increasing the visitors’ lead before the first half ended.
Adam Muller and recent signing Michael Roddy were on the end of the few chances in the second half.
The relentless attacking by the home side finally led to a breakthrough in the 87th minute and it was Wright who atoned. He cancelled out his own goal with a well-placed shot that found its way in despite Guiseley keeper Piotr Skiba getting a hand to it.
Just over a minute later a ball to the back post hit United’s Tommy Turner and ran over the line for the winner.
By Ian Whiting
FC United 2 Guiseley 1
Guiseley suffered the same fate as Bradford City at Gigg Lane but it was late in the day when they succumbed to defeat against tenants FC United.
Guiseley spokesman Stuart Allen said: “I can’t believe it all went wrong in the last few minutes but they had been knocking on the door.
“We had a lot of defending to do in the second half but when you are 1-0 up with three minutes to go you start believing you have done enough.”
Guiseley striker James Hanson came close to breaking the deadlock, heading a free-kick from Jez Fitzgerald back across the face of goal, before an own goal opened the scoring. A wayward header by Jerome Wright, who was part of the wall for a free-kick, looped over the United keeper.
Simeon Bambrook and Steve Bolder went close to increasing the visitors’ lead before the first half ended.
Adam Muller and recent signing Michael Roddy were on the end of the few chances in the second half.
The relentless attacking by the home side finally led to a breakthrough in the 87th minute and it was Wright who atoned. He cancelled out his own goal with a well-placed shot that found its way in despite Guiseley keeper Piotr Skiba getting a hand to it.
Just over a minute later a ball to the back post hit United’s Tommy Turner and ran over the line for the winner.
Rebel Jerome puts it Wright
Source: Manchester Evening News
Tony Glennon
February 02, 2009
FC UNITED boss Karl Marginson insisted justice had been done after seeing his promotion-chasing Reds produce a stunning late comeback to beat fellow UniBond premier division high-fliers Guiseley.
Marginson's men snatched victory from the jaws of defeat with two goals in 60 seconds in the closing stages giving them their fifth win in six games.
Simeon Bambrook's deflected 17th minute free-kick appeared to have sunk United until Jerome Wright, whose touch had taken the ball past keeper Sam Ashton, lashed in a stunning 25-yard equaliser with less than four minutes left on the clock.
And, with the home fans still celebrating, Tommy Turner then headed home Adam Carden's teasing cross to send the vast majority of the 1,986-strong Gigg Lane crowd into raptures and earn FC a victory which lifts them into the play-off places.
A delighted Marginson said: "Guiseley scored an unbelievable late equaliser when we played at their place, so maybe this one was our pay-back.
"But I still expect Guiseley to be in the mix for the play-offs, so perhaps we'll get to meet them again."
It wasn't, however, all good news for Marginson, who gave a debut to Adam Tong, signed from Bamber Bridge, as United's 24-goal top scorer Kyle Wilson was forced off after just 21 minutes with a knee injury.
Meanwhile, Stalybridge and Droylsden each boosted their Blue Square North promotion hopes with hard-fought triumphs.
Nathan Joynes' 13th minute strike was enough to secure travel experts Bridge three more precious points on the road at Harrogate.
And late goals by subs Kevin Townson and Ian Fitzpatrick gave the Bloods a 3-1 home win over Burscough after Colin Cryan had seen his 58th minute opener quickly cancelled out by the dogged visitors.
Hyde's relegation fears returned with a vengeance as they crashed 2-1 in their home basement battle with Redditch.
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