Source: Bury Times
Burscough 3 FC United 5
FC United returned to winning ways in the Evo-Stik Premier League at bottom club Burscough.
The Rebels raced into 4-0 lead as Michael Norton and Carlos Roca struck twice each.
Burscough fought back to score three times in eight minutes before Adam Jones struck late on to ease FC nerves and end their three-game losing streak.
2:50pm Thursday 29th September 2011
Friday, September 30, 2011
Henry’s overdue a goal to make mark
Source: Lancashire Evening Post
Rob Henry is dreaming of hitting the winning goal tomorrow when Lancaster City travel to face FC United of Manchester in the second qualifying round of the FA Cup.
The right full-back is one of only three players in the City squad who have yet to get on the scoresheet this season.
But he is hoping to break his duck at Bury’s Gigg Lane tomorrow and send the Dolly Blues to within two matches of the first round proper.
Henry said: “At this stage of the season, it’s quite a strange statistic to have – nearly everybody in the squad has scored.
“There’s only me, Craig Carney and Martin Fearon who haven’t scored.
“Craig’s been suspended and Martin is the goalkeeper.
“I nearly scored on Tuesday, but the keeper made a good save – I was hoping that was going to go in.
“But if I get a chance then hopefully I’ll put it away.
“The lads have already said that I’m on penalties if we are winning comfortably.
“If I could hit the winner against FC United – that would be nice.”
Henry revealed that everybody in the squad is buzzing as they look forward to the opportunity of playing on a Football League ground in front of what should be a sizeable crowd.
He said: “It’s a bigger stadium than normal, it’s going to be a better surface to play on than we are used to.
“Quite a few of the lads in our squad have played there before, there should be a big crowd – everybody is buzzing.”
The dependable defender is hoping this campaign is the season that the Dolly Blues finally reach the first round proper.
“That’s the goal to get to the first round,” he said.
“There’s always a team from out league that does it every year, so hopefully it’s our turn this year. I think FC United did it last year and Harrogate did it a few years ago.
“You need a bit of luck to get there and you have to beat some good sides along the way.
“But hopefully this is our year to go further than we have done before.
“I know in the last couple of years since I’ve been at the club, we got knocked out in the first round of qualifying last year and then got beaten in our second game the year before.
“But getting to the first round proper will be the motivation for everybody to do their best tomorrow.”
Henry, who has been a fixture in Tony Hesketh’s side over the past few seasons, has been delighted with the start City have made so far this season.
Despite going down to only their second defeat of the campaign away at Harrogate Railway on Saturday, the Dolly Blues bounced back in style on Tuesday.
They knocked current NPL First Division North leaders Skelmersdale United out of the Doodson Cup thanks to a 4-2 victory.
City’s only losses so far this season have come away from home, and Henry feels their ability to travel well will be key to their success this season.
“The last couple of years, we have been strong at home,” he said.
“We’ve always won the majority of our home games.
“I think the season we got to the play-off final, we won a lot of points away from home but last year, where we just missed out on a play-off place, we didn’t do quite as well away from home.
“I think how we do away from home will be key this season.
“We did not pick up enough points on our travels last year.”
Published on Friday 30 September 2011 10:01
Rob Henry is dreaming of hitting the winning goal tomorrow when Lancaster City travel to face FC United of Manchester in the second qualifying round of the FA Cup.
The right full-back is one of only three players in the City squad who have yet to get on the scoresheet this season.
But he is hoping to break his duck at Bury’s Gigg Lane tomorrow and send the Dolly Blues to within two matches of the first round proper.
Henry said: “At this stage of the season, it’s quite a strange statistic to have – nearly everybody in the squad has scored.
“There’s only me, Craig Carney and Martin Fearon who haven’t scored.
“Craig’s been suspended and Martin is the goalkeeper.
“I nearly scored on Tuesday, but the keeper made a good save – I was hoping that was going to go in.
“But if I get a chance then hopefully I’ll put it away.
“The lads have already said that I’m on penalties if we are winning comfortably.
“If I could hit the winner against FC United – that would be nice.”
Henry revealed that everybody in the squad is buzzing as they look forward to the opportunity of playing on a Football League ground in front of what should be a sizeable crowd.
He said: “It’s a bigger stadium than normal, it’s going to be a better surface to play on than we are used to.
“Quite a few of the lads in our squad have played there before, there should be a big crowd – everybody is buzzing.”
The dependable defender is hoping this campaign is the season that the Dolly Blues finally reach the first round proper.
“That’s the goal to get to the first round,” he said.
“There’s always a team from out league that does it every year, so hopefully it’s our turn this year. I think FC United did it last year and Harrogate did it a few years ago.
“You need a bit of luck to get there and you have to beat some good sides along the way.
“But hopefully this is our year to go further than we have done before.
“I know in the last couple of years since I’ve been at the club, we got knocked out in the first round of qualifying last year and then got beaten in our second game the year before.
“But getting to the first round proper will be the motivation for everybody to do their best tomorrow.”
Henry, who has been a fixture in Tony Hesketh’s side over the past few seasons, has been delighted with the start City have made so far this season.
Despite going down to only their second defeat of the campaign away at Harrogate Railway on Saturday, the Dolly Blues bounced back in style on Tuesday.
They knocked current NPL First Division North leaders Skelmersdale United out of the Doodson Cup thanks to a 4-2 victory.
City’s only losses so far this season have come away from home, and Henry feels their ability to travel well will be key to their success this season.
“The last couple of years, we have been strong at home,” he said.
“We’ve always won the majority of our home games.
“I think the season we got to the play-off final, we won a lot of points away from home but last year, where we just missed out on a play-off place, we didn’t do quite as well away from home.
“I think how we do away from home will be key this season.
“We did not pick up enough points on our travels last year.”
Published on Friday 30 September 2011 10:01
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Hesketh eyes FC United cup upset
Source: Lancaster Guardian
TONY Hesketh believes his Lancaster City side can pull off an upset in Saturday’s FA cup tie with FC United of Manchester.
The tie is being billed as the Dolly Blues’ biggest game of their season so far and the manager believes his talented young side can get the win they need.
He said, “We have a chance, mark my words we have a chance. We will prepare for them as normal though I will have some extra information on them.
“We will set ourselves up well and then we go to a good pitch, a good stadium with a chance to acquit ourselves well and get the win.”
Dolly Blue chairman Mick Hoyle is also confident of his team’s chances and has urged fans to travel to Bury to support their club.
He said: “This is our biggest game of the season and we feel we have every chance to win.
“I would love to see Lancaster City supporters follow us on the road to Manchester.”
See the Lancaster Guardian (29-09-11) for full story.
Published on Thursday 29 September 2011 15:50
TONY Hesketh believes his Lancaster City side can pull off an upset in Saturday’s FA cup tie with FC United of Manchester.
The tie is being billed as the Dolly Blues’ biggest game of their season so far and the manager believes his talented young side can get the win they need.
He said, “We have a chance, mark my words we have a chance. We will prepare for them as normal though I will have some extra information on them.
“We will set ourselves up well and then we go to a good pitch, a good stadium with a chance to acquit ourselves well and get the win.”
Dolly Blue chairman Mick Hoyle is also confident of his team’s chances and has urged fans to travel to Bury to support their club.
He said: “This is our biggest game of the season and we feel we have every chance to win.
“I would love to see Lancaster City supporters follow us on the road to Manchester.”
See the Lancaster Guardian (29-09-11) for full story.
Published on Thursday 29 September 2011 15:50
Burscough FC just miss out in eight-goal thriller against FC United Of Manchester
Source: Ormskirk and Skelmersdale Advertiser
BURSCOUGH valiantly fought back against FC United Of Manchester only to lose a truly incredible eight-goal feast 5-3 on Saturday afternoon.
The visitors raced into a 4-0 lead in the match at the West Lancashire College Stadium.
But in a memorable four minute spell around the hour mark, the Linnets netted three times to trail by only a single goal.
However, the Manchester side regained their composure and put the result beyond doubt with a decisive fifth goal via Adam Jones 13 minutes from time.
After a scrappy opening, United struck first on 13 minutes when a great ball released Carlos Roca on the right who produced a superb cross for Michael Norton to side-foot the ball into the net.
The lead was doubled four minutes later when a long range Roca shot was fumbled by home keeper Craig Ellison and Norton was on hand to slot home the rebound.
On 24 minutes the lead was extended when Roca was played into the box and was challenged from behind.
The referee awarded a penalty and it was Roca himself who stepped up to send Ellison the wrong way for 3-0.
The second-half started brighter for the Linnets who exerted some pressure on the FC United defence.
However, the visitors added to their lead on 55 minutes when Ellison dropped a Roca cross, the ball fell to Ryan McGreevy who was then brought down by the keeper. Again Roca took the penalty. This time it was saved by Ellison, however the ball came back to Roca who fired home.
For some reason, the goal seemed to make the FC United players switch off and it took just two minutes for the home side to pull a goal back.
A long ball into the box wasn’t dealt with by the defence and the ball found its way back to Beesley who fired a shot into the net.
The home side pulled another goal back on the hour. A break from the left found Matty Parry in front of goal and he tapped in. Two minutes later it was 4-3 when the referee adjudged substitute Jake Cottrell to have handled the ball in the box, Beesley netting the subsequent penalty.
United were in danger of throwing all their hard work away but they settled back down and with 13 minutes left on the clock, Roca put in a corner that was powerfully headed home by Jones to seal the points.
Sep 29 2011 by Our Correspondent, Ormskirk Advertiser
BURSCOUGH valiantly fought back against FC United Of Manchester only to lose a truly incredible eight-goal feast 5-3 on Saturday afternoon.
The visitors raced into a 4-0 lead in the match at the West Lancashire College Stadium.
But in a memorable four minute spell around the hour mark, the Linnets netted three times to trail by only a single goal.
However, the Manchester side regained their composure and put the result beyond doubt with a decisive fifth goal via Adam Jones 13 minutes from time.
After a scrappy opening, United struck first on 13 minutes when a great ball released Carlos Roca on the right who produced a superb cross for Michael Norton to side-foot the ball into the net.
The lead was doubled four minutes later when a long range Roca shot was fumbled by home keeper Craig Ellison and Norton was on hand to slot home the rebound.
On 24 minutes the lead was extended when Roca was played into the box and was challenged from behind.
The referee awarded a penalty and it was Roca himself who stepped up to send Ellison the wrong way for 3-0.
The second-half started brighter for the Linnets who exerted some pressure on the FC United defence.
However, the visitors added to their lead on 55 minutes when Ellison dropped a Roca cross, the ball fell to Ryan McGreevy who was then brought down by the keeper. Again Roca took the penalty. This time it was saved by Ellison, however the ball came back to Roca who fired home.
For some reason, the goal seemed to make the FC United players switch off and it took just two minutes for the home side to pull a goal back.
A long ball into the box wasn’t dealt with by the defence and the ball found its way back to Beesley who fired a shot into the net.
The home side pulled another goal back on the hour. A break from the left found Matty Parry in front of goal and he tapped in. Two minutes later it was 4-3 when the referee adjudged substitute Jake Cottrell to have handled the ball in the box, Beesley netting the subsequent penalty.
United were in danger of throwing all their hard work away but they settled back down and with 13 minutes left on the clock, Roca put in a corner that was powerfully headed home by Jones to seal the points.
Sep 29 2011 by Our Correspondent, Ormskirk Advertiser
Rebels are on cloud nine
Source: MEN
FC United posted their second league win in five days with a 3-0 home victory over struggling Whitby taking them up two places to ninth in Evo-Stik Premier.
Skipper Kyle Jacobs gave the Rebels a 17th minute lead with a 35-yard piledriver and Ben Deegan's sublime chip made it 2-0 at the break.
FC eased off in the second-half but sealed the points when man-of-the-match Deegan headed in his second.
Meanwhile, Ashton United overturned a 2-1 deficit to beat visiting Buxton 4-2.
Chorley missed a chance to replace Northwich on top as they lost 3-0 to fellow high-fliers Chester.
September 29, 2011
FC United posted their second league win in five days with a 3-0 home victory over struggling Whitby taking them up two places to ninth in Evo-Stik Premier.
Skipper Kyle Jacobs gave the Rebels a 17th minute lead with a 35-yard piledriver and Ben Deegan's sublime chip made it 2-0 at the break.
FC eased off in the second-half but sealed the points when man-of-the-match Deegan headed in his second.
Meanwhile, Ashton United overturned a 2-1 deficit to beat visiting Buxton 4-2.
Chorley missed a chance to replace Northwich on top as they lost 3-0 to fellow high-fliers Chester.
September 29, 2011
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Manchester FA Under-18s share the spoils in goal glut
Source: MEN
Manchester FA Under-18s didn't know whether to laugh or cry after sharing in a eight-goal thriller in their Northern Counties Youth Championship opener at East Riding.
Martin Ivison’s young guns twice fought back from two goals down to lead 4-3 only to be denied a winning start by an injury-time equaliser.
The County’s representative-team co-odinator Jim Gould said: “The boys were disappointed to have had victory snatched away from them like that, but they can still take great heart from their performance.
“They showed great character in coming from behind and, considering we started the game with just three players from last season's successful team, it was a promising way to kick off the new season.”
Mossley's Adam Bezzina bagged two of Manchester's goals and FC United duo Matthew Boland and James Brooks added the others.
East Manchester seized on Hindsford surrendering their unbeaten record in crashing 6-3 to Avro to replace them at the BOS Manchester League's summit.
A Danny Williams penalty was enough to give East a fourth successive victory as they beat champions Manchester Gregorians to take over pole position.
Avro's James Hampson and Vinny Howell both hit hat-tricks as the Failsworth outfit responded to back-to-back defeats with a win to lift them within a point of Hindsford in third.
Lancashire and Cheshire League champs Whalley Range eased into the second-round of the Lancashire Amateur Cup with Liam Bennion's hat-trick helping them thrash Eagle Chorley 6-1.
Meanwhile, Range's rivals Old Trafford launched their defence of the L&C's Rhodes Cup with a 5-2 romp over Moorside Rangers.
Second division minnows Droylsden Amateurs and Tintwistle Athletic will both join the holders at the next stage after knocking out premier pair Old Ashtonians and Old Stretfordians.
