D-Day for FC

April 23, 2009

FC UNITED manager Karl Marginson says that the club’s fans can be the difference between success and failure as they go into their play-off decider this Saturday, April 25, kick-off 3pm.

If the reds beat promotion rivals Bradford Park Avenue at Gigg Lane and other results go their way, they will qualify for the UniBond Premier League play-offs and have a chance to progress to the Conference North.

Should United pull it off, they will set a new British football record of four consecutive promotions but BPA will be a tough nut to crack as they too are chasing a play-off spot.

Margy believes that his team have the fans to thank for roaring them into contention.

He said: "When I said before Christmas that I thought we still had a good chance of making the play-offs there were a few raised eyebrows. But the team and the fans have pulled together and helped us go on a great run, which has left us with a great chance of going up.

" Bradford beat us 2-0 earlier in the season but both sides are completely different outfits now.

"The fans have got behind us and when a few of the lads have been getting tired they have managed that extra 10 per cent because of the backing they have received.

"We hope for more of the same on Saturday and then, if we win that game, we will be going all out to win the play-offs too.

"I will send my team out to attack in the best United tradition and our supporters really appreciate that."

The reds set themselves up for the play-off decider with a last minute 1-0 win at title chasing Ilkeston Town at the weekend.

Danny Williams’ scrambled effort settled the encounter when it looked like FC were down and out.

"Danny’s goal was a stroke of luck we’ve deserved," said Margy. "We hit the bar four times against Nantwich so we were owed some good fortune and, hopefully, we can carry that on into the next game and maybe the week after too, should we make the play-offs."

The play-off campaign will take place next week with the highest placed team earning a home tie. Second will play fifth and third will play fourth with the highest placed winners hosting the final on Saturday, May 2.

Admission for Saturday’s do-or-die game costs £7.50 for adults, £5 for over-60s and £2 for under-18s.