Thousands of fans to flock to Guiseley for FC United clash

Source: The Advertiser

12:10pm Thursday 17th December 2009

By Ian Whiting

Nethermoor will be a busy place on Sunday as Guiseley’s Premier Division fixture against FC United of Manchester had to be put back a day on police advice.

The Lions were due to host the breakaway club formed by disgruntled fans of Manchester United on Saturday but will now kick off at noon the following day.

With as many as 2,000 travelling supporters on top of Guiseley’s own loyal following, the authorities decided it had to be moved. The earlier kick-off is designed to limit any heavy drinking by huge crowds before the game.

That non-football decision has presented the club with football-based problems, as Guiseley spokesman and director Stuart Allen explained.

“The weather forecast is very poor and if the expected pitch inspection is necessary it will have to be very early,” said Allen.

“We would have to do that at 8.30am or 9am because if it was bad we would have to let FC United know before they travelled or we would be liable for the costs of their journey.

“The ideal scenario would be to make the decision tomorrow but the league frown on calling off a game 24 hours before and we also want to give it as long as possible because we want the game played. Both clubs will want it on if at all possible because we are so far behind with our league fixtures.

“Our pitch was fine for last Saturday’s FA Trophy tie but it was a bit soft when we played Hucknall Town on Tuesday. The groundstaff have been working on it since then but we don’t have a crystal ball.”

Guiseley have no new injury worries and will be buoyant after two wins in the week.

The Lions are tenth with 29 points while their visitors are third bottom with 21.

Both clubs have played just 17 league games so far, with FC United having four games in hand on four of the five clubs in the bottom six with them.