Knutsford stretched their winning start in the CBS Cheshire League to nine games with a 1-0 win at bottom-of-the-table Billinge.
Tony Glennon
September 27, 2011
Manchester FA Under-18s didn't know whether to laugh or cry after sharing in a eight-goal thriller in their Northern Counties Youth Championship opener at East Riding.
Martin Ivison’s young guns twice fought back from two goals down to lead 4-3 only to be denied a winning start by an injury-time equaliser.
The County’s representative-team co-odinator Jim Gould said: “The boys were disappointed to have had victory snatched away from them like that, but they can still take great heart from their performance.
“They showed great character in coming from behind and, considering we started the game with just three players from last season's successful team, it was a promising way to kick off the new season.”
Mossley's Adam Bezzina bagged two of Manchester's goals and FC United duo Matthew Boland and James Brooks added the others.
East Manchester seized on Hindsford surrendering their unbeaten record in crashing 6-3 to Avro to replace them at the BOS Manchester League's summit.
A Danny Williams penalty was enough to give East a fourth successive victory as they beat champions Manchester Gregorians to take over pole position.
Avro's James Hampson and Vinny Howell both hit hat-tricks as the Failsworth outfit responded to back-to-back defeats with a win to lift them within a point of Hindsford in third.
Lancashire and Cheshire League champs Whalley Range eased into the second-round of the Lancashire Amateur Cup with Liam Bennion's hat-trick helping them thrash Eagle Chorley 6-1.
Meanwhile, Range's rivals Old Trafford launched their defence of the L&C's Rhodes Cup with a 5-2 romp over Moorside Rangers.
Second division minnows Droylsden Amateurs and Tintwistle Athletic will both join the holders at the next stage after knocking out premier pair Old Ashtonians and Old Stretfordians.
Knutsford stretched their winning start in the CBS Cheshire League to nine games with a 1-0 win at bottom-of-the-table Billinge.
Tony Glennon
September 27, 2011
Monday, September 26, 2011
Calcio &Business; Tifosi e “marketing del territorio”!!!
Source: Salernonotizie.it >>Google translate link
Tifosi sempre più protagonisti della vita “aziendale” della propria squadra del cuore. Ad attivare tale “ motivazione”, l’attuazione di interessanti progetti di azionariato popolare. In Italia My Roma, Coop. Modena Mantova United e Santarcangelo (Associazione Sportiva Squadra Mia) risultano essere i “modelli di riferimento” in tema di azionariato popolare.
Al fine di divulgare sul territorio la cultura e la filosofia di tale modello aziendale, lo scorso marzo a Roma si è costituito il “Coordinamento Nazionale Azionariato Popolare Italia”.
Al nascente “coordinamento” hanno aderito le seguenti realtà in tema di azionariato popolare: Como Plus, Il Mio Gallipoli, Sampdoria ai Sampdoriani, Mantova United, Coop. Modena Sport, Il Mio Potenza, Amici del Rimini, My Roma, Salerno Granata, ToroMio, Verona col Cuore.
Dalla lettura della Gazzetta dello Sport si evince che in Europa l’azionariato popolare si sta evolvendo sempre più, ed allo stato, tale modello viene attivato dal club irlandese dello Shamrock (società partecipante alla competizione dell’Europa League), e dalle formazioni inglesi del Wimbledon e dello Swansea ( partecipanti alla Premiere League). Grazie all’iniziativa dell’azionariato popolare posta in essere dai tifosi israeliani dell’Hapoel Gerusalemme, si è coordinata la “convivenza” tra ebrei e musulmani.
La tematica dell’azionariato popolare, è stata oggetto di un’incontro di studio tenutosi lo scorso febbraio 2010 al Parlamento Europeo. ( fonte Sporteconomy.it)
Sul tema, deputati europei “tifosi” dell’azienda calcio ( hanno creato un gruppo parlamentare denominato “Friends of Football”), si sono confrontati la Supporters-direct e con tifosi provenienti da tutta Europa.
L’importanza dell’evento promosso dalla “Friends of Football” , è stato sottolineato da David Boyle ( Chief Executive di Supportes-direct) secondo il quale, la grave crisi globale, e la spesso discutibile gestione dei club di calcio, hanno indotto i tifosi ad un maggior coinvolgimento nella partecipazione attiva alla vita della propria squadra del cuore.
Il rappresentante del gruppo “Friends of Football” Ivo Belet, ha evidenziato inoltre come i “tifosi risultano essere i veri protagonisti del calcio”, e che il Parlamento Europeo, risulta essere fermamente convinto che un maggiore coinvolgimento dei tifosi nella gestione dell’azienda calcio determinerebbe una migliore stabilità finanziaria dei club.
Interessante l’intervento di Andy Walsh, general manager del Fc United of Manchester , società costituitasi dopo la nomina a presidente del Manchester United dell’imprenditore Glazer.
Secondo Walsh , l’azionariato popolare proprio in virtù dei principi di “democrazia e trasparenza” dei supporters-trust (società cooperative) può coinvolgere in positivo i tifosi nella “governance” dei club di calcio.
La creazione di un “modello di azionariato popolare basato” sulla trasparenza e sostenibilità è l’obiettivo primario che vede coinvolti allo stato Parlamento Europeo ed Uefa.
Per diffondere la cultura dell’azionariato popolare , i tifosi dovranno redigere innovativi progetti di “marketing del territorio”. Tifosi “protagonisti” del marketing del territorio e dello squilibrio finanziario dei club di calcio..???
Antonio Sanges - Dottore Commercialista
23/09/2011 11.31.29
Tifosi sempre più protagonisti della vita “aziendale” della propria squadra del cuore. Ad attivare tale “ motivazione”, l’attuazione di interessanti progetti di azionariato popolare. In Italia My Roma, Coop. Modena Mantova United e Santarcangelo (Associazione Sportiva Squadra Mia) risultano essere i “modelli di riferimento” in tema di azionariato popolare.
Al fine di divulgare sul territorio la cultura e la filosofia di tale modello aziendale, lo scorso marzo a Roma si è costituito il “Coordinamento Nazionale Azionariato Popolare Italia”.
Al nascente “coordinamento” hanno aderito le seguenti realtà in tema di azionariato popolare: Como Plus, Il Mio Gallipoli, Sampdoria ai Sampdoriani, Mantova United, Coop. Modena Sport, Il Mio Potenza, Amici del Rimini, My Roma, Salerno Granata, ToroMio, Verona col Cuore.
Dalla lettura della Gazzetta dello Sport si evince che in Europa l’azionariato popolare si sta evolvendo sempre più, ed allo stato, tale modello viene attivato dal club irlandese dello Shamrock (società partecipante alla competizione dell’Europa League), e dalle formazioni inglesi del Wimbledon e dello Swansea ( partecipanti alla Premiere League). Grazie all’iniziativa dell’azionariato popolare posta in essere dai tifosi israeliani dell’Hapoel Gerusalemme, si è coordinata la “convivenza” tra ebrei e musulmani.
La tematica dell’azionariato popolare, è stata oggetto di un’incontro di studio tenutosi lo scorso febbraio 2010 al Parlamento Europeo. ( fonte Sporteconomy.it)
Sul tema, deputati europei “tifosi” dell’azienda calcio ( hanno creato un gruppo parlamentare denominato “Friends of Football”), si sono confrontati la Supporters-direct e con tifosi provenienti da tutta Europa.
L’importanza dell’evento promosso dalla “Friends of Football” , è stato sottolineato da David Boyle ( Chief Executive di Supportes-direct) secondo il quale, la grave crisi globale, e la spesso discutibile gestione dei club di calcio, hanno indotto i tifosi ad un maggior coinvolgimento nella partecipazione attiva alla vita della propria squadra del cuore.
Il rappresentante del gruppo “Friends of Football” Ivo Belet, ha evidenziato inoltre come i “tifosi risultano essere i veri protagonisti del calcio”, e che il Parlamento Europeo, risulta essere fermamente convinto che un maggiore coinvolgimento dei tifosi nella gestione dell’azienda calcio determinerebbe una migliore stabilità finanziaria dei club.
Interessante l’intervento di Andy Walsh, general manager del Fc United of Manchester , società costituitasi dopo la nomina a presidente del Manchester United dell’imprenditore Glazer.
Secondo Walsh , l’azionariato popolare proprio in virtù dei principi di “democrazia e trasparenza” dei supporters-trust (società cooperative) può coinvolgere in positivo i tifosi nella “governance” dei club di calcio.
La creazione di un “modello di azionariato popolare basato” sulla trasparenza e sostenibilità è l’obiettivo primario che vede coinvolti allo stato Parlamento Europeo ed Uefa.
Per diffondere la cultura dell’azionariato popolare , i tifosi dovranno redigere innovativi progetti di “marketing del territorio”. Tifosi “protagonisti” del marketing del territorio e dello squilibrio finanziario dei club di calcio..???
Antonio Sanges - Dottore Commercialista
23/09/2011 11.31.29
Blues boss looking forward to FC United clash
Source: Whitby Gazette
WHITBY Town manager Tommy Cassidy is looking forward to Wednesday night’s trip to FC United of Manchester and believes there’s more to come from on-loan striker Callum Hassan, writes Andrew Snaith.
The powerfully-built 6’3” 18-year-old played as a lone striker in Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Matlock, making a memorable debut.
And Cassidy thinks the youngster from Hartlepool United will improve throughout his month with Town.
The Blues’ boss told the Whitby Gazette: “We’ve got to get to know him very well, at the moment, he’s still a stranger in the camp.
“I thought he did all right, he’s won his headers and probably on Wednesday night, we’ll see him play better.
“I think he will be successful here in the next four weeks.”
The former Northern Ireland star paid tribute to another midfielder, also on a temporary spell from Victoria Park, Lewis Hawkins.
Cassidy is hoping the teenager can recover after limping off with a knee injury at the weekend, adding:
“I thought he did very very well indeed, his passing was good and he ran at people.”
Approaching the first anniverary of his appointment, the Whitby manager thinks too many draws have cost his side so far:
“After 11 games and you’ve only lost four of them, you think you haven’t done badly, but there’s been six draws,” he said.
“So we’ve lost 12 points in those games, (on Saturday) I put someone on to try and win the game.
“But it’s a long season, we’ve got to try to build for the future and I think I am doing at the moment.”
Cassidy also revealed he’s received an offer from Northern Counties East side Barton Town Old Boys for striker Rob McDermid, who didn’t feature on Saturday.
The Ulsterman wants the frontman - a towering presence like Hassan - to stay with Whitby.
He admitted the summer capture from Kirkbymoorside needs football, but is still part of his plans at the Turnbull Ground.
Meanwhile Cassidy thinks the Blues have a real opportunity to end their six-match winless run against United on Wednesday.
Cassidy enthused: “I’m really looking forward to getting down there, I think the pitch will suit us as we try to play a bit of football now.
“Maybe a year ago or last season, I’d have thought it would be very difficult.
“But I still think we’ve got a great chance of winning the game.”
The Lancashire side, formed by Manchester United supporters in 2005, play at Bury’s Gigg Lane and currently lie ninth in the Evo Stik Premier.
Kick-off is 7.45pm, with admission set at £8 adults, £5 over 60s and £2 under 18s.
The Blues entertain North Ferriby United on Saturday in the FA Cup second qualifying round, with £4,500 prize money at stake.
Blues boss looking forward to FC United clash
Published on Monday 26 September 2011 09:14
WHITBY Town manager Tommy Cassidy is looking forward to Wednesday night’s trip to FC United of Manchester and believes there’s more to come from on-loan striker Callum Hassan, writes Andrew Snaith.
The powerfully-built 6’3” 18-year-old played as a lone striker in Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Matlock, making a memorable debut.
And Cassidy thinks the youngster from Hartlepool United will improve throughout his month with Town.
The Blues’ boss told the Whitby Gazette: “We’ve got to get to know him very well, at the moment, he’s still a stranger in the camp.
“I thought he did all right, he’s won his headers and probably on Wednesday night, we’ll see him play better.
“I think he will be successful here in the next four weeks.”
The former Northern Ireland star paid tribute to another midfielder, also on a temporary spell from Victoria Park, Lewis Hawkins.
Cassidy is hoping the teenager can recover after limping off with a knee injury at the weekend, adding:
“I thought he did very very well indeed, his passing was good and he ran at people.”
Approaching the first anniverary of his appointment, the Whitby manager thinks too many draws have cost his side so far:
“After 11 games and you’ve only lost four of them, you think you haven’t done badly, but there’s been six draws,” he said.
“So we’ve lost 12 points in those games, (on Saturday) I put someone on to try and win the game.
“But it’s a long season, we’ve got to try to build for the future and I think I am doing at the moment.”
Cassidy also revealed he’s received an offer from Northern Counties East side Barton Town Old Boys for striker Rob McDermid, who didn’t feature on Saturday.
The Ulsterman wants the frontman - a towering presence like Hassan - to stay with Whitby.
He admitted the summer capture from Kirkbymoorside needs football, but is still part of his plans at the Turnbull Ground.
Meanwhile Cassidy thinks the Blues have a real opportunity to end their six-match winless run against United on Wednesday.
Cassidy enthused: “I’m really looking forward to getting down there, I think the pitch will suit us as we try to play a bit of football now.
“Maybe a year ago or last season, I’d have thought it would be very difficult.
“But I still think we’ve got a great chance of winning the game.”
The Lancashire side, formed by Manchester United supporters in 2005, play at Bury’s Gigg Lane and currently lie ninth in the Evo Stik Premier.
Kick-off is 7.45pm, with admission set at £8 adults, £5 over 60s and £2 under 18s.
The Blues entertain North Ferriby United on Saturday in the FA Cup second qualifying round, with £4,500 prize money at stake.
Blues boss looking forward to FC United clash
Published on Monday 26 September 2011 09:14
Friday, September 23, 2011
‘Great cup tie’ for City at FC United
Source: Lancaster Guardian
LANCASTER City have been handed a mouth-watering FA Cup draw away to FC United of Manchester.
The Dolly Blues will travel to Gigg Lane for the second qualifying round tie on October 1 after the Manchester club defeated Woodley Sports 4-1 in their first round replay on Tuesday night.
City’s assistant boss Phil Brown said: “It’s a great cup tie. We’ve visited Gigg Lane a couple of times and we were unlucky the last time we went there, only losing in the last ten minutes of an FA Trophy replay.
