Rebels hit the road to Wembley

Source: Bury Times

1:40am Thursday 8th October 2009
By Liam Chronnell

FC United are set for the biggest game in their history as they take on Staylbridge Celtic for a place in the fourth qualifying round of the FA Cup.

The Rebels have never been this far in the famous old competition since their formation four years ago and they will be hoping to upset the Blue Square North outfit at Gigg Lane on Sunday.

And fans are planning a day of colour and noise in a 1970s-inspired theme day to help Karl Marginson’s side keep their Wembley dream alive.

“It’ll be a tough game as Stalybridge are in the division above us, but we’ve got the players to have a good go at them and with the crowd behind us we’ve got every chance of causing a minor upset,” said boss Marginson, whose side took on Nantwich at Hyde’s Ewen Fields last night.

FC general manager Andy Walsh added: “The FA Cup has always been special to United fans and with each game we’ve won excitement for the next one has gone up another notch. Supporters are planning to bring flags, banners, scarves and wear all sorts of 70s attire to help create an atmosphere reminiscent of days gone by.”

While FC have prospered in cup competitions, their league form has been a worry and they needed Carlos Roca’s injury-time winner to beat high-flying Stocksbridge Park Steels 4-3 at Gigg Lane on Saturday.

After taking just one point from their previous four games, defeat would have seen the UniBond Premier League club drop into the bottom two. And that appeared likely after the Steels punished the Rebels’ defensive frailties to lead 3-1 after 47 minutes following Roca’s fifth-minute opener from the penalty spot.

But Ben Deegan pulled one back and Jerome Wright equalised, before Roca sealed a stunning fightback at the death.

FC are back in league action against Frickley Athletic on Wednesday night at Gigg Lane.