FA Cup joy for FC United

Source: Manchester Evening News

September 14, 2009
FC UNITED manager Karl Marginson singled out livewire winger Carlos Roca for praise after the former Northwich and Stalybridge man had struck twice in six minutes to help put the rebel Reds on the road to FA Cup glory.

Two-goal Roca inspired FC - the Cup's newest team - to a 3-1 first qualifying-round victory over the world's oldest club, Sheffield, who were never in the hunt after Ben Deegan's deflected shot had given visiting United a 32nd minute lead.

Roca quickly doubled FC's advantage by converting a penalty earned by Deegan before adding his second and their third goal with a sublime lob on the stroke of half-time to leave the Tykes with no way back.

Sheffield did reply through a Jordan Eagers spot-kick controversially awarded against Adam Tong, but FC, too, might have had more goals as first Deegan was denied by a goal-line clearance and then Roca came close to completing his hat-trick.

Marginson said: "We had pace and used it well, with Carlos the catalyst in nearly all our best moments.

"Our first-half display gave us the platform and, though we knew Sheffield would come at us after the break, we kept our shape well to win what was always going to be a tricky tie."

Elsewhere, ex-Hyde and Droylsden striker Paul Gedman was Salford City's two-goal star as the Moor Lane outfit went marching on in the Cup with a shock 2-1 home victory over Marine.

Ashton United eased past their neighbours Curzon Ashton's Cup conquerors Lancaster with Pat McFadden, Iain Howard and sub Callum Flanagan scoring in their suprisingly easy 3-0 win at Giant Axe.

Radcliffe and Warrington are also safely through to the second qualifying-round.

Andy Stanford netted a late penalty winner for Boro as they squeezed past Woodley at Cheadle, while Town were also single-goal victors over Nantwich.

No such joy for Glossop, who crashed out 3-2 to Chorley at Surrey Street, while Maine Road also left the Cup trail, crushed 4-1 by visiting Bamber Bridge.