“All the lads I’ve spoken to about the game were desperate for them to win (their replay on Tuesday night). It’ll be good to play in front of a decent crowd and on a good pitch. We’ll go there with no fear.
“It’ll be a good test for the younger lads in that arena and with it being an FA Cup game. We class every league game as a big game but it’s a football league ground and there’s the money attached with it and everything that comes with playing FC United.
“We’ll look at one or two things on the training field and see where the players are at but I’m sure they’ll acquit themselves well.”
After City’s 5-1 victory over Maine Road in the FA Cup last weekend they return to league action this Saturday with a visit to Harrogate Railway Athletic, who are currently 15th in the Evo-Stik First Division North and have won two and lost two at home so far this season.
See the Lancaster Guardian (22-09-11) for full story.
Published on Friday 23 September 2011 10:00
LANCASTER City have been handed a mouth-watering FA Cup draw away to FC United of Manchester.
The Dolly Blues will travel to Gigg Lane for the second qualifying round tie on October 1 after the Manchester club defeated Woodley Sports 4-1 in their first round replay on Tuesday night.
City’s assistant boss Phil Brown said: “It’s a great cup tie. We’ve visited Gigg Lane a couple of times and we were unlucky the last time we went there, only losing in the last ten minutes of an FA Trophy replay.
“All the lads I’ve spoken to about the game were desperate for them to win (their replay on Tuesday night). It’ll be good to play in front of a decent crowd and on a good pitch. We’ll go there with no fear.
“It’ll be a good test for the younger lads in that arena and with it being an FA Cup game. We class every league game as a big game but it’s a football league ground and there’s the money attached with it and everything that comes with playing FC United.
“We’ll look at one or two things on the training field and see where the players are at but I’m sure they’ll acquit themselves well.”
After City’s 5-1 victory over Maine Road in the FA Cup last weekend they return to league action this Saturday with a visit to Harrogate Railway Athletic, who are currently 15th in the Evo-Stik First Division North and have won two and lost two at home so far this season.
See the Lancaster Guardian (22-09-11) for full story.
Published on Friday 23 September 2011 10:00
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Woodley Sports 1 FC United 4
Source: Bury Times
FC UNITED cruised past Woodley Sports at Glossop on Tuesday night to book themselves a home tie against Lancaster City in the second qualifying round of the FA Cup.
After the disappointment of conceding a last-gasp equaliser in Saturday’s first meeting, Karl Marginson’s side made no mistake in the replay, running out comfortable winners against the Evo-Stik Division One North side.
They always looked in control after Carlos Roca broke the deadlock with a 28th-minute penalty after Mike Norton had been tripped by Harry Bockarie.
Both sides had chances before half time and just after the break FC defender Daniel Stott almost sliced a clearance into his own net, but keeper James Spencer managed to tip the ball round the post.
However, within five minutes Ben Deegan doubled the lead with a header from a Roca cross and the tie was effectively in the bag when Aidan Jones headed a third from a corner.
Three minutes later, Woodley got a foothold back in the game with Gee firing home a superb 25 yard shot into the top corner, giving Spencer no chance.
Gary Gee, who took the tie to a replay when he scored Woodley’s equaliser deep into added time at Gigg Lane, pulled one back for the Evo-Stik Division One North side with a terrific strike, but Norton made the most of a simple chance 10 minutes from time as United secured their first win in six matches..
On Saturday, Leading through a 39th-minute goal from Nick Platt, the Reds looked home and dry on Saturday until keeper James Spencer parried a free-kick and Gee drove a shot through a crowded area with the last kick of the game.
FC will host Division One North title-chasers Lancaster on Saturday, October 1, kick off 3pm.
On Saturday they will look to move up the Premier Division when they travel to Skelmersdale aiming to bank three points at the expense of bottom-of-the-table Burscough.
9:20am Thursday 22nd September 2011
By Bury Times Sports Reporter
FC UNITED cruised past Woodley Sports at Glossop on Tuesday night to book themselves a home tie against Lancaster City in the second qualifying round of the FA Cup.
After the disappointment of conceding a last-gasp equaliser in Saturday’s first meeting, Karl Marginson’s side made no mistake in the replay, running out comfortable winners against the Evo-Stik Division One North side.
They always looked in control after Carlos Roca broke the deadlock with a 28th-minute penalty after Mike Norton had been tripped by Harry Bockarie.
Both sides had chances before half time and just after the break FC defender Daniel Stott almost sliced a clearance into his own net, but keeper James Spencer managed to tip the ball round the post.
However, within five minutes Ben Deegan doubled the lead with a header from a Roca cross and the tie was effectively in the bag when Aidan Jones headed a third from a corner.
Three minutes later, Woodley got a foothold back in the game with Gee firing home a superb 25 yard shot into the top corner, giving Spencer no chance.
Gary Gee, who took the tie to a replay when he scored Woodley’s equaliser deep into added time at Gigg Lane, pulled one back for the Evo-Stik Division One North side with a terrific strike, but Norton made the most of a simple chance 10 minutes from time as United secured their first win in six matches..
On Saturday, Leading through a 39th-minute goal from Nick Platt, the Reds looked home and dry on Saturday until keeper James Spencer parried a free-kick and Gee drove a shot through a crowded area with the last kick of the game.
FC will host Division One North title-chasers Lancaster on Saturday, October 1, kick off 3pm.
On Saturday they will look to move up the Premier Division when they travel to Skelmersdale aiming to bank three points at the expense of bottom-of-the-table Burscough.
9:20am Thursday 22nd September 2011
By Bury Times Sports Reporter
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Rampant rebels finally put on shooting boots in FA Cup
Source: MEN
FC United finally dispatched plucky Woodley Sports at the second attempt to get their latest bid for FA Cup glory under way.
But it was only after the break that the Rebels found their shooting boots as they romped to a 4-1 first qualifying-round replay victory at Glossop North End’s Surrey Street ground. Karl Marginson’s men missed a host of first-half chances and were grateful to Carlos Roca for giving them a 28th-minute lead when he converted from the spot after Mike Norton had been tripped by keeper Liam Higginbotham.
Ben Deegan (50 mins) and Adam Jones (56) struck to finally hammer home FC’s superiority.
And, though Woodley’s Gary Gee did pull one back with a 30-yard piledriver, Norton then tapped in a fourth to guarantee United a Gigg Lane tie with Lancaster a week on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Garry Flitcroft’s Chorley had their dreams of Cup success shattered as they went out 1-0 to visiting AFC Fylde.
Ramsbottom also bowed out, beaten 2-1 at home by Nantwich, who will next travel to Andy Preece’s Northwich.
Unbeaten Stalybridge Celtic narrowed the gap on Blue Square Bet North leaders Hyde to just two points with a 2-0 victory over 10-man Blyth at Bower Fold.
Greg Wilkinson fired Bridge in front a minute before the break but it was only after Blyth’s Wayne Phillips had been sent off for violent conduct that Adam Kay hit Bridge’s second goal to seal their ninth win in 10 games.
Altrincham made a sensational return to winning ways with Damian Reeves and Nicky Clee each scoring twice to help them crush Colwyn Bay 6-1 in North Wales. James Lawrie and Rob Williams were also on target for the rampant Robins.
Northwich beat Kendal 2-0 at the Victoria Stadium to march to the top of Evo-Stik Premier.
Hyde suffered their first defeat of the season in making an instant Cheshire Senior Cup exit, beaten 2-0 by visiting Chester.
FC United finally dispatched plucky Woodley Sports at the second attempt to get their latest bid for FA Cup glory under way.
But it was only after the break that the Rebels found their shooting boots as they romped to a 4-1 first qualifying-round replay victory at Glossop North End’s Surrey Street ground. Karl Marginson’s men missed a host of first-half chances and were grateful to Carlos Roca for giving them a 28th-minute lead when he converted from the spot after Mike Norton had been tripped by keeper Liam Higginbotham.
Ben Deegan (50 mins) and Adam Jones (56) struck to finally hammer home FC’s superiority.
And, though Woodley’s Gary Gee did pull one back with a 30-yard piledriver, Norton then tapped in a fourth to guarantee United a Gigg Lane tie with Lancaster a week on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Garry Flitcroft’s Chorley had their dreams of Cup success shattered as they went out 1-0 to visiting AFC Fylde.
Ramsbottom also bowed out, beaten 2-1 at home by Nantwich, who will next travel to Andy Preece’s Northwich.
Unbeaten Stalybridge Celtic narrowed the gap on Blue Square Bet North leaders Hyde to just two points with a 2-0 victory over 10-man Blyth at Bower Fold.
Greg Wilkinson fired Bridge in front a minute before the break but it was only after Blyth’s Wayne Phillips had been sent off for violent conduct that Adam Kay hit Bridge’s second goal to seal their ninth win in 10 games.
Altrincham made a sensational return to winning ways with Damian Reeves and Nicky Clee each scoring twice to help them crush Colwyn Bay 6-1 in North Wales. James Lawrie and Rob Williams were also on target for the rampant Robins.
Northwich beat Kendal 2-0 at the Victoria Stadium to march to the top of Evo-Stik Premier.
Hyde suffered their first defeat of the season in making an instant Cheshire Senior Cup exit, beaten 2-0 by visiting Chester.
September 21, 2011
Monday, September 19, 2011
Kent derby for Bromley and Welling
Source: The FA
A review of Monday's FA Cup 2Q draw.
Monday’s Second Round Qualifying draw for The FA Cup with Budweiser has given us 80 ties to be played on 1 October.
The Conference North and South clubs enter at this stage. Hyde, five points clear at the top of ‘North’, have an away tie at the winners of Wednesday night’s replay between Staveley MW and Pickering Town.
The ‘South’ leaders, Welling United, face a Kent derby at Bromley while fourth-placed Sutton United, the last non-League club to knock a top-flight side out of The Cup, also have local opposition at Gander Green Lane in the shape of Dulwich Hamlet.
Maidstone United, sixth in the Isthmian League’s Division One South, made themselves the club to avoid in the draw after scoring nine times away from home in both ties this season – 9-0 at Corinthian and 9-1 at Banstead Athletic. They have now been handed a home tie with Bognor Regis Town from the same division.
FC United of Manchester, the Northern Premier League team who won memorably at Rochdale in last season’s First Round Proper, will be at home to Lancaster City if they win tomorrow night’s replay at Woodley Sports.
Bournemouth FC of the Wessex League, not to be confused with ‘AFC Bournemouth’ of League One, edged Isle of Wight side Newport 2-1 before 65 fans at Victoria Park on Saturday to earn a plum home tie with Truro City from the Conference South.
The FA Cup with Budweiser
Second Round Qualifying
Saturday 1 October 2011
Winning clubs in 2Q will each receive £4,500 from The FA's Prize Fund
By David Barber - Monday, 19 September, 2011
A review of Monday's FA Cup 2Q draw.
Monday’s Second Round Qualifying draw for The FA Cup with Budweiser has given us 80 ties to be played on 1 October.
The Conference North and South clubs enter at this stage. Hyde, five points clear at the top of ‘North’, have an away tie at the winners of Wednesday night’s replay between Staveley MW and Pickering Town.
The ‘South’ leaders, Welling United, face a Kent derby at Bromley while fourth-placed Sutton United, the last non-League club to knock a top-flight side out of The Cup, also have local opposition at Gander Green Lane in the shape of Dulwich Hamlet.
Maidstone United, sixth in the Isthmian League’s Division One South, made themselves the club to avoid in the draw after scoring nine times away from home in both ties this season – 9-0 at Corinthian and 9-1 at Banstead Athletic. They have now been handed a home tie with Bognor Regis Town from the same division.
FC United of Manchester, the Northern Premier League team who won memorably at Rochdale in last season’s First Round Proper, will be at home to Lancaster City if they win tomorrow night’s replay at Woodley Sports.
Bournemouth FC of the Wessex League, not to be confused with ‘AFC Bournemouth’ of League One, edged Isle of Wight side Newport 2-1 before 65 fans at Victoria Park on Saturday to earn a plum home tie with Truro City from the Conference South.
The FA Cup with Budweiser
Second Round Qualifying
Saturday 1 October 2011
Winning clubs in 2Q will each receive £4,500 from The FA's Prize Fund
By David Barber - Monday, 19 September, 2011
Last-gasp equaliser means Rebels must play it again
Source: MEN
FC United's hopes of another money-spinning FA Cup run are already on a knife-edge after they allowed Woodley Sports to escape Gigg Lane with a first qualifying-round replay.
The Rebels, who famously knocked out Rochdale last season before losing to Brighton, looked set to squeeze over the opening hurdle in the dying seconds, after leading through Nicky Platt’s 40th minute header.
But Woodley’s Gary Gee then stunned FC by snatching an equaliser with virtually the last kick to leave Karl Marginson’s men facing a tricky re-match at Glossop North End’s Surrey Street ground tomorrow night as Sports aren’t allowed to stage FA Cup ties on their artificial pitch.
United, who’d seen Carlos Roca hit the bar after he'd set up Platt’s seemingly match-winning strike, appeared to have done enough to secure their passage when keeper Scott Spencer denied former Rebels fans favourite Stuart Rudd a gilt-edged opportunity to level matters with 90 minutes already on the clock.
But there was still time for Gee to earn Woodley a second bite when his 20-yard drive crept in with Spencer stranded off his line.
Meanwhile, Ashton United and Radcliffe are both safely through to the next stage.
Peter Wright hit two, one of them a penalty, as the Robins came from behind to thrash Runcorn Town 5-1, while Boro’s Griff Jones struck twice from the spot to sink Cammell Laird 2-1.
Trafford paid for missed chances in bowing out 2-0 to visiting Northwich, but Maine Road can have no complaints about their exit after being hammered 5-1 at Lancaster.
New Mills were similarly humbled by Deeping Rangers, but Garry Flitcroft’s Chorley kept their cup dreams alive with a 1-1 draw at AFC Fylde.
Ramsbottom must also try again tomorrow after their home tie with Nantwich was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.
In Blue Square Bet Premier, Stockport County earned their first victory in seven matches with a 2-0 win over Grimsby Town.
Sean McConville opened the scoring after 23 minutes, Tom Elliott netting the second on the hour at Edgeley Park.
