Guiseley chairman defends early Trophy kick off

 Source: Ilkley Gazette

 Despite the noon kick-off, Guiseley chairman Phil Rog-erson is expecting a bumper crowd for Saturday’s Carls-berg FA Trophy first-round tie against FC United of Manchester.

He said: “I would not be surprised if there are 2,000 there.”

The midday kick-off is on the advice of police because of incidents at previous FC United visits to West Yorkshire, and the early start hasn’t pleased everybody.

Rogerson said: “We have had one or two complaints from the Manchester end but what if we didn’t follow police advice and something happened?

“But as we have stewards and police inside the ground, I am hopeful that everything will pass off peacefully, and we have dealt with big crowds before when Stalybridge and FC Halifax have been the visitors.”

As for the football side of things, Rogerson said: “FC United are doing well in the division below us but we are doing well in the division above, and I believe we will have a full-strength squad available – but it is a cup tie and anything can happen.”

Guiseley, after four draws, have picked up some momentum with four straight wins, including a 2-1 Blue Square Bet North victory on Tuesday at Blyth Spartans.

Rogerson added: “Our goalkeeper Steve Drench earned his corn in the last minute with a double save from what was a debatable penalty decision.”

11:14am Thursday 8th December 2011 in Sport