Stalybridge Celtic 0 FC United 1

Source: The Bolton News

10:38am Wednesday 14th October 2009
By Dale Haslam »


FC UNITED face a mouthwatering FA Cup clash at Northwich Victoria after claiming the biggest scalp in their short history.

In the third qualifying round, the reds slugged out a 3-3 stalemate with Blue Square North side Stalybridge Celtic at Gigg Lane on Sunday, forcing a replay at Bower Fold on Tuesday night.

Before a crowd of 1,923, a solitary goal from left winger Jerome Wright put the Unibond Premier Division side ahead 11 minutes before the break.

Wright momentarily ventured out onto the right and was given enough space to smash a 25-yard strike into the top corner of the net.

And despite five tense minutes of stoppage time, United held out for the win.

But questions could be raised in the referee's report after punches were thrown among players at the final whistle.

It is the furthest the Rebels have ever reached in the FA Cup since being founded in 2005.

They must now beat Vics, another Blue Square North outfit, on Saturday week (Oct 24) to earn a place in the first round proper.