Altrincham’s stuttering start in Blue Square Bet North continued with a 2-0 defeat at lowly Solihull.
Droylsden crashed 3-2 to visiting Hinckley despite Ciaran Kilheeney and Dale Johnson having put them two-up in 13 minutes.
Matthew Kay’s late hat-trick kept Curzon Ashton flying high in Evo-Stik North as they beat Prescot 4-1.
Mossley maintained their recent revival with Cameron Darkwah bagging his fifth goal in three games in their 2-1 home win over Salford City.
Glossop North End climbed to second in the North West Counties League with a 3-0 romp at Colne.
Tony Glennon
September 19, 2011
FC United's hopes of another money-spinning FA Cup run are already on a knife-edge after they allowed Woodley Sports to escape Gigg Lane with a first qualifying-round replay.
The Rebels, who famously knocked out Rochdale last season before losing to Brighton, looked set to squeeze over the opening hurdle in the dying seconds, after leading through Nicky Platt’s 40th minute header.
But Woodley’s Gary Gee then stunned FC by snatching an equaliser with virtually the last kick to leave Karl Marginson’s men facing a tricky re-match at Glossop North End’s Surrey Street ground tomorrow night as Sports aren’t allowed to stage FA Cup ties on their artificial pitch.
United, who’d seen Carlos Roca hit the bar after he'd set up Platt’s seemingly match-winning strike, appeared to have done enough to secure their passage when keeper Scott Spencer denied former Rebels fans favourite Stuart Rudd a gilt-edged opportunity to level matters with 90 minutes already on the clock.
But there was still time for Gee to earn Woodley a second bite when his 20-yard drive crept in with Spencer stranded off his line.
Meanwhile, Ashton United and Radcliffe are both safely through to the next stage.
Peter Wright hit two, one of them a penalty, as the Robins came from behind to thrash Runcorn Town 5-1, while Boro’s Griff Jones struck twice from the spot to sink Cammell Laird 2-1.
Trafford paid for missed chances in bowing out 2-0 to visiting Northwich, but Maine Road can have no complaints about their exit after being hammered 5-1 at Lancaster.
New Mills were similarly humbled by Deeping Rangers, but Garry Flitcroft’s Chorley kept their cup dreams alive with a 1-1 draw at AFC Fylde.
Ramsbottom must also try again tomorrow after their home tie with Nantwich was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.
In Blue Square Bet Premier, Stockport County earned their first victory in seven matches with a 2-0 win over Grimsby Town.
Sean McConville opened the scoring after 23 minutes, Tom Elliott netting the second on the hour at Edgeley Park.
Altrincham’s stuttering start in Blue Square Bet North continued with a 2-0 defeat at lowly Solihull.
Droylsden crashed 3-2 to visiting Hinckley despite Ciaran Kilheeney and Dale Johnson having put them two-up in 13 minutes.
Matthew Kay’s late hat-trick kept Curzon Ashton flying high in Evo-Stik North as they beat Prescot 4-1.
Mossley maintained their recent revival with Cameron Darkwah bagging his fifth goal in three games in their 2-1 home win over Salford City.
Glossop North End climbed to second in the North West Counties League with a 3-0 romp at Colne.
Tony Glennon
September 19, 2011
Norwich get first win as Anthony Pilkington puts skids under Bolton
Source: The Guardian
Seven miles and nine divisions separate Bolton Wanderers from Atherton Collieries but on Saturday, after scoring his first Premier League goal, the Norwich City winger Anthony Pilkington had the North West Counties League on his mind. He has served his time at football's coal face, a hat-trick for Atherton against FC United precipitating his dramatic ascent of the divisions. In 12 days' time he faces their parent club, Manchester United.
"I was on United's books when I was 12 or 13. Then I went to Blackburn and got released from there too," the 23-year-old said. "I like to think I've worked really hard to get here. It was all part of my process of learning the game. Now I've got the chance to play in the Premier League and I'm going to take it with both hands."
Such sentiments are shared at Carrow Road. Pilkington is Norwich's story in microcosm, and an extreme example. No one else has risen as far and as fast, but plenty of others have a grounding in less-glamorous surroundings.
Russell Martin, normally a right‑back but excellent as a stand-in central defender, first played under Paul Lambert for Wycombe Wanderers in League Two. A division higher, the left-back Marc Tierney, the recipient of the rather gentle head-butt that got Ivan Klasnic dismissed, and the midfielder David Fox, whose set-pieces led to both goals, were Lambert players at Colchester.
As Norwich won for the first time this season, a top-flight victory was a novel experience for all of them.
It is a source of pride to Lambert that they are the unlikely lads. "I just think if they are good enough, I'll bring them in," he said. The Scot has also proved unwilling to pigeonhole. "You need somebody to give you an opportunity. If somebody's going to keep tarring them with the same brush and saying they're not good enough, then you tend to find that everybody thinks that."
Popular opinion is of little interest to a manager, who revels in his unpredictability. While Steve Bruce was an onlooker, it is debatable what conclusions the Sunderland manager, whose side visit Carrow Road next Monday, can draw. Lambert, the Premier League's new tinkerman, is likely to alter both personnel and tactics. His 4-2-3-1, deployed for the first time, worked perfectly, with Bolton outnumbered in midfield, stretched on the flanks and kept busy at the back by the effervescent Steve Morison.
While it is all change for Norwich, there is an unwanted continuity to Bolton, beaten for a fourth successive game. "We conceded goals from corners and free-kicks and that's not for the first time," said their scorer, Martin Petrov. "We have to concentrate more."
"I am disappointed and frustrated," said the manager, Owen Coyle. Norwich's visit had offered a rare chance of respite. Their previous opponents were Manchester City, Liverpool and Manchester United, while it is Arsenal and then Chelsea next.
Instead, Bolton's slump continued. In a bid to arrest it, Coyle is tempted to emulate Lambert. "Whether that means we have to change one or two things or people, I don't know," he said.
The second-half substitute David Ngog, who provided a spark, is an option. But while he has Liverpool on his cv, Pilkington has shown that spending time at Atherton Collieries can be more beneficial.
Seven miles and nine divisions separate Bolton Wanderers from Atherton Collieries but on Saturday, after scoring his first Premier League goal, the Norwich City winger Anthony Pilkington had the North West Counties League on his mind. He has served his time at football's coal face, a hat-trick for Atherton against FC United precipitating his dramatic ascent of the divisions. In 12 days' time he faces their parent club, Manchester United.
"I was on United's books when I was 12 or 13. Then I went to Blackburn and got released from there too," the 23-year-old said. "I like to think I've worked really hard to get here. It was all part of my process of learning the game. Now I've got the chance to play in the Premier League and I'm going to take it with both hands."
Such sentiments are shared at Carrow Road. Pilkington is Norwich's story in microcosm, and an extreme example. No one else has risen as far and as fast, but plenty of others have a grounding in less-glamorous surroundings.
Russell Martin, normally a right‑back but excellent as a stand-in central defender, first played under Paul Lambert for Wycombe Wanderers in League Two. A division higher, the left-back Marc Tierney, the recipient of the rather gentle head-butt that got Ivan Klasnic dismissed, and the midfielder David Fox, whose set-pieces led to both goals, were Lambert players at Colchester.
As Norwich won for the first time this season, a top-flight victory was a novel experience for all of them.
It is a source of pride to Lambert that they are the unlikely lads. "I just think if they are good enough, I'll bring them in," he said. The Scot has also proved unwilling to pigeonhole. "You need somebody to give you an opportunity. If somebody's going to keep tarring them with the same brush and saying they're not good enough, then you tend to find that everybody thinks that."
Popular opinion is of little interest to a manager, who revels in his unpredictability. While Steve Bruce was an onlooker, it is debatable what conclusions the Sunderland manager, whose side visit Carrow Road next Monday, can draw. Lambert, the Premier League's new tinkerman, is likely to alter both personnel and tactics. His 4-2-3-1, deployed for the first time, worked perfectly, with Bolton outnumbered in midfield, stretched on the flanks and kept busy at the back by the effervescent Steve Morison.
While it is all change for Norwich, there is an unwanted continuity to Bolton, beaten for a fourth successive game. "We conceded goals from corners and free-kicks and that's not for the first time," said their scorer, Martin Petrov. "We have to concentrate more."
"I am disappointed and frustrated," said the manager, Owen Coyle. Norwich's visit had offered a rare chance of respite. Their previous opponents were Manchester City, Liverpool and Manchester United, while it is Arsenal and then Chelsea next.
Instead, Bolton's slump continued. In a bid to arrest it, Coyle is tempted to emulate Lambert. "Whether that means we have to change one or two things or people, I don't know," he said.
The second-half substitute David Ngog, who provided a spark, is an option. But while he has Liverpool on his cv, Pilkington has shown that spending time at Atherton Collieries can be more beneficial.
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Magpies unfazed by the controversy
Source: Chorley Guardian
The build-up was dominated by talk of FC United’s fans boycotting the match, but on Saturday, Chorley’s players let their football do the talking.
Following police advice, the Magpies switched the game to a lunch-time kick-off and FC United decided not to take up their allocation of tickets as a result.
The lack of their usual vocal and partisan following certainly appeared to affect their team.
With just six minutes on the clock FC keeper James Spencer received his first test of the afternoon when Andy Teague found Tom Ice with a superb 30-yard pass, and the diminutive winger fired in a shot, which the keeper had to tip over his bar.
Simon Whaley then had the next opportunity, but the aim of this lob was slightly out, as the ball bounced the wrong side of the upright.
Goalkeeper Russ Saunders, who has been superb since his arrival from Hyde, showed his class to keep everything FC could throw at him out.
The Magpies almost took the lead on 38 minutes when Andy Teague and Adam Roscoe both rose at the far post.
Between them their header was cleared off the line in a goalmouth scramble. A few minutes later, though, the Magpies weren’t to be denied.
A good passing moved ended with Roscoe being upended in the box, and Lee McEvilly made no mistake from the spot to send Spencer the wrong way.
Approaching the interval FC stepped up a gear and hit the woodwork, and had a shot cleared off the line.
Throughout the game FC United gave away too many unnecessary free-kicks; pulling, pushing and clipping the Chorley players whenever challenging for the ball. Just two minutes into the second half they were made to pay for these indecisions. A free-kick was floated in from just over the half-way, this time to McEvilly, whose deft header found Andy Russell, whose equally deft header landed perfectly for Teague to slam the ball beyond Spencer, and double the lead.
FC United then tested Saunders with a shot from distance, but the keeper had plenty of time to set himself and deal with the effort.
McEvilly, who on another day could have had a hat-trick, wasted an opportunity when put through on the keeper, as he couldn’t get the ball from under his feet to test Spencer.
Saunders made a routine save from an overhead attempt, as the visitors tried to find a way into the game, but the visitors began to look more ragged as the game progressed. On 77 minutes Steve Flitcroft was unlucky to receive a straight red card when he challenged with his foot raised.
McEvilly missed a second one-on-one opportunity, as the Magpies made light work of being a man down.
With 10 minutes remaining FC United’s Jake Cotterell was lucky to stay on the pitch following a lunge on Dale Whitham.
In the closing stages, with FC United desperately looking for a way back into the game they began to put some pressure on their hosts, but rather than scoring goals Ben Deegan saw yellow then red for a crude lung on Teague.
CHORLEY: Russ Saunders, Ali Brown, Tom Walker, Andy Teague, Andy Russell, Dale Whitham, Adam Roscoe, Steve Flitcroft, Simon Whalley, Lee McEvilly, Tom Ince
Subs: Wayne Maden, Tom Williams (McEvilly, 87), John Cunliffe (Whaley, 70), Nathan Fairhurst, Chris Howarth
Att: 1,074
Sent off: Steve Flitcroft (77), Ben Deegan (90)
Goals: Lee McEvilly (39 pen), Andy Teague (47)
Chorleyfc.com Man of the Match: Adam Roscoe, really making the right win position his own.
The build-up was dominated by talk of FC United’s fans boycotting the match, but on Saturday, Chorley’s players let their football do the talking.
Following police advice, the Magpies switched the game to a lunch-time kick-off and FC United decided not to take up their allocation of tickets as a result.
The lack of their usual vocal and partisan following certainly appeared to affect their team.
With just six minutes on the clock FC keeper James Spencer received his first test of the afternoon when Andy Teague found Tom Ice with a superb 30-yard pass, and the diminutive winger fired in a shot, which the keeper had to tip over his bar.
Simon Whaley then had the next opportunity, but the aim of this lob was slightly out, as the ball bounced the wrong side of the upright.
Goalkeeper Russ Saunders, who has been superb since his arrival from Hyde, showed his class to keep everything FC could throw at him out.
The Magpies almost took the lead on 38 minutes when Andy Teague and Adam Roscoe both rose at the far post.
Between them their header was cleared off the line in a goalmouth scramble. A few minutes later, though, the Magpies weren’t to be denied.
A good passing moved ended with Roscoe being upended in the box, and Lee McEvilly made no mistake from the spot to send Spencer the wrong way.
Approaching the interval FC stepped up a gear and hit the woodwork, and had a shot cleared off the line.
Throughout the game FC United gave away too many unnecessary free-kicks; pulling, pushing and clipping the Chorley players whenever challenging for the ball. Just two minutes into the second half they were made to pay for these indecisions. A free-kick was floated in from just over the half-way, this time to McEvilly, whose deft header found Andy Russell, whose equally deft header landed perfectly for Teague to slam the ball beyond Spencer, and double the lead.
FC United then tested Saunders with a shot from distance, but the keeper had plenty of time to set himself and deal with the effort.
McEvilly, who on another day could have had a hat-trick, wasted an opportunity when put through on the keeper, as he couldn’t get the ball from under his feet to test Spencer.
Saunders made a routine save from an overhead attempt, as the visitors tried to find a way into the game, but the visitors began to look more ragged as the game progressed. On 77 minutes Steve Flitcroft was unlucky to receive a straight red card when he challenged with his foot raised.
McEvilly missed a second one-on-one opportunity, as the Magpies made light work of being a man down.
With 10 minutes remaining FC United’s Jake Cotterell was lucky to stay on the pitch following a lunge on Dale Whitham.
In the closing stages, with FC United desperately looking for a way back into the game they began to put some pressure on their hosts, but rather than scoring goals Ben Deegan saw yellow then red for a crude lung on Teague.
