Thursday, April 21, 2011

FC United set to make Evo-Stik Premier play-offs

 Source: M.E.N.

 FC United all but guaranteed their place in the Evo-Stik Premier play-offs with a 2-1 victory over Marine at Stalybridge Celtic’s Bower Fold ground.

But the rebel Reds had to come from behind to secure a win which takes them up to second place and leaves them needing only a point from their final two games to ensure they qualify for the four-team promotion knockout.

FC trailed on 19 minutes when John Shaw struck with a near-post header.

But Karl Marginson's men were back on terms three minutes before the break courtesy of skipper Mike Norton's 31st goal of the season – a towering header from Jerome Wright's inswinging free-kick.

Wright also supplied the cross for United’s 73rd-minute winner, powered in by sub Ben Deegan.

Norton then missed a glorious chance to kill off the Mariners, but FC comfortably held on to take a huge stride towards their promotion target.