FC United set up Rochdale FA Cup clash

 Source: Manchester Evening News

 Dany Robson

 October 24, 2010

 Carlos Roca scored the winning goal 13 minutes from time to seal an historic win for FC United and clinch an FA Cup first round clash at League One side Rochdale.

It was no more than the Evo-Stik Premier side deserved as they reached the first round proper for the first time in their short five-year history and pocketed £12,500 prize money.

The semi-professional side more than matched Blue Square Premier full-timers Barrow, two league's above them, and dominated the second half at Gigg Lane.

Chances had gone begging for both sides in the first half but it was Barrow who should have taken the lead on 30 minutes. FC midfielder James Holden's back pass could only find Barrow's Nick Chadwick lurking in the area but the striker, with only keeper Sam Ashton to beat, spared Holden's blushes with a weak effort.

And then it was FC United's turn to come close when winger Jerome Wright's sliding effort almost tucked into the bottom corner of the net with Norton unable to provide the final touch at the far post as the ball rolled agonisingly wide.

FC United boss Karl Marginson must have rallied his troops at the break and they were on top in the second half.

Norton's clever backheel to Wright gave the wideman a chance to test Barrow keeper Shaun Pearson with the stopper one-handedly pushing the effort away.

Then Norton was denied by the woodwork, Wright's follow up was saved by Ashton and then Roca, finally, came up with his 77th minute to send the majority of the 3,289 crowd wild.

FC could have had more with man of the match Norton heading over in a good position as FC keeper Ashton had a relatively trouble-free second half.