CHORLEY: Russ Saunders, Ali Brown, Tom Walker, Andy Teague, Andy Russell, Dale Whitham, Adam Roscoe, Steve Flitcroft, Simon Whalley, Lee McEvilly, Tom Ince
Subs: Wayne Maden, Tom Williams (McEvilly, 87), John Cunliffe (Whaley, 70), Nathan Fairhurst, Chris Howarth
Att: 1,074
Sent off: Steve Flitcroft (77), Ben Deegan (90)
Goals: Lee McEvilly (39 pen), Andy Teague (47)
Chorleyfc.com Man of the Match: Adam Roscoe, really making the right win position his own.
Nantwich Town 3 FC United of Manchester 1
Source: Crewe Chronicle
NANTWICH Town made it two wins in a week with an outstanding performance against FC United of Manchester on Wednesday.
Goals from Michael Lennon, Sean Cooke and Niall Maguire gave the Dabbers a well-deserved 3-1 victory at Gigg Lane.
The Dabbers started the brighter of the two sides and Maguire could have given them the lead as early as the second minute, but his 20 yard strike went just over.
United’s best chance of the first-half fell to their captain Mike Norton, Nantwich debutant Fraser McLachlan’s poor back pass was intercepted by Norton and only a good save from Jonathon Brain prevented the deadlock from being broken.
Brain was also in action on the stroke of half time as he parried Daniel Grimshaw’s shot from distance wide.
The last kick of the first half should have produced the first goal of the game, Cooke found Ben Mills inside the penalty area but the Dabbers leading marksman’s left foot shot was well saved by James Spencer.
Nantwich broke the deadlock in the 54th minute when a smart turn and shot from Cooke was only parried by Spencer and from the resulting cross Lennon tapped home his fifth goal of the season.
The lead was doubled on the hour mark,. A free-kick was awarded for a foul on Cooke and the impressive youngster picked himself up to curl the ball into the top left hand corner from 25 yards leaving Spencer routed to his spot.
The Dabbers rounded off a fantastic 10 minute spell when Maguire caressed Lennon’s pull back into the top left hand corner leaving the large home support stunned and the travelling away support jubilant.
United, who set up back in 2005 in opposition to Malcolm Glazer’s takeover at Manchester United, could have hit back immediately but for the superb Brain.
Lee Neville struck a delightful shot which looked to be heading for the top right hand corner but Brain pushed the ball wide.
An interesting last 10 minutes was set up as Richard Battersby’s corner was headed home by David Chadwick to make it 3-1.
That goal only turned out to be a consolation though and substitute Rodney Jack should have increased Nantwich’s lead but his shot was well saved by Spencer.
NANTWICH Town made it two wins in a week with an outstanding performance against FC United of Manchester on Wednesday.
Goals from Michael Lennon, Sean Cooke and Niall Maguire gave the Dabbers a well-deserved 3-1 victory at Gigg Lane.
The Dabbers started the brighter of the two sides and Maguire could have given them the lead as early as the second minute, but his 20 yard strike went just over.
United’s best chance of the first-half fell to their captain Mike Norton, Nantwich debutant Fraser McLachlan’s poor back pass was intercepted by Norton and only a good save from Jonathon Brain prevented the deadlock from being broken.
The last kick of the first half should have produced the first goal of the game, Cooke found Ben Mills inside the penalty area but the Dabbers leading marksman’s left foot shot was well saved by James Spencer.
Nantwich broke the deadlock in the 54th minute when a smart turn and shot from Cooke was only parried by Spencer and from the resulting cross Lennon tapped home his fifth goal of the season.
The lead was doubled on the hour mark,. A free-kick was awarded for a foul on Cooke and the impressive youngster picked himself up to curl the ball into the top left hand corner from 25 yards leaving Spencer routed to his spot.
The Dabbers rounded off a fantastic 10 minute spell when Maguire caressed Lennon’s pull back into the top left hand corner leaving the large home support stunned and the travelling away support jubilant.
United, who set up back in 2005 in opposition to Malcolm Glazer’s takeover at Manchester United, could have hit back immediately but for the superb Brain.
Lee Neville struck a delightful shot which looked to be heading for the top right hand corner but Brain pushed the ball wide.
An interesting last 10 minutes was set up as Richard Battersby’s corner was headed home by David Chadwick to make it 3-1.
That goal only turned out to be a consolation though and substitute Rodney Jack should have increased Nantwich’s lead but his shot was well saved by Spencer.
Sep 16 2011 by Peter Morse, Crewe Chronicle
FC bow to Chorley
Source: Bury Times
FC United endured an afternoon to forget as they slumped to their fourth defeat of the season at Chorley on Saturday.
Ben Deegan was shown a straight red card late into the 2-0 loss while Matthew Wolfenden, Kyle Jacobs and Steve Torpey all picked up injuries.
United went behind six minutes before half-time top a Lee McEvilly penalty, and Andrew Teague doubled the Magpies’ lead two minutes after the restart.
United were in action against Nantwich at Gigg Lane last night, ahead of Saturday’s home FA Cup clash with Woodley Sports.
FC United endured an afternoon to forget as they slumped to their fourth defeat of the season at Chorley on Saturday.
Ben Deegan was shown a straight red card late into the 2-0 loss while Matthew Wolfenden, Kyle Jacobs and Steve Torpey all picked up injuries.
United went behind six minutes before half-time top a Lee McEvilly penalty, and Andrew Teague doubled the Magpies’ lead two minutes after the restart.
United were in action against Nantwich at Gigg Lane last night, ahead of Saturday’s home FA Cup clash with Woodley Sports.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Makeshift Rebels lose third in a row
Source: MEN
FC United were given a lesson in finishing by as they suffered a third successive Evo-Stik Premier defeat in front 1,343 at Gigg Lane last night.
The Rebels, missing several key players through injury, would have led at the break had it not been for Dabbers keeper Jonathan Brain, who produced fine saves to foil Michael Carr and then Danny Grimshaw.
But it was Nantwich who then proceeded to take control with three goals in eight minutes sending Karl Marginson’s men crashing 3-1.
Michael Lennon tapped in Town’s first 10 minutes after the restart before Sean Cooke and Nial Maguire both struck from long-range.
FC’s stalwart captain Dave Chadwick managed to reduce the arrears with 13 minutes left, pouncing to convert a Richard Battersby cross, but there was to be no way back.
Nantwich might even have snatched a fourth goal in stoppage-time but Spencer saved superbly.
Meanwhile, Garry Flitcroft’s Chorley returned to second spot, with Adam Roscoe scoring twice in their 4-1 romp at Burscough.
Ashton United fought back from two goals down to draw 2-2 at Whitby.
September 15, 2011
FC United were given a lesson in finishing by as they suffered a third successive Evo-Stik Premier defeat in front 1,343 at Gigg Lane last night.
The Rebels, missing several key players through injury, would have led at the break had it not been for Dabbers keeper Jonathan Brain, who produced fine saves to foil Michael Carr and then Danny Grimshaw.
But it was Nantwich who then proceeded to take control with three goals in eight minutes sending Karl Marginson’s men crashing 3-1.
Michael Lennon tapped in Town’s first 10 minutes after the restart before Sean Cooke and Nial Maguire both struck from long-range.
FC’s stalwart captain Dave Chadwick managed to reduce the arrears with 13 minutes left, pouncing to convert a Richard Battersby cross, but there was to be no way back.
Nantwich might even have snatched a fourth goal in stoppage-time but Spencer saved superbly.
Meanwhile, Garry Flitcroft’s Chorley returned to second spot, with Adam Roscoe scoring twice in their 4-1 romp at Burscough.
Ashton United fought back from two goals down to draw 2-2 at Whitby.
September 15, 2011
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Punk football
» The first corporate sponsors of FC United of Manchester, everyone’s favourite punk football team, may have given much need cash to the club but they won’t be getting the company’s name on the players shirts. “What we are against is putting commercial interests before those of the club.” said Andy Walsh, the club’s general manager. FCUM, seen as a flagship club for many in grassroots football, have also launched their ‘punk finance’ concept – funding the club without the input of big banks.
» Once again football is finding its political heart with a premier league team coming out in support of local sacked workers. Derby County players in the opening game of the season against Birmingham City, wore shirts emblazoned with the slogan ‘Save Our Rail Industry – Derby United’ in solidarity with the workers at Bombardier, the rail manufacturers who are cutting 1,400 jobs from its Derby factory after the government gave a £1.4bn contract to build rolling stock for the new Thameslink to German company Siemens. There was also a protest inside the Pride Park ground as workers and their families paraded around the pitch with banners and placards to a standing ovation from the terraces. Derby went on to beat Birmingham 2-1.
» The government has been ordered to make public documents that reveal the discussions that the then Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher had about the 1989 Hillsborough stadium disaster, where 96 Liverpool fans were killed and for which the police were later found responsible. The Information Commissioner has now ruled that releasing the files would be in the public interest. The BBC made a freedom of information request more than two years ago concerning the documents and their content of meetings between Thatcher and her government ministers on the days immediately following the disaster where it is believed she applied pressure to ensure the police should not be blamed for their role in causing the deaths of the Liverpool fans.
Article originally appeared in Freedom #7216 - Anarchist News and Views.
Monday, September 12, 2011
Chorley 2 FC United 0
Source: The Chorley Citizen
Chorley set aside all the pre-match ballyhoo and efficiently disposed of FC United to the delight of their fans in a lively crowd of 1,074.
The hundreds of United supporters who boycotted this early kick-off missed a feisty encounter and the visitors, who started sluggishly, were much in need of vocal encouragement as they attacked a completely deserted away end of the ground.
The Magpies went ahead in the 39th minute when Adam Roscoe was trippedi n the box and Lee McEvilly stepped up to score from the penalty spot.
The Magpies sealed victory two minutes into the second half when McEvilly’s header found Andy Teague to drill home.
Steve Flitcroft (78) and FC United’s Ben Deegan (90) were sent off as tempers flared.
Chorley set aside all the pre-match ballyhoo and efficiently disposed of FC United to the delight of their fans in a lively crowd of 1,074.
The hundreds of United supporters who boycotted this early kick-off missed a feisty encounter and the visitors, who started sluggishly, were much in need of vocal encouragement as they attacked a completely deserted away end of the ground.
The Magpies went ahead in the 39th minute when Adam Roscoe was trippedi n the box and Lee McEvilly stepped up to score from the penalty spot.
The Magpies sealed victory two minutes into the second half when McEvilly’s header found Andy Teague to drill home.
Steve Flitcroft (78) and FC United’s Ben Deegan (90) were sent off as tempers flared.
Football's future is in fan-owned clubs
Source: Morning Star
Supporters' groups around the country are proving that there is an alternative way to run the beautiful game, writes Nick Matthews
FOOTBALL COMMENT: There has been much debate about the Star's sports coverage.
As someone who believes in the cultural importance of sport, I see this section of the newspaper as important.
I confess that I love county cricket.
Indeed, the more meaningless the fixture the more I like it!
I am also an ecumenical rugby fan, enjoying League as much as Union.
I have, however, fallen out of love with modern football.
This is a complex issue and is perhaps something to do with the way football culture has become ubiquitous, elevating players into celebrities.
I suspect it is because I don't much like the people who play the game - people who despite their working-class origins have become in the immortal words of Jonathan Meades "a bespoke cast of gladiatorial yob-gods, Wag-roasting Croesus kids, who once a week descend from their Parnassian blingsteads to run around for 90 golden minutes of bravura vanity."
As the great CLR James pointed out when he said: "What do they know of cricket, who only cricket know?"
The social, political and economic context of sport is crucial to its understanding.
My belief is that the role that football plays in our society has not changed as much as Sky television would like us to think.
After all, in English Journey - an account of a tour of the country in 1933 - JB Priestley describes a game between Notts County and Notts Forest: "Nearly everything possible has been done to spoil this game," he writes, citing "the heavy financial interests," and "the absurd publicity given to every feature of it by the press."
However, he notes: "the fact remains that it is not yet spoilt and it has gone out to conquer the world."
It has most certainly conquered the world, but what I believe has changed since 1933 is not the game itself but the role of the spectator.
Are we just to sit in our armchairs as a Sky subscriber as if watching a soap opera?
Is the spectator to be a mere consumer or is the role of the fan to be more than just cheerleader?
This is the key question being tackled by Supporters Direct, an organisation that seeks to promote sustainable spectator sports clubs based on supporters' involvement and community ownership.
Since they were formed in 2000, they have changed the nature of the debate about who owns our sports clubs.
One of the shortlisted candidates for Co-operative of the Year at this year's Co-op Congress was to give it its full title the Exeter City AFC Supporters' Society Limited, which as an industrial and provident society (IPS) is a bonafide co-op and is the owner of Exeter City.
I have to say when I saw how much they were able to do in their community from the base of the football club, I was bowled over.
FC United of Manchester have shown what can be done from a standing start, raising over £1 million in their community share issue towards the new ground planned to be at Moston.
Fan-owned clubs are on a roll.
Many will be watching AFC Wimbledon back in the Football League after their club was kidnapped and taken to Milton Keynes.
I will be watching Telford United back in the Conference Premier after being rescued by their supporters trust.
Indeed, Telford is a hotbed of co-operation with the local ice hockey team, the Telford Tigers, being the only co-operative owned team in the national ice hockey league.
Supporters Direct have a proud record with 150 trusts at clubs up and down the country bringing £25m of new finance into football alone, with 26 clubs now in Trust ownership and 110 having shareholdings in their clubs.
This trend I believe can only go one way.
With the greatest club in the world, Barcelona, being in fan ownership, what better advertisement for this model could there be?
But it is not just football.
In Rugby League there are now supporter-owned clubs, such as Rochdale Hornets and Hunslett.
Many cricket clubs too are in co-operative ownership, including Surrey, Lancashire and Glamorgan which all feature in Britain's top 100 co-ops.
Modern fans can be more than just passive supporters and fan ownership has to be the way forward.
After all, who is more committed to a club and more hungry for success than its fans?
Who are the only people who can be trusted to stick with a club through thick and thin when the sugar daddies who see clubs as trophy assets bringing them status lose interest or, worse still, the clubs go bust?
I hope our sports coverage can cover more of the political economy of sport.
Ownership really does matter.
Who is profiting from the business of sport?
And to those who think this is OK for the minor league clubs but not for the Premier League giants - remember when the banks were too big to fail?
Monday 12 September 2011
by Nick Matthews
Supporters' groups around the country are proving that there is an alternative way to run the beautiful game, writes Nick Matthews
FOOTBALL COMMENT: There has been much debate about the Star's sports coverage.
As someone who believes in the cultural importance of sport, I see this section of the newspaper as important.
I confess that I love county cricket.
Indeed, the more meaningless the fixture the more I like it!
I am also an ecumenical rugby fan, enjoying League as much as Union.
I have, however, fallen out of love with modern football.
This is a complex issue and is perhaps something to do with the way football culture has become ubiquitous, elevating players into celebrities.
I suspect it is because I don't much like the people who play the game - people who despite their working-class origins have become in the immortal words of Jonathan Meades "a bespoke cast of gladiatorial yob-gods, Wag-roasting Croesus kids, who once a week descend from their Parnassian blingsteads to run around for 90 golden minutes of bravura vanity."
As the great CLR James pointed out when he said: "What do they know of cricket, who only cricket know?"
The social, political and economic context of sport is crucial to its understanding.
My belief is that the role that football plays in our society has not changed as much as Sky television would like us to think.
After all, in English Journey - an account of a tour of the country in 1933 - JB Priestley describes a game between Notts County and Notts Forest: "Nearly everything possible has been done to spoil this game," he writes, citing "the heavy financial interests," and "the absurd publicity given to every feature of it by the press."
However, he notes: "the fact remains that it is not yet spoilt and it has gone out to conquer the world."
It has most certainly conquered the world, but what I believe has changed since 1933 is not the game itself but the role of the spectator.
Are we just to sit in our armchairs as a Sky subscriber as if watching a soap opera?
Is the spectator to be a mere consumer or is the role of the fan to be more than just cheerleader?
This is the key question being tackled by Supporters Direct, an organisation that seeks to promote sustainable spectator sports clubs based on supporters' involvement and community ownership.
Since they were formed in 2000, they have changed the nature of the debate about who owns our sports clubs.
One of the shortlisted candidates for Co-operative of the Year at this year's Co-op Congress was to give it its full title the Exeter City AFC Supporters' Society Limited, which as an industrial and provident society (IPS) is a bonafide co-op and is the owner of Exeter City.
I have to say when I saw how much they were able to do in their community from the base of the football club, I was bowled over.
FC United of Manchester have shown what can be done from a standing start, raising over £1 million in their community share issue towards the new ground planned to be at Moston.
Fan-owned clubs are on a roll.
Many will be watching AFC Wimbledon back in the Football League after their club was kidnapped and taken to Milton Keynes.
I will be watching Telford United back in the Conference Premier after being rescued by their supporters trust.
Indeed, Telford is a hotbed of co-operation with the local ice hockey team, the Telford Tigers, being the only co-operative owned team in the national ice hockey league.
Supporters Direct have a proud record with 150 trusts at clubs up and down the country bringing £25m of new finance into football alone, with 26 clubs now in Trust ownership and 110 having shareholdings in their clubs.
This trend I believe can only go one way.
With the greatest club in the world, Barcelona, being in fan ownership, what better advertisement for this model could there be?
But it is not just football.
In Rugby League there are now supporter-owned clubs, such as Rochdale Hornets and Hunslett.
Many cricket clubs too are in co-operative ownership, including Surrey, Lancashire and Glamorgan which all feature in Britain's top 100 co-ops.
Modern fans can be more than just passive supporters and fan ownership has to be the way forward.
After all, who is more committed to a club and more hungry for success than its fans?
Who are the only people who can be trusted to stick with a club through thick and thin when the sugar daddies who see clubs as trophy assets bringing them status lose interest or, worse still, the clubs go bust?
I hope our sports coverage can cover more of the political economy of sport.
Ownership really does matter.
Who is profiting from the business of sport?
And to those who think this is OK for the minor league clubs but not for the Premier League giants - remember when the banks were too big to fail?
Monday 12 September 2011
by Nick Matthews
Chorley catch United men cold
Source: Lancashire Evening Post
In a 2-0 win Chorley efficiently disposed of an FC United side which only picked up the gauntlet when it was too late.
The hundreds of United followers who boycotted the early kick-off missed an ultimately fiery contest which was spoiled by an officious referee, too ready to reach for his cards, producing six yellows and then two red cards in a turbulent final quarter.
United, attacking a completely deserted away end, could have done with some vocal encouragement, whereas the Magpies, urged on by a lively 1,074 crowd, delivered the goods to return, albeit briefly, to the top of the Premier Division table.
United keeper James Spencer was soon in action, tipping over a drive from Tom Ince, cleverly released by Andy Teague’s wonderful long crossfield pass.
Then Simon Whaley wasted a clear chance, lifting his lob beyond Spencer but a foot wide.
The Magpies seized the lead in the 39th minute.
Adam Roscoe saw a towering header hacked off the United line but the danger was not over and Roscoe was tripped as he turned sharply in the box.
Lee McEvilly calmly scored from the penalty.
Chorley virtually settled the match two minutes into the second half, McEvilly heading square across the box for Teague to beat Spencer with a low shot.
On 78 minutes Steve Flitcroft was sent off following a sliding tackle and the visitors lost Ben Deegan just before the end when he saw red for lunging in on Teague.
Magpies boss Garry Flitcroft said: “We’ve had two tough games this week against sides who are going to be challenging and even with key players missing we’ve turned in a solid performance and fully deserved our victory.’
CHORLEY: Saunders, Brown, Walker, Teague, Russell, Whitham, Roscoe, Flitcroft, Whaley (Cunliffe, 70), McEvilly (Williams, 87), Ince. Unused subs. Maden, Fairhurst, Howarth.
Attendance: 1,074.
In a 2-0 win Chorley efficiently disposed of an FC United side which only picked up the gauntlet when it was too late.
The hundreds of United followers who boycotted the early kick-off missed an ultimately fiery contest which was spoiled by an officious referee, too ready to reach for his cards, producing six yellows and then two red cards in a turbulent final quarter.
United, attacking a completely deserted away end, could have done with some vocal encouragement, whereas the Magpies, urged on by a lively 1,074 crowd, delivered the goods to return, albeit briefly, to the top of the Premier Division table.
United keeper James Spencer was soon in action, tipping over a drive from Tom Ince, cleverly released by Andy Teague’s wonderful long crossfield pass.
Then Simon Whaley wasted a clear chance, lifting his lob beyond Spencer but a foot wide.
The Magpies seized the lead in the 39th minute.
Adam Roscoe saw a towering header hacked off the United line but the danger was not over and Roscoe was tripped as he turned sharply in the box.
Lee McEvilly calmly scored from the penalty.
Chorley virtually settled the match two minutes into the second half, McEvilly heading square across the box for Teague to beat Spencer with a low shot.
On 78 minutes Steve Flitcroft was sent off following a sliding tackle and the visitors lost Ben Deegan just before the end when he saw red for lunging in on Teague.
Magpies boss Garry Flitcroft said: “We’ve had two tough games this week against sides who are going to be challenging and even with key players missing we’ve turned in a solid performance and fully deserved our victory.’
CHORLEY: Saunders, Brown, Walker, Teague, Russell, Whitham, Roscoe, Flitcroft, Whaley (Cunliffe, 70), McEvilly (Williams, 87), Ince. Unused subs. Maden, Fairhurst, Howarth.
Attendance: 1,074.
Enterprise news in brief
Source: MEN
Firms that sponsor soccer club FC United of Manchester are teaming up to offer free mentoring to other companies.
Up to an hour of free consultancy a month will be provided under the scheme by people with expertise in fields such as manufacturing, marketing, finance, international trade, business planning and legal support. Contact info@fc-utd.co.uk for more information.
*Kemper System, based at Winwick Quay, Warrington, has installed a waterproofing membrane on the rooftop terrace of Selfridges' flagship store in Oxford Street, central London, where a boating lake and cocktail bar have been created.
*Construction and maintenance services company Hertel has won a contract at chemicals firm Chemtura in Trafford Park.
Hertel, which has its regional headquarters in Preston Brook, Cheshire, will be responsible for maintenance work including scaffolding, insulation and painting. It won the contract for an initial 12 months in a competitive tendering process.
*Food retail and hospitality firms are being urged to attend an event showcasing north west food and drink producers.
The Source Local Trade Exhibition will take place from 1.30pm to 5pm at the Leyland Hotel, Leyland, on Monday, October 10. It is being hosted by food group Made in Lancashire. Contact 01995 642144 if you are a buyer and wish to register to attend.
*Rising unemployment and higher university tuition fees mean a growing number of young people aspire to be their own boss, according to research by PC World Business.
The study found 45 per cent of 16-24-year-olds in Manchester are aiming to set up their own enterprises. TV programmes such as The Apprentice and Dragons' Den are also a factor, as the report shows they make people more aware of entrepreneurial career options.
*The Barbakan Delicatessen, a bakery in Chorlton, Manchester owned by Stefan Najduch, has won a national industry prize. It won the excellence in artisan baking at the 2011 Baking Industry Awards held in London. Barbakan is a £1.8m-turnover business employing 48 staff. It sells 60 internationally-inspired bakery products, including pistachio breadsticks.
*A private health screening and ultrasound centre is to open in Manchester next week.
The centre on St John Street will be operated by Leeds-based this is my: and will open next Monday (Spet 19).
Group commercial director Jonathan Day said: “We took the decision to open a new centre in Manchester offering screening and ultrasound services as a result of the demand we see from patients contacting our Leeds centre who are willing to travel across the Pennines to see us there.”
September 12, 2011
Firms that sponsor soccer club FC United of Manchester are teaming up to offer free mentoring to other companies.
Up to an hour of free consultancy a month will be provided under the scheme by people with expertise in fields such as manufacturing, marketing, finance, international trade, business planning and legal support. Contact info@fc-utd.co.uk for more information.
*Kemper System, based at Winwick Quay, Warrington, has installed a waterproofing membrane on the rooftop terrace of Selfridges' flagship store in Oxford Street, central London, where a boating lake and cocktail bar have been created.
*Construction and maintenance services company Hertel has won a contract at chemicals firm Chemtura in Trafford Park.
Hertel, which has its regional headquarters in Preston Brook, Cheshire, will be responsible for maintenance work including scaffolding, insulation and painting. It won the contract for an initial 12 months in a competitive tendering process.
*Food retail and hospitality firms are being urged to attend an event showcasing north west food and drink producers.
The Source Local Trade Exhibition will take place from 1.30pm to 5pm at the Leyland Hotel, Leyland, on Monday, October 10. It is being hosted by food group Made in Lancashire. Contact 01995 642144 if you are a buyer and wish to register to attend.
*Rising unemployment and higher university tuition fees mean a growing number of young people aspire to be their own boss, according to research by PC World Business.
The study found 45 per cent of 16-24-year-olds in Manchester are aiming to set up their own enterprises. TV programmes such as The Apprentice and Dragons' Den are also a factor, as the report shows they make people more aware of entrepreneurial career options.
*The Barbakan Delicatessen, a bakery in Chorlton, Manchester owned by Stefan Najduch, has won a national industry prize. It won the excellence in artisan baking at the 2011 Baking Industry Awards held in London. Barbakan is a £1.8m-turnover business employing 48 staff. It sells 60 internationally-inspired bakery products, including pistachio breadsticks.
*A private health screening and ultrasound centre is to open in Manchester next week.
The centre on St John Street will be operated by Leeds-based this is my: and will open next Monday (Spet 19).
Group commercial director Jonathan Day said: “We took the decision to open a new centre in Manchester offering screening and ultrasound services as a result of the demand we see from patients contacting our Leeds centre who are willing to travel across the Pennines to see us there.”
September 12, 2011
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Wright defends early kick-off decision
Source: Chorley Guardian
Chorley chairman Ken Wright expects a smaller crowd to watch Saturday’s match with FC United at Victory Park, but defended the early kick-off time.
The club moved the time back to 11.30am after meetings with the police, because FC United attract a big following.
On Monday it was pushed back to 12.30pm but FC Utd refused their allocation of 520 tickets. Although there’s no history of problems between the two sides, Chorley was determined to avoid a repeat of the crowd violence that ruined their game against Chester City in February, when 3,223 people turned out.
Mr Wright told the Guardian: “I expect a lower turnout with it being an early kick-off. It’s ticket only, so we’ll have a better idea once we’ve counted up receipts.
“Obviously they’ll be a financial loss, there’s fewer people coming. A decision was made between ourselves and the police in the interest of public safety.”
When asked if he had a message for the fans, Wright stated: “Enjoy the game, obviously good behaviour, but we’ve never had a problem, apart from the Chester game, so I don’t think that’ll be an issue.”
Opposition fans have posted a lot of criticism on Twitter of the club’s decision to have an early kick-off. Chorley released this statement: “It is unfortunate that we are in this situation.
“These decisions have been taken to reduce any potential of a repeat of the incidents that took place before and after our fixture with Chester FC, at Victory Park, last season.
“Then, a small minority of individuals not connected to either club, tarnished what should have been a famous day for Chorley FC, and put the safety of innocent, football loving supporters of both clubs at risk inside and outside the ground.”
Published on Saturday 10 September 2011 10:00
Chorley chairman Ken Wright expects a smaller crowd to watch Saturday’s match with FC United at Victory Park, but defended the early kick-off time.
The club moved the time back to 11.30am after meetings with the police, because FC United attract a big following.
On Monday it was pushed back to 12.30pm but FC Utd refused their allocation of 520 tickets. Although there’s no history of problems between the two sides, Chorley was determined to avoid a repeat of the crowd violence that ruined their game against Chester City in February, when 3,223 people turned out.
Mr Wright told the Guardian: “I expect a lower turnout with it being an early kick-off. It’s ticket only, so we’ll have a better idea once we’ve counted up receipts.
“Obviously they’ll be a financial loss, there’s fewer people coming. A decision was made between ourselves and the police in the interest of public safety.”
When asked if he had a message for the fans, Wright stated: “Enjoy the game, obviously good behaviour, but we’ve never had a problem, apart from the Chester game, so I don’t think that’ll be an issue.”
Opposition fans have posted a lot of criticism on Twitter of the club’s decision to have an early kick-off. Chorley released this statement: “It is unfortunate that we are in this situation.
“These decisions have been taken to reduce any potential of a repeat of the incidents that took place before and after our fixture with Chester FC, at Victory Park, last season.
“Then, a small minority of individuals not connected to either club, tarnished what should have been a famous day for Chorley FC, and put the safety of innocent, football loving supporters of both clubs at risk inside and outside the ground.”
Published on Saturday 10 September 2011 10:00
Friday, September 09, 2011
Chorley face FC United with no-show from away fans
Source: The Chorley Citizen
SECOND-placed Chorley aim to return to the top of the Evo-Stik League tomorrow and forget an off-field spat as they welcome FC United to Victory Park for a game set to be played out in front of a strange atmosphere.
A big crowd was expected for the clash but the Magpies and the Manchester outfit have been involved in a war of words ahead of the game with Chorley making the match all-ticket after consultations with Lancashire Police.
FC United declined to take their allocation 520 tickets in protest against the decision and will have no supporters inside the stadium for what would have been one of the league’s largest crowds of the campaign.
The game is all-ticket for home fans as Garry Flitcroft’s Chorley go gunning for a return to the top spot they lost in midweek when Bradford Park Avenue beat Marine.
12:08pm Friday 9th September 2011
SECOND-placed Chorley aim to return to the top of the Evo-Stik League tomorrow and forget an off-field spat as they welcome FC United to Victory Park for a game set to be played out in front of a strange atmosphere.
A big crowd was expected for the clash but the Magpies and the Manchester outfit have been involved in a war of words ahead of the game with Chorley making the match all-ticket after consultations with Lancashire Police.
FC United declined to take their allocation 520 tickets in protest against the decision and will have no supporters inside the stadium for what would have been one of the league’s largest crowds of the campaign.
The game is all-ticket for home fans as Garry Flitcroft’s Chorley go gunning for a return to the top spot they lost in midweek when Bradford Park Avenue beat Marine.
12:08pm Friday 9th September 2011
Non-League Preview: Rebel Reds opt to keep travelling army in check
Source: MEN
FC United will be without their loyal travelling army of fans for tomorrow’s eagerly-awaited trip to early Evo-Stik Premier pacesetters Chorley.
Their absence follows a decision by Rebels’ chiefs to turn down an allocation of 520 tickets for visiting supporters in a row over security arrangements for the 12.30pm Victory Park clash.
Both FC officials and league bosses were left bemused when Chorley recently announced they’d been advised by Lancashire Police to make the game all-ticket, admit only United season-ticket holders, segregate supporters and bring the kick-off forward to lunchtime in a bid to reduce any threat of crowd trouble.
Statement
All four parties met on Monday but, having been unable to understand the reasons given for such draconian measures, United’s board have since issued a statement saying they’ve ‘regretfully’ refused their ticket allocation.
FC’s general manager Andy Walsh said: “If we’d been involved in talks about arrangements for this match earlier, we’re sure that matters could have been resolved.
“Unfortunately, this has not been possible on this occasion, but we’re grateful for the assistance given by the league and have pledged to work with them to ensure lessons are learnt for the future.”
FC, whose fans have earned the respect of the Evo-Stik League’s management thanks to their excellent behaviour at a several recent high-profile fixtures, will regard the showdown with Garry Flitcroft’s Magpies as a chance to get their fortunes back on track, having slipped to ninth after picking up just one point from their last two games.
Meanwhile, Ashton United stage another big game when they welcome high-flying Hednesford to Hurst Cross, while Andy Preece’s third-placed Northwich Victoria visit Stocksbridge.
Blue Square Bet North leaders Hyde, who have allowed out-of-favour midfielder Joe Evans to join Skelmersdale on a dual registration, will be seeking to extend their 100 per cent winning record to eight games when they travel to lowly Workington.
Stalybridge, just two points behind the Tigers in second place, entertain Eastwood, while eighth-placed Droylsden make the trip to Blyth Spartans and Altrincham, who are in 15th, host Worcester.
Moss Lane chief Lee Sinnott has released ex-Barrow centre-half Paul Jones and re-signed Robbie Williams on a month’s loan from Telford in an attempt to shore up the Robins’ leaky defence.
Droylsden’s Paul Brown has become the third player to be freed by the Bloods in less than a week, making way for boss Dave Pace’s latest capture, ex-City academy product Paul Marshall.
Evo-Stik North frontunners Curzon Ashton, who, like Hyde, have yet to drop a point this season, have a derby date with Salford City at the Tameside Stadium, while struggling trio Mossley, Radcliffe and Trafford also all have home games.
Tony Glennon
September 09, 2011
FC United will be without their loyal travelling army of fans for tomorrow’s eagerly-awaited trip to early Evo-Stik Premier pacesetters Chorley.
Their absence follows a decision by Rebels’ chiefs to turn down an allocation of 520 tickets for visiting supporters in a row over security arrangements for the 12.30pm Victory Park clash.
Both FC officials and league bosses were left bemused when Chorley recently announced they’d been advised by Lancashire Police to make the game all-ticket, admit only United season-ticket holders, segregate supporters and bring the kick-off forward to lunchtime in a bid to reduce any threat of crowd trouble.
Statement
All four parties met on Monday but, having been unable to understand the reasons given for such draconian measures, United’s board have since issued a statement saying they’ve ‘regretfully’ refused their ticket allocation.
FC’s general manager Andy Walsh said: “If we’d been involved in talks about arrangements for this match earlier, we’re sure that matters could have been resolved.
“Unfortunately, this has not been possible on this occasion, but we’re grateful for the assistance given by the league and have pledged to work with them to ensure lessons are learnt for the future.”
FC, whose fans have earned the respect of the Evo-Stik League’s management thanks to their excellent behaviour at a several recent high-profile fixtures, will regard the showdown with Garry Flitcroft’s Magpies as a chance to get their fortunes back on track, having slipped to ninth after picking up just one point from their last two games.
Meanwhile, Ashton United stage another big game when they welcome high-flying Hednesford to Hurst Cross, while Andy Preece’s third-placed Northwich Victoria visit Stocksbridge.
Blue Square Bet North leaders Hyde, who have allowed out-of-favour midfielder Joe Evans to join Skelmersdale on a dual registration, will be seeking to extend their 100 per cent winning record to eight games when they travel to lowly Workington.
Stalybridge, just two points behind the Tigers in second place, entertain Eastwood, while eighth-placed Droylsden make the trip to Blyth Spartans and Altrincham, who are in 15th, host Worcester.
Moss Lane chief Lee Sinnott has released ex-Barrow centre-half Paul Jones and re-signed Robbie Williams on a month’s loan from Telford in an attempt to shore up the Robins’ leaky defence.
Droylsden’s Paul Brown has become the third player to be freed by the Bloods in less than a week, making way for boss Dave Pace’s latest capture, ex-City academy product Paul Marshall.
Evo-Stik North frontunners Curzon Ashton, who, like Hyde, have yet to drop a point this season, have a derby date with Salford City at the Tameside Stadium, while struggling trio Mossley, Radcliffe and Trafford also all have home games.
Tony Glennon
September 09, 2011
Thursday, September 08, 2011
FOOTBALL: Fans flock to Gigg but FC draw a blank
Source: Bury Times
FC United’s mixed start to their Evo-Stik Premier Division season continued on Tuesday night as the Rebel Reds slumped to a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Kendal Town.
Mark Jackson opened the scoring for the home side but Matthew Wolfenden levelled just after half-time.
Goalkeeper Tom Newton then scored a bizarre second for the Cumbrians when his punt forward took off in the wind and sailed into the net before Ciaran Donnelly added a third.
On Saturday, FC drew 0-0 with Rushall Olympic in front of an impressive crowd of 2,445 fans at Gigg Lane.
They are back in action on Saturday with a trip to Chorley before hosting Nantwich next Wednesday.
1:40am Thursday 8th September 2011
FC United’s mixed start to their Evo-Stik Premier Division season continued on Tuesday night as the Rebel Reds slumped to a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Kendal Town.
Mark Jackson opened the scoring for the home side but Matthew Wolfenden levelled just after half-time.
Goalkeeper Tom Newton then scored a bizarre second for the Cumbrians when his punt forward took off in the wind and sailed into the net before Ciaran Donnelly added a third.
On Saturday, FC drew 0-0 with Rushall Olympic in front of an impressive crowd of 2,445 fans at Gigg Lane.
They are back in action on Saturday with a trip to Chorley before hosting Nantwich next Wednesday.
1:40am Thursday 8th September 2011
Wednesday, September 07, 2011
FC United order fans to stay away
Source: Lancashire Evening Post
There will not be any away fans inside Victory Park on Saturday after FC United of Manchester’s visit to Chorley took a dramatic twist this week.
The visitors have rejected their allocation of just over 500 tickets for the NPL Premier Division fixture – seemingly in protest at the draconian measures placed on the game.
Originally the match – which would normally have a 3pm start – was put back to a morning kick-off by the Magpies on advice from the police.
It was also stipulated by the police that crowd segregation should be put in place.
With no visiting fans now set to attend the game, the kick-off has now been moved again from 11.30am to 12.30pm.
Both Chorley and FC United are among the best-supported clubs in non-league and a crowd of more than 3,000 was expected for the blockbuster clash.
However, the police were anxious to avoid a repeat of the unsavoury scenes which took place last season when crowd trouble marred Chorley’s home match against Chester – a game which attracted a bumper four-figure crowd.
Magpies boss Garry Flitcroft feels lessons could have been learned from previous experiences, which could have prevented such stringent measures being placed on the game.
Flitcroft said: “The police have obviously had to do this after what happened against Chester last season when a minority spoiled the game for everyone else.
“That’s the reason why it’s happened – it’s unfortunate really. Chorley have never had a problem with FC United – it’s just disappointing all-round.
“The majority of the Chester fans last season were well behaved and there was a bit of banter between both sets of supporters – that’s what football is all about – it was about 20 or 30 fans who spoiled it.
“I feel sorry for my players. The players have worked hard this season to be top of the league and they deserve to play in front of big crowds – but there’s nothing we can do now, we will just have to get on with it.”
FC United had met with officials from Chorley, the league and the police earlier this week to discuss matchday arrangements.
A statement issued by FC United said: “The information given at the meeting has been discussed by the FC United board, but we have regrettably refused to accept an allocation of tickets for the game. The league and Chorley FC have been informed of our decision.
“We have spent the last two weeks trying unsuccessfully to understand the reasons behind the decisions taken and obtain more information about ticketing arrangements.
“Chorley were due at Gigg Lane last weekend to sell tickets prior to our game against Rushall Olympic but when we failed to get satisfactory answers to our concerns that offer was withdrawn.
“Matters were given a full airing this week but with the game just a few days away there is nothing that can be done to address our remaining concerns at such short notice
“If we had been involved in discussions about the matchday arrangements at an earlier stage and had been given full information...then we are sure matters could have been resolved.”
Published on Wednesday 7 September 2011 09:18
There will not be any away fans inside Victory Park on Saturday after FC United of Manchester’s visit to Chorley took a dramatic twist this week.
The visitors have rejected their allocation of just over 500 tickets for the NPL Premier Division fixture – seemingly in protest at the draconian measures placed on the game.
Originally the match – which would normally have a 3pm start – was put back to a morning kick-off by the Magpies on advice from the police.
It was also stipulated by the police that crowd segregation should be put in place.
With no visiting fans now set to attend the game, the kick-off has now been moved again from 11.30am to 12.30pm.
Both Chorley and FC United are among the best-supported clubs in non-league and a crowd of more than 3,000 was expected for the blockbuster clash.
However, the police were anxious to avoid a repeat of the unsavoury scenes which took place last season when crowd trouble marred Chorley’s home match against Chester – a game which attracted a bumper four-figure crowd.
Magpies boss Garry Flitcroft feels lessons could have been learned from previous experiences, which could have prevented such stringent measures being placed on the game.
Flitcroft said: “The police have obviously had to do this after what happened against Chester last season when a minority spoiled the game for everyone else.
“That’s the reason why it’s happened – it’s unfortunate really. Chorley have never had a problem with FC United – it’s just disappointing all-round.
“The majority of the Chester fans last season were well behaved and there was a bit of banter between both sets of supporters – that’s what football is all about – it was about 20 or 30 fans who spoiled it.
“I feel sorry for my players. The players have worked hard this season to be top of the league and they deserve to play in front of big crowds – but there’s nothing we can do now, we will just have to get on with it.”
FC United had met with officials from Chorley, the league and the police earlier this week to discuss matchday arrangements.
A statement issued by FC United said: “The information given at the meeting has been discussed by the FC United board, but we have regrettably refused to accept an allocation of tickets for the game. The league and Chorley FC have been informed of our decision.
“We have spent the last two weeks trying unsuccessfully to understand the reasons behind the decisions taken and obtain more information about ticketing arrangements.
“Chorley were due at Gigg Lane last weekend to sell tickets prior to our game against Rushall Olympic but when we failed to get satisfactory answers to our concerns that offer was withdrawn.
“Matters were given a full airing this week but with the game just a few days away there is nothing that can be done to address our remaining concerns at such short notice
“If we had been involved in discussions about the matchday arrangements at an earlier stage and had been given full information...then we are sure matters could have been resolved.”
Published on Wednesday 7 September 2011 09:18
Tuesday, September 06, 2011
Kendal keeper scores in epic encounter
Source: Westmorland Gazette
Kendal Town 3, FC United of Manchester 1 KENDAL keeper Tom Newton scored a goal and saved a penalty in an action-packed encounter at Parkside Road.
With the scores level at 1-1, Newton delivered a standard kick from his hands into the United half on 52 minutes. The ball bounced once near the halfway line, but it was the second bounce towards the edge of the FC box which had opposition keeper James Spencer floundering. As the wind and rain pushed the ball on, Spencer could not quite claw the ball away, and the ball ended up in the back of the net.
It was an entertaining affair in which FC United bossed the first half of the match. Centre-back Adam Jones headed two efforts wide after a barrage of United corners, while Jake Cotterell had a 20-yard strike deflected onto a Kendal post as the home side rode their luck.
But somehow Kendal went in at the break 1-0 up. Mark Jackson, who has started the season brilliantly for Kendal, danced around two players on the edge of the Manchester box, and placed an exquisite finish into the left hand corner.
As usual, FC United brought their legion of fans, with 635 people gracing Parkside Road, and the travelling supporters were given something to cheer about just 60 seconds into the second half.
Mike Norton threaded a through ball which beat the Kendal offside trap, leaving United with two strikers against Newton. Michael Carr squared the ball for Mathew Wolfenden, who slotted the ball into an empty net for a deserved equaliser.
But five minutes later, Newton’s freak goal put Kendal back in the lead.
And the Black and Whites got a third on the hour mark after a stinging Ciaran Donnelly effort was parried by Spencer. The ball was cut back to the edge of the area and Donnelly moved in to fire into the back of the net.
FC United kept up the pressure - a fine effort from Norton resulting in a great save to his right from Newton on 65 minutes. Kendal also had a chance when the United keeper was forced to punch a ball to safety after great pressure from Danny Williams.
Five minutes later, Cotterell lobbed a great ball for Wolfenden, who tried to flick the ball past Kendal captain Marc Joseph. But the referee judged Joseph to have handled, and awarded a penalty.
Up stepped subsititute Steve Torpey with the penalty, but Newton produced a sensational dive low to his right to keep the effort out, before a United player blazed the ball over the bar.
The rest of the game ebbed and flowed as both teams searched for another goal, but Kendal prevailed to a win which lifts them up to third in the table, just one point behind joint leaders Chorley and Northwich Victoria.
11:23pm Tuesday 6th September 2011
By Scott Kirk » Reporter
Kendal Town 3, FC United of Manchester 1 KENDAL keeper Tom Newton scored a goal and saved a penalty in an action-packed encounter at Parkside Road.
With the scores level at 1-1, Newton delivered a standard kick from his hands into the United half on 52 minutes. The ball bounced once near the halfway line, but it was the second bounce towards the edge of the FC box which had opposition keeper James Spencer floundering. As the wind and rain pushed the ball on, Spencer could not quite claw the ball away, and the ball ended up in the back of the net.
It was an entertaining affair in which FC United bossed the first half of the match. Centre-back Adam Jones headed two efforts wide after a barrage of United corners, while Jake Cotterell had a 20-yard strike deflected onto a Kendal post as the home side rode their luck.
But somehow Kendal went in at the break 1-0 up. Mark Jackson, who has started the season brilliantly for Kendal, danced around two players on the edge of the Manchester box, and placed an exquisite finish into the left hand corner.
As usual, FC United brought their legion of fans, with 635 people gracing Parkside Road, and the travelling supporters were given something to cheer about just 60 seconds into the second half.
Mike Norton threaded a through ball which beat the Kendal offside trap, leaving United with two strikers against Newton. Michael Carr squared the ball for Mathew Wolfenden, who slotted the ball into an empty net for a deserved equaliser.
But five minutes later, Newton’s freak goal put Kendal back in the lead.
And the Black and Whites got a third on the hour mark after a stinging Ciaran Donnelly effort was parried by Spencer. The ball was cut back to the edge of the area and Donnelly moved in to fire into the back of the net.
FC United kept up the pressure - a fine effort from Norton resulting in a great save to his right from Newton on 65 minutes. Kendal also had a chance when the United keeper was forced to punch a ball to safety after great pressure from Danny Williams.
Five minutes later, Cotterell lobbed a great ball for Wolfenden, who tried to flick the ball past Kendal captain Marc Joseph. But the referee judged Joseph to have handled, and awarded a penalty.
Up stepped subsititute Steve Torpey with the penalty, but Newton produced a sensational dive low to his right to keep the effort out, before a United player blazed the ball over the bar.
The rest of the game ebbed and flowed as both teams searched for another goal, but Kendal prevailed to a win which lifts them up to third in the table, just one point behind joint leaders Chorley and Northwich Victoria.
11:23pm Tuesday 6th September 2011
By Scott Kirk » Reporter
Monday, September 05, 2011
Non-League: Matthew Berkeley staves off bosses curse
Source: MEN
Hyde chief Gary Lowe avoided the manager-of-the-month curse as his table- topping Tigers extended their winning start to seven games with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Harrogate at Ewen Fields.
It needed an injury-time penalty by Matthew Berkeley to maintain Hyde’s perfect record under Lowe in Blue Square Bet North after they’d twice trailed the Yorkshire visitors.
Lowe picked up his top boss’s award for August prior to kick-off but was then left stunned as Hyde found themselves 2-1 down inside 20 minutes, Ryan Crowther having briefly fired them back on terms.
Dan Broadbent then bagged a second equaliser on the stroke of half-time but the Tigers had to wait until second-half stoppage time before Berkeley coolly netted the winner from the spot after referee Peter Wright had spotted a push on Chris Worsley.
Lowe, who was again without his nine-goal star striker Scott Spencer through injury, said: “We weren’t at the races in the first half but showed great character to come back and win.”
Hyde’s seventh successive triumph keeps them two points ahead of fierce rivals Stalybridge Celtic, who held onto second spot with Lloyd Ellams’ 57th-minute strike giving them win number six at Histon.
Meanwhile, fellow Tamesiders Droylsden climbed back up to eighth with John Hardiker and Ciaran Kilheeney on target in their 2-1 home victory over
Colwyn Bay.
Altrincham’s disappointing start under Lee Sinnott continued as they squandered two points to a stoppage-time equaliser at Gloucester after Nicky Clee’s 53rd-minute goal had put them within touching distance of a much-needed win.
FC United drop to seventh in Evo-Stik Premier following a frustrating goalless draw with new boys Rushall Olympic at Gigg Lane.
The Rebels, who plundered nine goals in their previous two games, had 14 shots on target compared to the visitors’ one but couldn’t make the breakthrough.
Ashton United returned to winning ways with substitute Sam Madeley’s 79th-minute goal enough to earn them full points at Frickley.
Garry Flitcroft’s Chorley returned to pole position courtesy of a 1-0 victory at Whitby, while Northwich’s Andy Preece celebrated his manager-of-the-month award by steering Vics back up to second as they beat Worksop 2-1 thanks to Ryan Wade’s first-half double.
Woodley booked a tasty FA Cup first qualifying round date at FC United a week on Saturday as they eased past visiting Bootle 3-1 in the preliminary-round.
Trafford beat Cheadle 3-0 to set up a mouth-watering home tie with Northwich, while Ramsbottom will next entertain Nantwich after coming from behind to beat Salford City 2-1.
Radcliffe’s 3-0 romp over Holker Old Boys secures them a trip to the Wirral to face Atherton LR’s conquerors Cammell Laird, while New Mills go to Deeping Rangers after overcoming Rainworth Miners Welfare 3-2. Mossley, Curzon Ashton and Maine Road all face tricky away replays after failing to make the most of home advantage.
Meanwhile, Abbey Hey stay top of the NWCL first division despite having their unbeaten start halted in a 2-1 defeat at Oldham Borough.
Tony Glennon
September 05, 2011
Hyde chief Gary Lowe avoided the manager-of-the-month curse as his table- topping Tigers extended their winning start to seven games with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Harrogate at Ewen Fields.
It needed an injury-time penalty by Matthew Berkeley to maintain Hyde’s perfect record under Lowe in Blue Square Bet North after they’d twice trailed the Yorkshire visitors.
Lowe picked up his top boss’s award for August prior to kick-off but was then left stunned as Hyde found themselves 2-1 down inside 20 minutes, Ryan Crowther having briefly fired them back on terms.
Dan Broadbent then bagged a second equaliser on the stroke of half-time but the Tigers had to wait until second-half stoppage time before Berkeley coolly netted the winner from the spot after referee Peter Wright had spotted a push on Chris Worsley.
Lowe, who was again without his nine-goal star striker Scott Spencer through injury, said: “We weren’t at the races in the first half but showed great character to come back and win.”
Hyde’s seventh successive triumph keeps them two points ahead of fierce rivals Stalybridge Celtic, who held onto second spot with Lloyd Ellams’ 57th-minute strike giving them win number six at Histon.
Meanwhile, fellow Tamesiders Droylsden climbed back up to eighth with John Hardiker and Ciaran Kilheeney on target in their 2-1 home victory over
Colwyn Bay.
Altrincham’s disappointing start under Lee Sinnott continued as they squandered two points to a stoppage-time equaliser at Gloucester after Nicky Clee’s 53rd-minute goal had put them within touching distance of a much-needed win.
FC United drop to seventh in Evo-Stik Premier following a frustrating goalless draw with new boys Rushall Olympic at Gigg Lane.
The Rebels, who plundered nine goals in their previous two games, had 14 shots on target compared to the visitors’ one but couldn’t make the breakthrough.
Ashton United returned to winning ways with substitute Sam Madeley’s 79th-minute goal enough to earn them full points at Frickley.
Garry Flitcroft’s Chorley returned to pole position courtesy of a 1-0 victory at Whitby, while Northwich’s Andy Preece celebrated his manager-of-the-month award by steering Vics back up to second as they beat Worksop 2-1 thanks to Ryan Wade’s first-half double.
Woodley booked a tasty FA Cup first qualifying round date at FC United a week on Saturday as they eased past visiting Bootle 3-1 in the preliminary-round.
Trafford beat Cheadle 3-0 to set up a mouth-watering home tie with Northwich, while Ramsbottom will next entertain Nantwich after coming from behind to beat Salford City 2-1.
Radcliffe’s 3-0 romp over Holker Old Boys secures them a trip to the Wirral to face Atherton LR’s conquerors Cammell Laird, while New Mills go to Deeping Rangers after overcoming Rainworth Miners Welfare 3-2. Mossley, Curzon Ashton and Maine Road all face tricky away replays after failing to make the most of home advantage.
Meanwhile, Abbey Hey stay top of the NWCL first division despite having their unbeaten start halted in a 2-1 defeat at Oldham Borough.
Tony Glennon
September 05, 2011
Fixtures clash sparks trouble fear
Source: The Bolton News
POLICE chiefs have been warned an attempt to prevent trouble at a nonleague football match could make potential problems worse.
Chorley FC play FC United of Manchester on Saturday at Victory Park, Chorley, and police have ordered an 11.30am kick off.
By stopping fans drinking, they aim to prevent a repeat of trouble that marred a match between Chester and Chorley last season.
But Bolton Wanderers play Manchester United at the Reebok Stadium at 5.30pm and there are fears yobs could target both games, with FC United fans travelling to the Reebok to watch Manchester United.
FC United was set up by disgruntled United fans but some continue to follow Manchester United, who are the local rivals of Wanderers.
Chorley FC officials have made their match all ticket but there are fears troublemakers could gather near Victory Park. Chorley South East Cllr Alistair Bradley said: “While I understand why the police have brought the start forward, there are possible ramifications.
“It only takes a few minutes to get between the two grounds by train and there is a recipe for things to fall apart.”
A Chorley FC spokesman said: “It is unfortunate that we are in this situation.
“These decisions have been taken to reduce any potential of a repeat of the incidents that took place before and after our fixture with Chester.”
The Evo-Stick league’s operations manager, Alan Allcock, said: “I am a little surprised on the insistence of a change of kick-off time for this fixture in view of FC United’s excellent behaviour by their supporters.”
A Lancashire Police spokesman said the Force could not comment on the issue.
9:20am Monday 5th September 2011
POLICE chiefs have been warned an attempt to prevent trouble at a nonleague football match could make potential problems worse.
Chorley FC play FC United of Manchester on Saturday at Victory Park, Chorley, and police have ordered an 11.30am kick off.
By stopping fans drinking, they aim to prevent a repeat of trouble that marred a match between Chester and Chorley last season.
But Bolton Wanderers play Manchester United at the Reebok Stadium at 5.30pm and there are fears yobs could target both games, with FC United fans travelling to the Reebok to watch Manchester United.
FC United was set up by disgruntled United fans but some continue to follow Manchester United, who are the local rivals of Wanderers.
Chorley FC officials have made their match all ticket but there are fears troublemakers could gather near Victory Park. Chorley South East Cllr Alistair Bradley said: “While I understand why the police have brought the start forward, there are possible ramifications.
“It only takes a few minutes to get between the two grounds by train and there is a recipe for things to fall apart.”
A Chorley FC spokesman said: “It is unfortunate that we are in this situation.
“These decisions have been taken to reduce any potential of a repeat of the incidents that took place before and after our fixture with Chester.”
The Evo-Stick league’s operations manager, Alan Allcock, said: “I am a little surprised on the insistence of a change of kick-off time for this fixture in view of FC United’s excellent behaviour by their supporters.”
A Lancashire Police spokesman said the Force could not comment on the issue.
9:20am Monday 5th September 2011
Thursday, September 01, 2011
Victory double for Rebel Reds
Source: Bury Times
FC United went goal crazy over the Bank Holiday weekend as they romped to two high-scoring victories in three days.
The rampant Rebels followed up their 4-0 win at Buxton with a 5-2 demolition of rivals Bradford Park Avenue on Monday.
Adam Jones, Michael Norton, Daniel Grimshaw and Steve Torpey were all on the scoresheet in Saturday’s success.
And goals by Lee Neville, Jones, Steve Torpey, Michael Carr and Matthew Wolfenden against Bradford at the Tameside Stadium sent United up to fifth in the Evo-Stik Premier League.
FC take on Rushall Olympic at Gigg Lane on Saturday before travelling to Kendal Town on Tuesday night.
Martin Parker, Oliver Devenney and Chris Horne have left the club.
11:50pm Wednesday 31st August 2011
By Liam Chronnell
FC United went goal crazy over the Bank Holiday weekend as they romped to two high-scoring victories in three days.
The rampant Rebels followed up their 4-0 win at Buxton with a 5-2 demolition of rivals Bradford Park Avenue on Monday.
Adam Jones, Michael Norton, Daniel Grimshaw and Steve Torpey were all on the scoresheet in Saturday’s success.
And goals by Lee Neville, Jones, Steve Torpey, Michael Carr and Matthew Wolfenden against Bradford at the Tameside Stadium sent United up to fifth in the Evo-Stik Premier League.
FC take on Rushall Olympic at Gigg Lane on Saturday before travelling to Kendal Town on Tuesday night.
Martin Parker, Oliver Devenney and Chris Horne have left the club.
11:50pm Wednesday 31st August 2011
By Liam Chronnell
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