FC’s promotion hopes in tatters

Source: Bury Times

7:50am Thursday 18th March 2010

By Liam Chronnell »

FOOTBALL: FC United’s play-off hopes are all but over after they conceded a late penalty in a 4-3 defeat against Matlock Town on Tuesday night.

A third loss in a row leaves the Gigg Lane tenants 12 points off the top-five places and their prospects of a fourth promotion in five seasons in tatters. Goals from captain David Chadwick, Phil Marsh and Jerome Wright were not enough on a frustrating night in the Peak District where the Rebels led twice.

But, with just 10 minutes to go, goalkeeper Sam Ashton conceded a penalty and Ross Hannah completed his hat-trick from the spot to sink FC. The damage, however, had already been done on Saturday after Karl Marginson’s side suffered a shock defeat at home to rock-bottom Durham.

The North East club had failed to take a point all season after losing all 28 games and the Rebels looked to be in line for a routine victory when Carlos Roca opened the scoring on nine minutes. But Durham fought back and, aided by Ben Deegan’s missed penalty, claimed a long-awaited first victory of the season.

FC take on Hucknall Town at Gigg Lane on Saturday.