Swabba: FC United will be ‘tough test’ for AFC

 Source: North West Evening Mail

 BARROVIAN former FC United player Dave Swarbrick says the Bluebirds face a “really tough test” at Gigg Lane tomorrow.

The midfielder, who made 40 appearances during two spells at the Manchester club between 2006 and 2008, knows all about the potential banana skin facing Barrow in the final qualifying round of the FA Cup.

Swarbrick, who also played for AFC under Lee Turnbull and Phil Wilson, said: “It will be a really tough test for Barrow. FC United seem to have found some form lately.

“Obviously Barrow are definitely the favourites and they shouldn’t slip up, but it does happen, that is the magic of the FA Cup.”

FC United’s supporters are famed for the vocal backing they give their team.

This was clear for all to hear when they visited Craven Park back in December 2005 to play Holker Old Boys in a North West Counties fixture. FC United won 2-0 in front of a crowd of 2,300-plus.

Two months later Holker visited FC United – in a game played at Altrincham’s Moss Lane because Gigg Lane was unavailable – and lost 4-1 with more than 3,150 in attendance.

Swarbrick was the man on target that day for Old Boys in an impressive individual display which later earned him a move to the Red Rebels.

FC United’s highest attendance so far this season is 1,866, for their opening home game against Nantwich.

Much more – including strong travelling support from Barrow – are expected tomorrow as FC United aim to make the first round proper for the first time in their short history.

“I think everyone knows about the FC United fans,” said Swarbrick.

“Barrow will find an atmosphere that they probably won’t have experienced against another team of that level.

“The FC United supporters are out for the fun of it. They love their football and really support their club the best they can. For Barrow, I think it’s important they try to silence those fans as quickly as possible. It definitely has an effect on FC United when they’ve got the fans behind them.

“Mind you, even if they’re getting beat, their fans probably still won’t be silent. I’m hoping to go myself, but I’ll be a there as a neutral, I think!”

Swarbrick has this week been training with Lancaster City after recently leaving North West Counties table-toppers New Mills.

First published at 10:39, Saturday, 23 October 2010
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk