Punk Football

FC United good neighbours scheme

2012-01-31T10:59:00.000Z

Source: MEN

The FC United stadium in Moston has got a lot of press coverage in north Manchester of late.

You can hardly fail to notice that something is going on in Moston – whether you’re in favour of it or not.

I think it’s also fair to say that, whatever your views on the stadium, the club themselves do a lot of work in the community.

Club bosses are now working with Greater Manchester Police, the council and other bodies to create a ‘good neighbours’ scheme.

Their volunteers will visit an older person who may be struggling with day to day tasks. They can visit once a week to help out with whatever is required, such as visits to the shops or the post office, DIY or just to come around for a brew and a
chat.

To arrange for a visit from a volunteer, or to become a volunteer, contact Michael Holdsworth or Robin Pye at the FC United office on 0161 273 8950.

Pensioner ‘is likely to make full recovery’ after Shaw zebra crossing crash that killed wife

2012-01-25T17:30:00.000Z

Source: MEN

A pensioner who suffered terrible injuries in a car crash that killed his wife is expected to make a full recovery. Police say Raymond Steele, 65, is recovering well after being hit by a car on a zebra crossing – although he remains in hospital. His wife Lynn, 60, died in the accident. The pair were hand in hand on a zebra crossing on Milnrow Road in Shaw, Oldham, when they were hit by a Toyota Yaris. Mrs Steele suffered fatal injuries and died in hospital. Her husband was sedated and was in a critical condition at Salford Royal Hospital all last week. He started to recover over the weekend and now he is said to be sitting up in hospital and doing well. A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said: "He’s made a significant recovery and there’s a good chance he’s going to make a full recovery now." Meanwhile, police have interviewed the driver of the Yaris under caution. It is understood she remained at the scene following the collision. She has not been arrested. One line of enquiry is that she may have been dazzled by the low sun at the time of the incident, 3pm on January 16. The Steeles, who moved to Shaw from Rochdale six years ago, were on their way back from booking a holiday when the tragedy happened. Eyewitnesses have told how the couple were holding hands as they crossed the road. Paying tribute last week, their daughter Sarah said her mother was ‘young at heart’ and ‘will be sadly missed by all of her family’. Mrs Steele was retired but stayed active by swimming, cycling, and walking. Mr Steele is a fan of FC United. Sarah said they were a loving couple and doted on their grandchildren, Jessica, and Georgina. Police are investigating and anyone with information about the incident is asked to call 0161 856 8473.

John Scheerhout January 25, 2012

Plans For New £4.5m Stadium Move Forward

2012-01-24T17:25:00.000Z

Source: Build.co.uk

Plans for a new £4.5 million football stadium in North Manchester with facilities which will benefit the wider community are moving forwards.

Members of Manchester City Council's Executive were updated on the progress of the ambitious scheme.

A feasibility study into FC United's proposal to create a new home for the club - working in partnership with Moston Juniors FC - at Ronald Johnson Playing Fields in Moston has concluded that the site is suitable for development.

The project had already received planning permission on 27 October, subject to a number of conditions designed to maximise community benefit and manage any impact on parking and traffic being met.

The plan is to create a 5,000-capacity stadium with a full-sized artificial turf pitch and two junior-sized grass pitches for use by both clubs and the community.

It will also involve the creation of a new landscaped public space for community and school events and a clubhouse with multi-functional spaces, including educational facilities, for use by local groups and young people as well as supporters.

FC United working with Moston Juniors FC - one of the biggest amateur junior football clubs in Manchester with 21 affiliated teams - are also committed to increasing sporting participation in the area as well and doing other sports-based outreach work in the community.

24/01/2012 (CD/GK)

£500,000 loan for FC United

2012-01-20T13:28:00.000Z

Excerpt from; Manchester Confidential's "City News In 250 Words: Friday 20 January"

DESPITE money troubles of its own, Manchester CIty Council is offering a £500,000 loan to FC United. It was recently discovered the football club did not have enough money to fund its new £4.5million stadium in Moston, prompting the council to intervene. Residents have raised concerns over the move, believing it is a mistake for both the council and the club.

Storm as Manchester council offers FC United a £500k loan towards new Moston stadium

2012-01-20T11:50:00.001Z

Source: MEN

Rebel football club FC United can get a loan of up to £500,000 from cash-strapped Manchester council.

Town hall chiefs stepped in after it emerged the club had failed to raise enough money to pay for a controversial new £4.5m stadium in Moston.

They have promised to bridge a funding gap of about £200,000 and cover any overspend on the 5,000-capacity ground on the Ronald Johnson Playing Fields – if the club needs the money.

But people opposing the building of the stadium are furious.

Campaigner Mike Pattillo said: "It’s not the place for the council to be financing a semi-professional football club and it feels like a kick in the teeth. We feel that the council have gone against the wishes of the vast majority of people who live here and the fact we’ll end up paying for it makes it worse."

Another resident, who did not wish to be named, said: "There’s also the huge irony of the fans setting up FC United in response to the huge debt the Glazers placed Manchester United under when they took over. Who is the guarantor of this money and what happens if they default or go bust?"

Campaigners have protested against the stadium plan being built on precious green space. They also say an existing covenant on the land prohibits it being used for such a purpose, and are worried it will bring an increase in anti-social behaviour and traffic problems.

FC United plan to raise £1.6m through a community share scheme but so far only £1.4m has been pledged by fans. Council bosses said the loan would be repaid in full with interest at no cost to the taxpayer. The offer of the loan comes on top of a £750,000 grant the council is making towards the stadium.

FC United have relaunched the share scheme and made it clear they want to raise the extra £200,000 themselves.

As part of the plans, Moston Juniors FC – who currently lease the site from Manchester council – will be given youth pitches inside the new development and a third pitch at Boggart Hole Clough in Blackley. There will also be an artificial pitch, and a public medical room managed by club physiotherapists .

Mike Amesbury, from the council, said: "Any loan to FC United would be at commercial rates, with interest, and not cost the council or council taxpayers a penny. What it would do is enable this important development to go ahead, with all the social and economic benefits that will bring. The partnership between FC United and Moston Juniors will not only result in around £4.5m of new investment in the area, it will also create the basis for an excellent sporting hub in North Manchester."

Andy Walsh, FC United's general manager, said: "Our members have already raised over £2m to bring this project forward. We are now going to work hard to close the gap so we don't have to draw on any borrowing."

Comment: Now is not the time to lend or be saddled with a big debt

2012-01-20T11:48:00.004Z

Source: MEN

One can understand a certain anger in Moston at the discovery that Manchester council has made provision to lend £500,000 towards the building of FC United’s new stadium.

Many residents who objected to the plans for the 5,000-capacity stadium now see the prospect of their council tax being given over not just in grant funding, but also in this potential loan to the club.

Undoubtedly, some people living in Moston did support this grand plan, but the objectors felt that many of those campaigning in favour of the stadium came not just from outside Moston but outside Manchester. Those objectors will feel a further sense of injustice that ‘out-of-towners’ will also now benefit if this loan option is taken up by FC United if the club is unable to raise enough through its community share scheme.

Storm as Manchester council offers FC United a £500k loan towards new Moston stadium

That said, this stadium should be an enhancement to Moston. Regeneration has gone hand- in-hand with sport in Manchester; that is beyond dispute. And a population with such problems of chronic ill-health and obesity – particularly among children – needs all the sporting opportunities it can get.

Let us not forget that the FC United stadium directly benefits Moston Juniors FC, which gets youth pitches in the development, and the wider community who will be encouraged to get involved in activities at this new public space.

But should a council still reeling from a disastrous cut in its grant from central government really be investing in a comparatively new football club?

This will be a loan given at commercial rates of interest, yes, but you do not have to go far to find long-established football clubs unable to pay their debts.

Would the prudent solution be to wait until FC United raises this cash through its own share scheme?

This will avoid the need to take up the council’s offer of the loan and allow the club to move forward without the burden of debt.

Manchester Council’s £500,000 bail out for FC United's new stadium in Moston

2012-01-19T12:42:00.000Z

Source: North and East Manchester Advertiser

Cash-strapped Manchester council has agreed to lend FC United up to £500,000 to build their controversial new ground.

Town hall chiefs stepped in after it emerged the club had failed to raise enough money to pay for the £4.5m stadium in Moston.

FC United planned to have generated £1.6m through a community share scheme towards the cost. But so far only £1.4m has been pledged by fans.

Now the council has stepped in with a promise to bridge the funding gap if the extra money is not raised.

The town hall will also cover any overspend, up to a limit of £500,000 – provided the club comes up with a ‘robust’ plan to pay the money back, with interest.

The promise comes on top of a £750,000 grant the council is already making towards the stadium. Council bosses stressed the money would be a loan, to be repaid in full, that would guarantee an ‘important’ development could go ahead.

Mike Patillo, who campaigned against the stadium, said: "I think it’s amazing that they can find half a million pounds when they’ve cut Sure Start budgets and they are closing down libraries."

The loan was agreed at a meeting of the town hall’s exectuve committee this week. Councillors also agreed to lease the club the land, on Ronald Johnson Playing Fields, for rent of £1 per year. FC United have made it clear they still want to raise the extra £200,000 themselves.

They have relaunched the community share scheme, which gives local people the chance to invest in the club. The stadium, which has proved highly divisive, was granted planning permission in October.

Mike Amesbury, the council’s executive member for culture and leisure, said: "Any loan to FC United would be at commercial rates, with interest, and not cost the council or council taxpayers a penny.

"What it would do is enable this important development to go ahead. The partnership between FC United and Moston Juniors, one of the largest junior football clubs in Manchester will create the basis for an excellent sporting hub in North Manchester. "

Andy Walsh, general manager of FC United, said: "The club welcomes the decision of the executive committee. There is still an outstanding grant from the Football Foundation to be processed.

"There is still a way to go but we are confident that we can raise the money needed to provide much-needed investment in Moston."

Defender’s Church Lane return

2012-01-14T14:21:00.000Z

Source: Buxton Advertiser

DEFENDER Nick Swirad has re-signed for New Mills AFC.

After trying his luck at Mossley and Ashton United, making only a handful of appearances, the 2010/11 Manager and Players’ Player of the Season has decided to return to Church Lane.

A product of the youth academy at FC United of Manchester, Swirad, 20, also played for Rossendale before joining the Millers, helping them to the North West Counties League title.

Swirad, who was expected to have been included in the Millers squad to face Brigg Town last weekend, was ineligible to play at Irlam on Tuesday after featuring for Ashton in an earlier round of The Manchester FA Premier Cup.

Street and Read emerge heroes as Boro celebrate win

2012-01-12T15:16:00.000Z

Source: Staffordshire Newsletter

FC UNITED OF MANCHESTER 1

STAFFORD RANGERS 2

STAFFORD Rangers stunned promotionchasing FC United of Manchester with a much improved performance at Gigg Lane to return home with all three points.

Rangers were forced into one change from the side beaten by Hednesford Town on Bank Holiday Monday. Harry Clayton was laid low with tonsillitis and his place was taken by Jon Sheldon.

Boro boss Greg Clowes chose a 4-5-1 formation to match their high-flying opponents and it certainly worked with United intent on building slowly and being stifled by Rangers’ hard-working midfield.

Rangers went close in the 17th minute when Sheldon’s inswinging corner dropped onto the roof of the net. On 27 minutes, a cross from Sheldon was almost turned into his own net by Adam Jones.

Three minutes later, Rangers were celebrating as they took the lead. A fine through ball from former United midfielder Michael Carr picked out Peter Heler who hit a fierce shot which James Spencer found too hot to handle and the ball flew past the home keeper and into the net.

Things got even better for the Rangers four minutes before the break when they doubled their lead with one of the goals of the season.

Rangers were awarded a free-kick outside the area. Carr delivered the ball into Ryan Dicker who had found space and the centre-back flicked the ball off his heel and into the top corner.

United bounced straight back and Kevin Street was on hand to chest a volley from Mike Norton off the line.

Rangers started the second half in the same positive light with United bringing on Carlos Roca after 53 minutes to add some pace into a lethargic performance.

United were gifted a glorious chance on the hour when a diabolical back pass from Luke George failed to reach Danny Read. Norton nipped in, rounded Read and was then brought down in the penalty area by Dicker.

Dicker, somewhat surprisingly, was only shown a yellow card and to compound matters for the home side, Read pulled off an excellent penalty save for the second game running to thwart Roca.

United were building up a head of steam and Read was again called into action to save from Ben Deegan who was allowed a free-header in the six-yard box.

The home side eventually pulled a goal back 16 minutes from time. Roca’s corner was met by Jones whose header was well saved by Read but the rebound fell to Norton who nodded home.

Rangers were again indebted to Street in the 82nd minute. Another corner from Roca was headed goalwards by Jones and Street was on hand to clear off the line.

The ball came out to Norton whose volley was deflected for a corner. As hard as the home side pressed, Rangers held on to record an excellent victory.

Stafford stun big-spenders

2012-01-09T09:25:00.000Z

Source: This is Staffordshire

A TIRELESS display from Neville Thompson helped Stafford Rangers to a thrilling victory over promotion hopefuls FC United.

And although the targetman was not among the goals at Gigg Lane, manager Greg Clowes praised his efforts after naming Thompson as his sole striker to face the big-spending Mancunians.

On-loan Crewe forward Harry Clayton pulled out of the squad with a bout of tonsillitis leaving the Rangers boss with few options.

"When you are up there on your own it's difficult because you have to occupy two centre-halves but Neville did very, very well," Clowes admitted.

"But I will be working even harder this week to bring strikers in.

"We have made three offers for three players. Last week was a frustrating week and losing Harry Clayton did not help."

Peter Heler handed Stafford a 31st-minute lead with a well-taken goal that saw him latch on to Matthew Bell's perfect pass.

Defender Ryan Dicker doubled the lead with a clever back-heel just before the break, prompting more praise from the manager.

"As centre-halves go, Ryan Dicker is a lad who can play football and it was a lovely finish," added Clowes. "He's not one of those ugly central defenders."

United came more into the game after the break, but keeper Danny Read denied them on the hour when he kept out a Carlos Roca penalty.

Mike Norton finally netted from close range on 74 minutes but this proved just a consolation for the home side as they suffered their first home defeat since October.

NANTWICH Town are expecting their young striker Ben Mills to complete his move to Macclesfield Town this week.

A small initial fee has been agreed between the clubs for 22-year-old Mills, who is discussing personal terms with Macc manager Gary Simpson.

Nantwich boss Jimmy Quinn, who has recently spent extra time with Mills on the training ground, said: "It would be a great opportunity for the lad and great for the club because we are producing players for Football League clubs, but Ben has a lot of hard work to do."

Potteries-based Mills was left out of the Nantwich side that drew 1-1 with Mickleover Sports at the Weaver Stadium on Saturday, but Quinn said they would aim to replace him.

The player who took over from Mills up front, regular centre-back Mat Bailey, scored the goal that gave Nantwich the lead after 40 minutes but Mickleover levelled through Alex Steadman 10 minutes from time.

Nantwich had Darren Moss sent off early in the second half for a sliding tackle while Steadman also saw red for a second bookable offence.

Five-star Rebels off to flyer in New Year

2012-01-03T13:04:00.002Z

Source: MEN

FC United made the perfect start to 2012 as they recovered from the shock of falling behind to Bradford Park Avenue to thump their Evo-Stik Premier promotion rivals 5-2 at the Horsfall Stadium.

Curtis Bernard seized on slack defending by the Rebels to put Bradford in front after a quarter-of-an-hour but FC then scored three times in five first-half minutes to turn the tables on their Yorkshire hosts.

Firstly Paul Armstrong set up Nicky Platt for a well-taken equaliser before giving United the lead when his cross sailed over red-faced home keeper John Lamb.

Mike Norton quickly added a third and Bradford were then sunk without trace by further goals from Adam Jones and Matthew Wolfenden midway through the second half.

Nathan Hotte reduced the arrears late on but that didn’t take the gloss off a triumph which takes FC to within a point of a play-off place.

Ashton United were unable to prevent visiting Northwich closing the gap on leaders Chester to a single point with two goals by Chris Budrys and a Tom Field penalty giving Andy Preece’s second-placed Vics an emphatic 3-0 victory at Hurst Cross.

Garry Flitcroft’s Chorley won 4-2 at Marine to strengthen their hold on fourth spot.

Curzon Ashton increased their lead at the top of Evo-Stik North to three points despite being held 3-3 by neighbours Mossley at the Tameside Stadium.

Paul Ashton (2) and Michael Oates struck to give Trafford a surprise 3-0 win at Witton, while Radcliffe dented Woodley’s promotion challenge with Ben Wharton and Steve Burke scoring to sink the Steelmen 2-0.

Salford City had to settle for a 1-1 draw with lowly Prescot Cables at Moor Lane.

Tony Glennon
January 03, 2012

Engelska landslaget består av rockstjärnor

2012-01-03T09:11:00.003Z

Source: Expressen (SWE). Google translation: http://s.coop/7sew

MANCHESTER. Ett halvår före EM är England ett delat fotbollsland.
På den ena sidan står toppklubbarna, stjärnorna och fansen som betalar deras höga löner.
På den andra sidan står de som har tröttnat och hellre fryser arslet av sig i de lägre divisionerna för att få sina fotbollskickar.
Det här är framför allt ett reportage om dem.

När Eric Allison som liten var på väg till Old Trafford hände det att han hamnade på samma buss som sin idol. Det var inget konstigt med det, Manchester Uniteds lagkapten Roger Byrne rörde sig som vem som helst i staden på 50-talet. På bussen brukade folk komma fram och prata med honom. Några ord om den senaste matchen, några om den kommande. Allmänt snack om väder och vind.
- Föreställ dig Wayne Rooney ta bussen till matchen och prata med fansen, säger Eric Allison och skrockar.
Eric har tagit med oss till en restaurang i centrala Manchester. Maten är god men Eric nöjer sig med en pint. Då och då smiter han ut på gatan för att röka. Han är 67 år och har ett hårt liv bakom sig. Han växte upp i arbetarstadsdelen Gorton, men trots att omgivningen var tuff och förväntningarna låga vill Eric inte skylla på det. Hans föräldrar var hederliga, hans syskon var laglydiga.
Eric begick brott. Den 6 februari 1958 befann sig Eric på ett ungdomshem för olydiga gossar. Reglerna var hårda. På kvällen var barnen tvungna att vara helt tysta för att lära sig vad disciplin var. Men just det här datumet gjordes ett undantag. Anledningen var en flygkrasch i Münch-en där åtta av Manchester Uniteds spelare (bland andra Roger Byrne) rapporterades omkomna.
- Ni får prata om det här i två minuter, sa läraren. Sedan ska det vara tyst igen, pojkar.

Även som yrkeskriminell följde Eric Allison sitt Manchester United. Så gott det gick. Sista gången han satt i fängelse var mellan 1996 och 1999.
- Det är lustigt, säger han. Jag begick ett bedrägeri mot en bank alldeles runt knuten här.
Eric hade aldrig haft ett riktigt jobb men hade alltid varit intresserad av att läsa och skriva. Ute i friheten igen fick han syn på en platsannons. Tidningen The Guardian skulle skapa en ny tjänst och sökte en särskild fängelsereporter som skulle skriva om förhållandena innanför murarna. Eric sökte tjänsten, mest på skoj, och blev mycket förvånad när han fick jobbet.
- Livet är märkligt, konstaterar han.
Ett par år senare var Eric på promenad i Gorton med sina två hundar när han fick syn på några ungdomar som spelade fotboll på gatan. Han hade sett dem förut, de verkade duktiga. Men Eric misstänkte att de inte hade oddsen på sin sida i livet. Det brukar vara så med ungar från Gorton.
- Är ni med i något lag? frågade Eric.
- Nej, svarade killarna.
- Varför startar ni inte ett?
- Du kan väl starta ett åt oss?
- Glöm det, sa Eric. Jag har inte tid.
Men ungdomarna tjatade och till slut gav Eric Allison med sig. Så kom det sig att West Gorton FC bildades; lika mycket ett socialt projekt som ett fotbollslag.

På restaurangen går Eric över från öl till vin. Han skrattar åt det faktumet att han, den gamla kåkfararen, vid 63 års ålder blev fotbollstränare.
- Det kostar ungefär 4 000 pund om året att driva West Gorton FC, säger han. Det är mycket pengar. Men om man tänker att det samtidigt håller 18 killar borta från gatan blir det plötsligt billigt.
Varje söndag spelar West Gorton FC match i Tameside Football League. Laget är ungt, många av spelarna är arbetslösa. Eric brukar hjälpa dem med att skriva jobbansökningar.Samma dag som upploppen i England nådde Manchester i somras skulle West Gorton ha träning. Eric såg bilderna på tv och undrade om några av hans killar var ute och krossade skyltfönster. De stämde in perfekt på karikatyrbilden av den unge bråkmakaren.
- Men den kvällen kom 18 av 18 spelare till träningen, säger Eric. Då blev jag glad.
Fortfarande går Eric Allison ibland till Old Trafford och ser Manchester United spela. Men han gör det utan den passion han kände förr. Han tycker att biljettpriserna är för höga och att fotbollskulturen har drunknat i alla pengar.
- Det kan vara 25 000 personer på en läktare men ibland känns det som att stå i ett bårhus. Storklubbarna ser fansen som kunder i dag. Man tar dem för givna. Det är äckligt.
När Eric är på Old Trafford är han noga med att aldrig köpa matchprogram, souvenirer eller mat. Matchbiljetten är hans enda utgift. Han ogillar ägarfamiljen Glazer och vill inte ge dem mer pengar än absolut nödvändigt.
- Däremot köper jag gärna souvenirer när FC United spelar. De killarna har all min respekt. De har tagit tillbaka fotbollskulturen från dem som förvandlade den till plast.

Radioprataren Ben Hughes har dragit ner sin keps så långt att ansiktet knappt syns. En timme före avspark är han redan genomblöt, sändningsutrustningen försöker han hålla torr med hjälp av en genomskinlig presenning. Men trots de yttre förutsättningarna är Ben Hughes på topphumör. Det är han alltid när FC United of Manchester ska spela match.
Men blir det verkligen någon match i dag? Snöblandat regn har fallit över Manchesterområdet på förmiddagen och hemmalaget Northwich Victorias plan är täckt av ett tunt islager. Ändå är den i bättre skick än vad Ben Hughes hade vågat hoppas på. Han sätter på sig sina hörlurar och ger en första rapport till FCUM Radios lyssnare:
- Ni lyssnar på FC Live Radio från Northwich Victoria! Här är det svinkallt. Det blåser, det regnar, allt ni kan tänka er. När jag tittade ut genom fönstret i morse tänkte jag "Jaha, det blir ingen match i dag. Det blir ett besök med frugan på Ikea." Men så fick jag höra att Northwich Victoria har tillgång till en planpresenning! Jag menar, vem har det i den här serien? Domaren har inspekterat planen och säger att 85 procent av den är spelbar och att 15 procent är värdelös. Den goda nyheten där är att domaren kan matematik, den dåliga är att matchen fortfarande är hotad.
FC United of Manchester bildades 2005 som en protest mot affärsmannen Malcolm Glazers övertagande av Manchester United. Den ägs helt av supportrarna. Två av dem heter Duncan Hempson (döpt efter den före detta Unitedspelaren Duncan Edwards, som även han dog i flygkraschen) och Dave Callacher. Vi träffar dem utanför den lilla arenan, samtidigt som domaren ger klartecken för spel.
- Jag vet precis när jag tröttnade på Old Trafford, säger Duncan. Det var en vanlig hemmamatch och jag ställde mig upp och vrålade en ramsa. Du vet, som man gör. Då säger folk till mig att sitta ner och vara tyst. Jag menar, kom igen. Var tog passionen vägen?

För Dave Callacher var det mer en kostnadsfråga. Han jobbar som lärare och tycker inte att det är rimligt att behöva göra så stora ekonomiska uppoffringar för att se på toppfotboll en gång i veckan. Nu följer vännerna i stället FC United långt ner i det brittiska seriesystemet. Saknar de inte de stora matcherna? Ibland, erkänner Dave, men både han och Duncan är överens om att fördelarna med FC United överväger.
– Stjärnorna i Manchester United och i det engelska landslaget är inte fotbollsspelare längre, säger Duncan. De är som rockstjärnor. Rockstjärnor med fula frisyrer.
– True, säger Dave. Här är det ingen vägg mellan spelarna och fansen. Och du vet att de som går på matcherna verkligen är 100 procent passionerade.
Har ni vänner som tycker att ni har gjort fel?
– Definitivt, säger Duncan. På mitt jobb kallar de mig förrädaren. Men jag tycker mig märka att fler och fler börjar tröttna på den moderna fotbollen.
Dave, du talade förut om en kostnadsfråga. Hade du gjort samma val om du hade varit miljonär?
Dave Callacher funderar en lång stund innan han svarar.
– Jag vet faktiskt inte. Alla supportrar vill ha framgång. Paradoxen är att jag inte gillar det som kommer med framgång. Då blir det mer industri än fotboll.
Förra säsongen tog FC United en meriterande seger när man slog ut Rochdale i FA-cupen. I nästa omgång blev det förlust, 0–4, mot Brighton, men många supportrar minns det ändå som en oförglömlig dag. I slutet av den matchen sjöng fansen: "We're not gonna win the FA Cup, but we're so fucking proud of you"
Någon sådan ramsa hörs inte under matchen mot Northwich Victoria. Däremot är det gott om nidsånger riktade mot Malcolm Glazer. Den isiga gräsmattan inbjuder inte till något skönspel, men så är det heller inte klacksparkar som kännetecknar de här lagen. När en hemmaspelare slår en dålig passning i sidled får han genast skäll av den i kylan shortsklädde andretränaren Andy Morrison:
– You're not bloody Barcelona!
Till slut lyckas ändå Nortwich Victoria FC vinna matchen med 2–1.

Nästa dag skiner solen och vi gör oss redo för mötet mellan Manchester City och Arsenal. Men låt oss först stanna kvar en stund vid Andy Morrison, andretränaren i Northwich Victoria. För bara tio år sedan spelade han i Manchester City. Där var han känd för sin tuffhet. I en omröstning nyligen utsågs han till den näst hårdaste spelaren i klubbens historia, före bland andra Stuart "Psycho" Pearce.
I dag känns det otänkbart att en spelare som Andy Morrison skulle ha något att göra med Manchester City. Efter shejk Mansour bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyans intåg i klubben badar City i pengar. Landslagsspelare finns på alla positioner och fansen har snabbt fått vänja sig vid sin nya identitet som maktfaktor i brittisk fotboll.
Det gäller till exempel 17-årige Paul Downing. Hans tidigaste minnen av City är från tiden då laget pendlade mellan den högsta och näst högsta serien, nu håller han plötsligt på Englands bästa lag. Paul är glad över det och det händer att han fascineras av vilka effekter en fotbollsintresserad shejks investeringar kan få. För några år sedan provspelade Paul Downing för Citys ungdomslag. Tränarna sa att han var för klen, det blev inget kontrakt. I dag är han i stället målfarlig anfallare i Eric Allisons West Gorton FC.
– Good boy, Paul, säger Eric.
Paul och hans två år äldre bror Aaron bor precis bredvid Manchester Citys arena Etihad Stadium. Unitedsupportern Aaron fnyser åt arenanamnet.
– Det roliga är att Etihad tydligen betyder United, säger han och flinar.
Båda bröderna är klädda i West Gortons rödsvarta tröja. Deras tränare Eric Allison står bredvid och röker. Då och då kommer han med små utfall om Manchesterklubbarnas girighet.
– Johan, visste du att Paul ska jobba på Citys match mot Arsenal? Och vet du han tjänar? 4,50 pund i timmen! De är miljardärer och betalar 4,50 i timmen. Hur går det ihop?
Jag frågar Paul vad hans jobb går ut på.
– Servera mat, svarar han.
Får du se på matchen också?
– Nej, då måste jag jobba. Jag har varit på några ligacupmatcher då biljetterna är lite billigare. Men när det är bättre matcher jobbar jag. Fast ibland kan jag se några minuter av spelet när jag är ute och slänger sopor. Om jag har tur, alltså.

Etihad Stadium är fullsatt. Man City spelar för att ta tillbaka serieledningen i Premier League och matchen mot Arsenal har alla förutsättningar att bli en höjdare. Managern Roberto Mancini står välklädd vid sidlinjen och ser sina spelare skaffa sig ett litet spelövertag. Publiken exploderar då och då men överlag är stämningen en besvikelse. 48 000 personer borde kunna låta mer, särskilt i England.
En stor banderoll på ena långsidan tackar shejk Mansour för alla pengar han pumpat in i klubben. Utan honom hade varken Mario Balotelli eller David Silva spelat i City. Nu är det i stället en självklarhet att laget bara köper de bästa spelarna och i inledningen av andra halvlek gör också Silva matchens enda mål, efter förarbete av Balotelli.
I programbladet har Roberto Mancini i sin kolumn riktat ett extra tack till fansen som hejar fram Manchester City under matcherna.
Jag tänker att om en av dem hade riktig tur med soporna den här dagen så fick han kanske se en glimt av David Silvas mål.

Av Johan Orrenius

Bradford Park Avenue come unstuck against bogey side again

2012-01-03T07:58:00.000Z

Source: Bradford Telegraph and Argus

Bradford Park Avenue 2, FC United of Manchester 5 FC United of Manchester maintained their recent domination over Evo-Stik League rivals Bradford Park Avenue as they cruised to a comfortable Premier Division win at Horsfall Stadium.

Avenue directors and volunteers worked hard to get surface water off the pitch to ensure the game between the promotion rivals went ahead.

But it proved a thankless task as FC United closed to within a point of their sixth-placed hosts, who have a game in hand.

Quick-fire doubles in both halves gave the visitors victory by a landslide margin.

Avenue press officer Lewis Sale said: “In the first half we were unlucky because we were arguably the better team but defensive errors and lack of cutting edge cost us yet again.

“I think FC were on top in the second half but 5-2 flattered them. It is a big chance missed to take points off one of our promotion rivals once again by us.”

The first-half turning point came with ten minutes remaining. Having brought it back to 1-1 just after the half-hour mark, the visitors raced into a 3-1 lead with two goals in as many minutes.

A poor goalkick from John Lamb allowed FC United right back Paul Armstrong to lob in and then a slip by Avenue centre back James Riley gifted Mike Norton a chance to fire home.

That was in contrast to the beginning of the roses clash as Avenue had got off to a bright start, with Rob O’Brien and Michael Duckworth both going close before Adam Clayton headed a Jordan Deacey free-kick onto the bar.

Avenue did break the deadlock when Curtis Bernard slotted in after good work from Nathan Hotte.

But the 15th-minute opener was cancelled out by Nicky Platt’s thunderous 20-yard shot into the top corner in the 32nd minute.

Martin Drury went close with a cross-shot early in the second half but FC United countered with a Jake Cotterill free-kick that went just over.

Avenue boss John Deacey decided to ring the changes on the hour by making his first two substitutions. Billy Law came on for Richard Marshall and Matty James replaced goal-scorer Bernard.

Unfortunately for the home side it had a negative effect and within minutes the visitors had racked up an unassailable 5-1 lead.

Lamb misjudged an Adam Jones free-kick in the 62nd minute and the ball found its way over the line. Then five minutes later a cross into the area from Stephen Johnson cut out both home centre-backs and Matt Woffenden fired in.

With the game won, FC United made a double substitution as Richard Battersby and Matthew Tierney replaced Paul Armstrong and Daniel Grimshaw.

The hosts did pull one back when Hotte converted an 80th-minute corner from Deacey.

But as if to underline their superiority, FC United had the ball in the net again only to see the strike disallowed for offside.

10:19pm Monday 2nd January 2012 in Sport
By Ian Whiting

Berlin football club sells its soul – but only to fans

2012-01-02T16:53:00.002Z

Source: The Guardian

FC Union is selling shares to survive but has limits to avoid them being bought en masse by investors looking to make money

Standing in the mud outside FC Union's woodland stadium, Frank Fritz reflected on the sacrifices he has made for his favourite football club. "I spent a hundred hours here pouring concrete," he said, pointing to the steps on the western stand. "Two weeks' holiday it took, including weekends." But it was worth it, said the 45-year-old Berlin refuse collector. Fritz was one of more than 2,000 Union fans who gave their time to rebuild the club's worse-for-wear ground when it became clear the team could not afford the renovations itself.

Now, Berlin's "other" football side, the down-at-heel rival to footballing heavyweight Hertha Berlin, has gone one step further and is asking fans not just for their time but for their money. The club has been selling 10,000 shares in the Alte Försterei (Old Forester's House) stadium in the east Berlin district of Köpenick, allowing fans to have a say in how the ground develops in the future. The shares cannot be bought en masse by an oil-rich sheikh or an American family looking for a neat way to juggle billions of dollars of debts. No one can buy more than 10, and to invest, you have either to be a club sponsor, or a club member.

Letting fans own a piece of their club is not a first. Several British clubs, including FC United and Ebbsfleet United have experimented with fan ownership, and German clubs have historically required a minimum 51% ownership by members – the 50 plus 1 rule. But what makes Union's stance rather unusual is the way it is soliciting for shareholders.

"We're selling our soul – but not just to anyone," proclaim posters on billboards around former east Berlin, featuring pictures of unwelcome investors, including Red Bull, Silvio Berlusconi and Sepp Blatter.

Each share costs €500 (£418) – a snip for a Glazer or a Sheikh Mansour, but a lot for Fritz, who queued up in the cold to become one of the first fans-turned-shareholders. "I'm paying in instalments, five lots of €100," he said.

Tobias Hellweg, a 21-year-old electronic engineer, said he had blown an entire month's spending money on his share. "But it's worth it. I wanted to be a part of what makes Union Union (and not Hertha) – its togetherness with the fans."

Talk to any Union fan about what makes their club special and they are likely to draw an unfavourable comparison with Hertha BSC, which competes in the top flight Bundesliga. Comparison between the two clubs illustrates perfectly the chasm which still exists in many walks of German life between the east and west of the country, 21 years after reunification.

In the leafy far reaches of west Berlin stands the Olympic stadium, built by Hitler for the 1936 Games and now home to Hertha. After extensive renovations, the ground seats 74,500 fans, protected from the elements by a state-of-the-art glass roof.

Thirty kilometres east in working Köpenick, second division Union play in the Alte Försterei, which resembles a pre-Hillsborough second division ground – mostly standing room only, with an eight-foot wire fence to deter pitch invasions. Fans drink pints of Berliner Pilsner and chainsmoke while chanting and singing continuously for 90 minutes; at halftime men urinate against the perimeter fence before buying €2 Eberswalder sausages – a local brand which sponsors the scoreboard.

But most Union fans want to keep things lowkey. "In England, football isn't football any more," said Nils Ludewig, 24. "You can't stand any more, you can't wave big flags. It's all about the money." Even Hamburg's St Pauli – a Bundesliga team with a punk rock attitude usually held up as the ultimate example of a football club with soul – is dismissed by many Union fans as "too commercial".

"At Hertha, fans are happy only if they're winning. At Union, we celebrate whether we win or lose," said Hellweg. Fritz said that a game at Hertha is all about the "event" – "At Union it's all about heart and soul".

Union has long prided itself on its outsider status. In communist times, it positioned itself as a fiercely anti-Stasi team, in comparison to its rival, Berliner FC Dynamo, which was openly favoured by the East German secret police – Stasi boss Erich Mielke used to manipulate the outcome of the team's games and ensure its dominance.

But this pariah mentality can have its downsides: for years, Union has been saddled with a reputation for hooliganism, particularly by the Ultras, who sit in the Waldseite (Woodside) stand during home games.

At a recent away match in the northern city of Rostock, they defied a ban on fireworks and earned the club a hefty fine after putting on an impromptu pyrotechnic show inside the stadium. At the game against Dynamo Dresden on 2 December, one skinhead deliberately pushed over the Guardian – "Piss off media bitch" – and another spat in the photographer's face. After the match, the press spokesman apologised, and said he had never heard of such a thing happening before.

Helen Pidd in Berlin
guardian.co.uk, Monday 2 January 2012 15.52 GMT

FC United 2 Ashton Utd 1

2011-12-29T13:03:00.000Z

Source: Tameside Advertiser

Ashton fell just short on their Boxing Day visit to Gigg Lane to face play-off hopefuls FC United.

They made the worse possible start as, with just three minutes on the clock, Matty Wolfenden controlled a through ball and struck his shot against the bar, ex-Curzon striker Mike Norton knocking home the rebound.

After 10 minutes, Mark Peers pulled the ball back for Ian Bennett whose left-footed effort was blocked before Warren Beattie volleyed over.

A couple of minutes later a great crossfield pass from Peers found Chris Amadi, who outpaced the full-back and hit a fine finish past James Spencer goal to level.

Midway through the half a long cross by Lee Neville saw Nicky Platt head wide for FC and Carlos Roca was then fouled by George Melling, the resultant free kick being headed wide by Adam Jones.

On the half-hour Wolfenden’s searching cross was too high for Norton and Stephen Johnson’s follow up hit the side netting.

Neville then won a challenge in midfield and fired off target from 20 yards.

The ball was then deflected through to Jones, whose near post effort was blocked as the home side continued to press.

After the restart a ball into the area by Peers saw Aaron Burns beat his marker and fire narrowly wide from a tight angle.

At the other end, a cross by Wolfenden was headed back across goal and as the Ashton defence stood and watched, the ball dropped to Neville who scored with a left-footed effort from six yards.

Amadi then played the ball through to Ian Bennett, whose effort was saved by Spencer and Burns then had his deflected effort saved.

Wolfenden played the ball square to Roca who fired over from 20 yards.

Amadi was then fouled resulting in a free kick which dropped to Burns who fired home, only for the goal to be disallowed for dangerous play.

Midway through the half, a long ball found Norton completely unmarked on the penalty spot.

He controlled the ball and set up Johnson, whose effort was blocked and Norton fired the rebound wide.

With 15 minutes left on the clock Amadi made great progress to pull the ball back to Burns, who looked certain to equalise, but saw his effort denied by a superb save from Spencer.

As Ashton pressed for the equaliser, FC broke away and substitute Daniel Grimshaw was played clear by Norton only to screw his effort wide.

Attendance: 1,926

Football fans dig deep for Big Coat Day

2011-12-29T12:29:00.002Z

Source: Prestwich and Whitefield Guide

FOOTBALL fans showed support for their team and two charities on Boxing Day.

As well as cheering their side to a thrilling 2-1 win at Gigg Lane, FC United of Manchester supporters donated three van loads of clothing to good causes.

The 3,000 items will be shared between the Mustard Tree and the Boaz Trust, which both help homeless people.

Some of Bury Council’s 8,000 staff also made donations, as did workers from local firms.

And firefighters from Bury and Whitefield stations also made an appearance before the match to meet some of the supporter-owned club’s younger fans, who gained free entry to the game.

Sedgley representative and FC United fan, Cllr Alan Quinn, said: “It was great to get Bury Council’s workforce involved, “I’m sure that this will become part of their Christmas events now.

“I’d also like to thank Steve Matthews of Arco Workwear who generously donated many items of clothing too.

“From an FC United point of view, it’s another Christmas and we’re still here showing others that there is another way for football.”

Bury fire station watch manager Al Topping said: “Big Coat Day was a great success and we are pleased to have played our part supporting FC United and their continued valuable community work.”

FC United spokesman Andy Walker said: “I’d just like to say a massive ‘thank you’ to all those who took time out of their Christmas to donate costs and other warm clothing to help the homeless and needy.

“Seeing the van outside Gigg Lane packed to the roof with clothing was an inspirational site and every item that we have collected will make a big difference to many people in need across our area.”

1:45pm Wednesday 28th December 2011 in News
By Dale Haslam

FC United defeat Ashton United

2011-12-26T12:27:00.000Z

Source: MEN

FC United stepped up their Evo-Stik Premier promotion challenge with Lee Neville’s 49th-minute strike securing them a 2-1 home win over neighbours Ashton United.

Mike Norton had given the Rebels a third-minute lead, but Chris Amadi quickly equalised.

Northwich remain just three points behind leaders Chester after Ryan Wade’s 77th- minute leveller earned them a 1-1 draw with the visiting Deva Stadium pacesetters, who had led through ex-Altrincham favourite Wes Baynes.
Get Cash in One Hour!

Stars line up to support FC United’s Big Coat Day to help the homeless

2011-12-22T14:40:00.001Z

Source: Social Enterprise

Local celebrities, actors and comedians are lining up to support social enterprise football club FC United of Manchester’s annual Big Coat Day on Boxing Day, which aims to help the homeless and needy by collecting warm winter clothing before their home game against Ashton United on 26 December 2011.

Last year the impact of the cold winter months on the North West took someone’s life every half hour.

FC United of Manchester’s decision to organise a ‘Big Coat Day’ collection of clothing at its New Year fixture proved timely – the winter was the coldest in almost 40 years. However, a fantastic response from the public and football fans alike saw a 5.5 tonne wall of winter clothing collected to keep the poor and needy warm around the city.

The club aims to do better this year and the prospects are looking good with support already pledged from several stars of stage and screen across the UK, including comedian Johnny Vegas, actors John Henshaw and James Quinn, pop star Clint Boon and several Coronation Street stars, including the actors who play Hayley Cropper and Eileen Grimshaw.

Big Coat Day has also attracted backing from a raft of partners including the Royal Mail, who are promoting it to all their staff in delivery offices and on visual display screens across the UK. Bury Council is also asking all its staff to support the event, as are the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service and Guinness Northern Counties Housing Association are also backing the initiative.

FC United general manager Andy Walsh said: “Last winter, some 5,000 deaths occurred in the North West, many because of lack of heating and warm clothing. I would ask anyone across Manchester with any unwanted items of warm clothing to take it directly to Gigg Lane between 12 noon and 2.55pm on Boxing Day, where it will be collected for distribution to the needy.”

Over the years, Big Coat Day has proven very successful with thousands of items being donated. All items will be collected from the ground and distributed by the Mustard Tree and Boaz Trust charities. “Any reasonable quality winter clothing can be brought to Gigg Lane between 12 noon and 2.55pm where it will be collected by Mustard Tree and Boaz Trust charities that distribute the clothing. Those that cannot get to Gigg Lane should contact us at FC United and we will make arrangements for collections,” said Walsh.

FC United’s game against Ashton United on Boxing Day has also been designated as a ‘Kids Go Free’ day so the club is urging people to make it a family day out to help with carrying bags of clothing to the game.

Here are a few clips of what some celebrity friends of FC have to say about Big Coat Day:

Sue Cleaver and Tony Hirst (Eileen and Paul from Coronation Street)
Johnny Vegas
John Henshaw
James Quinn
Julie Hesmondhalgh (Hayley from Coronation Street)
Justin Moorhouse

21 December 2011

VICS TAKE ADVANTAGE

2011-12-19T10:45:00.002Z

Source: Non-league Daily

Northwich Victoria took advantage of a slip from Hednesford Town to move into second place in the Evo-Stik League Premier Division on Saturday.

Vics notched a 2-1 win in an exciting clash with FC United of Manchester, while the Pitmen fell to a 1-0 defeat at Worksop Town – Tigers skipper Mark Hudson with the goal. Chester FC remain top following a 2-1 win at Marine.

At the other end of the table, Whitby Town remain the only team in the three Evo-Stik NPL divisions without a home win, losing 4-3 to fellow strugglers Buxton, who picked up their first win in twelve games.

Burscough remain bottom of the division after a defeat to Chasetown, who are finding a good rhythm with just one loss in the last seven games.

Kendal Town picked up a much needed 4-2 win over Stocksbridge Park Steels, who haven’t won on the road in six attempts, while Stafford Rangers picked up their first home win in seven games against a Frickley Athletic side who have now lost five on the bounce.

Elsewhere, Mickleover Sports are without a win in ten games now, but came from behind to earn a home point against Ashton United.

A frozen pitch put paid to Bradford Park Avenue’s clash with Chorley, ice and snow caused the postponement of Matlock Town’s match with Rushall Olympic, while North Ferriby United’s trip to Nantwich Town was called off due to a waterlogged pitch.

FC United's promotion setback

2011-12-19T10:43:00.000Z

Source: MEN

FC United missed a chance to step up their Evo-Stik Premier promotion challenge in losing 2-1 to title-chasing Northwich.

Mike Norton's injury-time strike came too late to save the Rebels, who fell to goals by Ian Kearney and Chris Budrys.

Ashton United couldn’t hold onto a lead given them by Aaron Burns' sixth-minute penalty in a 1-1 draw at Mickleover.

Evo-Stik North leaders Curzon Ashton were grateful to Lee Blackshaw for rescuing them a point against visiting Witton Albion.

Jordan Stepien struck twice to give Woodley a 2-1 home win over Durham, while sub Ben Beresford also hit two as Salford crushed neighbours Mossley 4-1 at Moor Lane.

December 18, 2011

FC United continues Community Share drive

2011-12-13T08:09:00.000Z

Source: Pitchero Non League

Club look to make £1.6m for new ground.

The FC United of Manchester Community Share Offer, a unique opportunity to invest in a community sports facility bringing football back to the heart of its communities, has just over three weeks left to run and today the club made an appeal for anyone who has yet to invest in the scheme to do so without delay.

Member-owned football club FC United of Manchester is planning to build a football ground and community facility in Moston, north Manchester, and is looking to raise £1.6m of the £4.5m cost from an innovative community share offer.

Raising capital through community shares is a unique development in English football and has been recognised as offering a real alternative to the way football is run and financed and offers genuine social benefits to local communities.

Speaking today, FC United general manager Andy Walsh, said: “When we were granted planning permission last month to build our new ground in Moston, we relaunched our community share scheme that we hope will deliver a significant contribution to the building costs. Last year’s scheme raised a magnificent total of £1.3m which has been safely held in an Escrow account since. We are now aiming to increase that total to £1.6m by 31 December 2011 and we are asking anyone who shares our vision of bringing football back to local communities to back us by investing in community shares.”

“By buying shares, investors will be supporting a better way for football to deliver genuine community benefit – one that is owned and run by supporters and committed to wider community and social development and financial sustainability,” said Walsh. “Our groundbreaking development will create a positive and lasting legacy in Moston, creating new sports and non-sports facilities for the area for generations to come,” he said. “But it is important that people act now to avoid missing out,” said Walsh.

The FC United community share scheme has a minimum share purchase of £200. The share issue has been given advance approval by the HMRC Enterprise Investment Scheme and subject to personal circumstances this allows individuals to claim tax relief of up to 30 per cent on the amount that they purchase in the share scheme.

Full details of the scheme including all documentation, the offer documents and a summary business and community use plan for FC United’s community football ground in Moston are available online at http://www.fc-utd.co.uk/communityshares?moston

The FC United of Manchester scheme is one of only ten projects supported by Co-ops UK and central government through the Community Share Scheme, designed to enable cooperative organisations like FC United to raise finance from local communities to support expansion and development much more effectively than through traditional methods such as bank borrowing.

Tom Snee

Guiseley land home draw against Stockport or Stalybridge in FA Trophy

2011-12-13T07:59:00.002Z

Source: Ilkley Gazette

Guiseley landed another home tie when the draw for the second round of the Carlsberg FA Trophy was made at Wembley today.

The Lions will face the winners of Tuesday night's replay between Stockport County and Stalybridge Celtic at Nethermoor on Saturday, January 14.

Steve Kittrick's men reached the second round with a 2-0 home win over FC United of Manchester on Saturday, while Stockport and Stalybridge fought out a 2-2 draw.

The winners of the second round tie will win £6,000 in prize money.

Second round draw Ebbsfleet United v Chester, Wealdstone v Barrow, Weymouth v Alfreton Town, Worksop Town v Newport County or Forest Green Rovers, Gateshead v Braintree Town, Lincoln City v Carshalton Athletic, Vauxhall Motors v Droylsden or Kidderminster Harriers, Dartford v Boston United, East Thurrock United v Hampton & Richmond Borough, Grimsby Town v AFC Hornchurch or Farnborough, Cambridge United v AFC Telford United, Northwich Victoria v Staines Town or Maidenhead United, Hinckley United v Luton Town, Salisbury City v York City or Solihull Moors, Guiseley v Stockport County or Stalybridge Celtic, Bath City v Basingstoke Town

Non-league round-up

2011-12-13T07:53:00.001Z

Source: Edited from MEN

...

FC United also had their Wembley dreams shattered in a 2-0 defeat at Guiseley.

The Rebels held their own for more than an hour but were eventually sunk by two goals in the last 20 minutes.

It brings an end to FC’s run, which got them to the first round proper of the FA Trophy for the first time.

Guiseley AFC: Off-colour Lions seal late progress

2011-12-12T10:29:00.001Z

Source: Yorkshire Evening Post

Guiseley boss Steve Kittrick admitted his side were “poor” as they scrambled to a 2-0 victory over Evo-Stik League outfit FC United of Manchester in the first round of the FA Trophy at Nethermoor.

The Blue Square Bet North side overcame their plucky opponents thanks to goals from Gavin Rothery and Lee Ellington, but they had to do it the hard way, frustrating fans with some misplaced passes and spurned chances.

Despite missing Simon Baldry through injury and Chris Senior, who was cup-tied, the Lions would still have fancied their chances and they began well, Ciaran Toner driving an early effort over the bar.

Andy Holdsworth then headed over before the visitors hit the woodwork after a corner caused the home defence problems.

Poor

Two moments Kittrick described as “game-changing” then occurred within minutes, both Danny Boshell and Danny Forrest forced off with hamstring tweaks. It clearly affected the hosts, who then struggled to lift the pace.

The Lions stepped up when it mattered most, however, and it was Rothery who made the breakthrough in the 76th minute, hitting the post before pouncing on the rebound. Guiseley then wrapped things up with Rothery dinking in to Ellington who fired home.

Kittrick said: “There’s no point dwelling on it because you’re going to get those sorts of performances. We’ve won 2-0 but we’ve been poor. At the end of the day you’ve got to take your chances when your team’s not playing well and you’re not having the best of times.”

Elsewhere, only a last-minute equaliser from Jon Challinor stopped York City from going out of the Trophy at the first round stage for the second year running.

Last year Boston United, from Blue Square North, won 1-0 at Bootham Crescent and Solihull, from the same league, were unlucky not to win after being the better side on Saturday.

They shook York with a third-minute goal from Jordan Fitzpatrick and although City levelled with a Matty Blair header from Danny Pilkington’s centre two minutes later, Solihull were back in front on 39 minutes.

Richard Walker, who had missed the game’s best chance seven minutes earlier, scored with a low shot off the inside of Michael Ingham’s right-hand post.

Pilkington shot wide after breaking clear when he had time to go round keeper Jasbir Singh and York were denied a clear penalty when Stuart Langdon handled Matty Blair’s shot.

Junior English hit the post for Solihull and the visitors appeared to have the game won until the third of four minutes of stoppage-time when Adriano’s pass up the middle saw Challinor appear to foul Singh before bundling the ball home from what Solihull claimed was an offside position.

York manager Gary Mills said: “We have had a bad day at the office, but we kept going and got the break we needed, although Solihull will have gone home thinking they deserved more than a replay.”

Harrogate Town did exit the competition, putting in a tremendous effort in going down 3-2 at Blue Square Premier outfit Barrow. Will Turl and Laurie Wilson netted for Simon Weaver’s Blue Square North outfit,

Meanwhile, in the only game in Blue Square North, FC Halifax Town were 3-0 winners against Blyth Spartans at the Shay, Jamie Rainford, James Walshaw and Jason St Juste with the goals.

Published on Monday 12 December 2011 10:01

Guiseley overcome early injuries to make Trophy progress

2011-12-12T10:25:00.001Z

Source: Bradford Telegraph and Argus

Guiseley 2, FC United of Manchester 0

Guiseley were victorious in their FA Trophy tie at home to FC United of Manchester but the Lions were far from rampant.

Steve Kittrick’s men booked their place in tomorrow’s second-round draw but it was more of a workman-like display, rather than a mesmerising performance.

That is probably paying due credit to FC United, who may be a step below Guiseley on the football pyramid but still present a formidable challenge.

The hosts were forced into first-half alterations to their game plan when they suffered two early injuries, with striker Danny Forrest (hamstring) and midfielder Danny Boshell (groin) both being forced off.

They were already without Chris Senior, who is on loan from Blue Square Bet Premier Division outfit Alfreton Town. His parent club’s manager Nicky Law did not want his player cup-tied.

Despite the shuffling of his pack, Kittrick’s side did force openings in the goalless first half.

Ciaran Toner fired over in the first minute and Andy Holdsworth shot just wide two minutes later.

Former Huddersfield Town player Holdsworth went close again midway through the half when he headed over from a Dave Merris cross.

Gavin Rothery had a shot deflected for a corner and Toner twice went close again before Joe O’Neill, who had replaced Forrest, put the last chance of the first half off target.

FC United had more possession after the break then they had enjoyed in the first period and it took Guiseley a while to create another opening.

Skipper Simon Ainge headed wide from a Holdsworth corner before the breakthrough finally came.

Rothery saw his 71st-minute shot parried by the visitors’ keeper but he netted at the second attempt – and later turned provider.

His good work and intelligent pass set up Lee Ellington and he put the result beyond doubt three minutes from time.

Lions spokesman Stuart Allen said: “We are in the hat, which the important thing.

“It wasn’t the most convincing performance, and the two early injuries disrupted us, but we did the job.

“They (FC United) had a lot of possession, especially in the second half, but they didn’t really have our defence in trouble and keeper Steven Drench had very little to do.”

5:30pm Sunday 11th December 2011 in Sport

By Ian Whiting

Injury-hit Guiseley in Trophy victory

2011-12-12T08:42:00.001Z

Source: Yorkshire Post

Guiseley shrugged off first-half injuries to striker Danny Forrest and midfielder Danny Boshell to gain a 2-0 victory over FC United of Manchester, at Nethermoor, and reach the second round.

Although Guiseley always looked the better side they had to wait until the 71st minute to open the scoring, Gavin Rothery doing it in style by giving three defenders the slip before shooting against a post and firing home the rebound.

Guiseley’s place in the next round was assured with four minutes left when Lee Ellington shot into the corner of the net after the visitors failed to clear a corner.

Yorkshire Post, Sports Monday, page 5 printed version. No online content

Noon KO Not Expected to Affect Crowd

2011-12-09T22:48:00.001Z

Source: Ilkley Gazette

Despite the noon kick-off, Guiseley chairman Phil Rogerson is expecting a bumper crowd for Saturday’s FA Carlsberg 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 Celtic and FC Halifax Town 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.”

Supporters Direct supports FC United's re-launched Community Shares scheme

2011-12-08T10:41:00.001Z

Source: Supporters Direct

FC United have re-launched their landmark Community Share Scheme for the development of their stadium and community facilities in Moston, North Manchester.

The scheme allows people to buy community shares to support the project without affecting the one member one vote structure of the club. The scheme has had advance approval to qualify for the Enterprise Investment Scheme, which means that you could earn 30% tax rebate (subject to personal circumstances) on investmnents of over £500.

To see the Offer Document, and further details about the project, please go to: www.fc-utd.co.uk/communityshares

FC United are seeking to raise £1.6m out of the total project cost of £4.5m from Community Shares, the first football club to do so and a model that Supporters Direct hopes other clubs will follow.

Tom Hall, Supporters Direct Head of Policy and Development, described the project as "a ground-breaking initiative. The use of Community Shares allows supporter owned clubs not only raise funds and improve their facilities, but to have a real impact on the communities that they serve. Supporters Direct have advocated their use in our 2011 development briefing papers, and we have also recently received funding to deliver nine Community Shares projects over the next two years. We fully support FC United's Moston scheme, and would urge all those who can to get behind it."

Form is with Guiseley going into big cup tie

2011-12-08T08:18:00.000Z

Source: The Advertiser

By Ian Whiting

The clash between Guiseley and FC United of Manchester at Nethermoor on Saturday in the first round of the Carlsberg FA Trophy is an appetising one.

There promises to be an atmosphere that will do justice to the big cup tie.

West Yorkshire Police have insisted on a noon kick-off to minimise disruption and potential trouble in and around the surrounding area but it is not an all- ticket game.

Guiseley are riding high in the Blue Square Bet North Division, having consolidated their third place with a midweek away win.

However, FC United are just outside the play-off zone, in seventh spot, in the Evo-Stik Premier.

FC United were just one game away from joining the Lions in the Conference League set up last season.

They beat Bradford Park Avenue at Horsfall in the play off semi-final before suffering defeat at Colwyn Bay.

Guiseley spokesman Stuart Allen said: “We finished Tuesday’s game with no new injuries and Danny Ellis came on for the last 15 or 20 minutes in his second game back from the ankle problem that kept him out for a long time.

“Danny Boshell missed the game with a groin injury, so is struggling, and Simon Baldry also had to sit that one out.

"They will be doubtful for the FA Trophy tie but the rest of the lads, even Mark Bower, seem to be in contention for places.

“Steve (manager Kittrick) will not be sure who is and who isn’t ready until he finds out if there were any reactions after tonight's final training session of the week.”

Former Bantams skipper Bower has also been sidelined with an ankle injury but has been involved with the rest of the players during the warm-up before the last two league games.

2:32pm Thursday 8th December 2011 in Guiseley

Guiseley chairman defends early Trophy kick off

2011-12-08T08:16:00.000Z

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

Chorley v FC United Manchester

2011-12-07T10:15:00.001Z

Source: Chorley Guardian

FC United Manchester 0 - 0 Chorley

Chorley’s players showed their fighting spirit to grab a point at FC United’s Gigg Lane ground in front of 2,000-plus fans.

The club’s cash crisis means the players haven’t been paid for nearly a fortnight, but there was no shortage of effort on Saturday, in a game which could have gone either way.

Both sides hit the woodwork, and Garry Flitcroft will have been impressed by the never-say-die spirit to keep FC United out.

Amid all revelations about their off-the-field problems over the club’s finances, the Magpies had to deal with an early onslaught, but the hosts wasted a few chances in the opening spell.

Things went from bad to worse for Chorley, as they lost the influential Jamie Vermiglio after 20 minutes with a suspected hamstring injury.

Striker Chris Denham failed to find the back of the net when his shot rolled wide of the goal, and watched as another effort was well-saved.

The final chance of the half fell to Adam Roscoe, as his free-kick rattled the crossbar.

Manager Flitcroft was forced to bring Andy Russell on in the place of skipper Andy Teague, who was struggling with a chest infection and tonsillitis.

The Magpies went close with chances for Denham and Wayne Maden, who put in a man-of-the-match display.

Chorley fans were brought to life when the hosts’ keeper controversially appeared to handle the ball outside the area, but the officials did not see it.

Maden became a more influential figure as the game progressed, and looked like the player he was before last season’s groin injury.

The last 10 minutes of the game were full of incident, as Shelton Payne replaced Steve Foster, and then striker Denham was given his marching orders after his second yellow of the afternoon.

Chorley survived a late scare as the woodwork rattled, following a powerful header from an FC United corner, but neither side could grab a winner.

Chorley: Russell Saunders, Mark Ross, Tom Ince, Andy Teague (capt), Wayne Maden, Jamie Vermiglio, Dale Whitham, Steve Flitcroft, Chris Denham, Steve Foster, Adam Roscoe. Subs: Andy Russell (for Teague), Matt Walwyn, Tom Williams (for Vermiglio), Shelton Payne (for Foster), Dean Porter

Attendance: 2,075

Published on Wednesday 7 December 2011 09:00

Honour for Karl Marginson

2011-12-06T11:23:00.000Z

Source: MEN

FC United boss Karl Marginson has been named Evo-Stik Premier manager-of-the-month after steering the Rebels to five wins and two draws in November.

Pick of the victories was FC’s FA Trophy triumph over neighbours Altrincham, which has earned them a first-round trip to Guiseley this weekend.

Lee Sinnott hopes Altrincham’s away-day blues are over

2011-12-05T11:18:00.001Z

Source: MEN

Relieved Altrincham manager Lee Sinnott was left praying the Robins have finally found a cure for their travel sickness after they recorded only their second away win of the season in beating FC Halifax 4-2.

Jack Redshaw’s double secured the points for Sinnott’s Blue Square Bet North promotion hopefuls after they’d earlier lost a two-goal lead provided by the division’s top scorer Damian Reeves, leaving him now just one short of 20 league goals.

Reeves would have had a hat-trick had his late penalty not been saved but, by then, the damage had already been done.

Sinnott said: “After a tricky November, it was nice to get back on the winning trail and very much like our only other away victory at Colwyn Bay, when we scored six.
“Our front two were very sharp and we looked dangerous for large parts of the game.

“It could have ended up 8-5 to us, but we’re pleased nevertheless.”

Meanwhile, FC United’s Evo-Stik Premier promotion battle with Garry Flitcroft’s Chorley at Gigg Lane ended goalless – a result which extends the Rebels’ unbeaten run in league and cup to nine games.

FC’s best chance fell to star striker Mike Norton early on, when he missed the target from a narrow angle after rounding Magpies’ keeper Russ Saunders.

But it was the visitors who came closest to snatching the points when Adam Roscoe’s blistering 30-yard free-kick rattled the crossbar.

Northwich stay level on points with leaders Chester following a 2-0 home win over Stocksbridge, while 10-man Ashton United survived Kevin Sanasy’s 53rd- minute dismissal to carve out a useful goalless draw at high-flying Hednesford.

Glossop North End’s dreams of a Wembley return in the FA Vase were shattered in a 2-1 third round home defeat to fellow NWCL title contenders Runcorn Town.

Ramsbottom were knocked off the league’s summit on goal difference by Bootle, despite beating Ashton Athletic 5-3.

Tony Glennon
December 05, 2011

MARGINSON, PARSLEY, HALLCRO AND ALBANS REWARDED

2011-12-05T09:50:00.001Z

Source: Non-league Daily

The Evo-Stik League Manager of the Month awards for November have gone to FC United of Manchester’s Karl Marginson, Neil Parsley of Farsley Celtic and Grantham Town’s joint management team of Wayne Hallcro and Jim Albans.

Marginson’s FC United won three and drew one of their four league fixtures in the month in addition to overcoming a tricky looking away tie in the FA Trophy at Durham City where they drew before winning the replay. In the next round of the Trophy FC United secured a well deserved win over Blue Square Bet North club Altrincham to finish with five wins and two draws in their seven games during November enabling Marginson to lift the top tier award.

Farsley Celtic started November with defeat against Skelmersdale United in what surprisingly transpired to be the only time in the month that “Skem” picked up maximum points. Parsley (pictured), however, regrouped his troops to reel off five successive league victories in the rest of the period to move in to play-off contention and take the Division One North award.

The joint Grantham Town management team of Wayne Hallcro and Jim Albans have been carrying all before them recently in the Division One South and their side reeled off six straight victories in the month to give themselves eleven successive three pointers and leave Grantham unbeaten in fifteen league outings going in to December.

FC United 0 Chorley 0

2011-12-05T09:36:00.001Z

Source: Chorley Citizen

Chorley cast aside their off-the-field cash-flow problems to produce a professional performance which stifled a well-drilled United side in a finely-balanced contest at Gigg Lane.

Given tremendous backing by some 200 supporters in a crowd of 2,075, the Magpies were good value for their point after weathering an early onslaught.

United’s Astley Mulholland fired wide from an inviting Lee Neville centre and then Dean Stott unaccountably missed the target after sidestepping Magpies’ keeper Russ Saunders.

As Chorley fought their way into the match, Chris Denham, racing onto a fine through pass, got the ball beyond keeper James Spencer but was unlucky to see it roll inches past the far post.

Then the lively Denham forced Spencer into an impressive diving save to keep out a fierce snap-shot.

The visitors’ best effort soon followed, a thunderous 25 yards’ free-kick by Adam Roscoe which rattled the bar with Spencer well beaten. But United were always dangerous and Saunders did well to change direction and grab a deflected shot from Neville.

Chorley withstood renewed home pressure after the break before hitting back through Denham whose powerful 20-yards’ drive was tipped over by Spencer. As the absorbing game entered its final quarter, United raised the tempo and Saunders alertly back-pedalled to hold a clever Mike Norton lob under the bar.

United came closest to breaking the deadlock six minutes from time when Matt Wolfenden’s header from a partially-cleared corner rebounded from the foot of a post.

In a Chorley breakaway in the first minute of added time, Denham burst into the box and went down under a token challenge. Harshly booked in the game’s first minute, Denham was given a second caution for ‘diving’ and shown the red card, an unfortunate finale to a highly creditable Chorley display in which centre-back Wayne Maden was outstanding.

8:54am Monday 5th December 2011 in Sport

Haytons saved by rival Selwyns in pre-pack deal

2011-12-05T08:27:00.001Z

Source: MEN

A family-run coach firm whose contracts include ferrying soccer teams and supporters around the country has been rescued by a larger north west rival in a pre-pack administration deal.

The sale of Haytons Executive Travel saves 60 jobs and means there will be no disruption to services operated by the firm.

Haytons, based in Gorton, Manchester, has been bought by Selwyns Travel Group, which has its headquarters in Cheshire and depots in Greater Manchester and on Merseyside.

Haytons, founded in 1984 by Barry Hayton, will continue to operate under its own name and with its existing management team.

It has a variety of contracts including ones with FC United, Stockport County, various soccer supporters’ clubs, National Express and the Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive. Turnover is nearly £5m.

The business was facing serious cash flow difficulties in the new year, which prompted its owners to seek a buyer.

Selwyns, which has its HQ in Runcorn and depots in Manchester,Liverpool and St Helens, employs more than 200 staff and has grown organically and through acquisition since its inception in 1968.

Chairman Selwyn Jones said: “I am extremely pleased to have been able to acquire the business with an enviable reputation, strong brand and market position within the Manchester area.

“The Haytons name will remain, as well as Barry and the existing management team.

“As a result of this acquisition, Selwyns Travel Group has an additional operational platform which will place us in an extremely strong position to further develop our business throughout the north west.”

The deal comes amid a period of consolidation in the sector as coach hire businesses grapple with soaring fuel prices and tough economic conditions.

Paul Stanley, a partner at Manchester-based Begbies Traynor, was appointed administrator and sold Haytons.

He said: “We have been able to save 60 jobs and sell the business as a going concern to another quality operator.”

He said the main issue in the sale process was satisfying Hayton's two biggest customers, the GMPTE and National Express, of the credentials of potential buyers.

Mr Stanley added: “Sensible negotiations between all parties have enabled a sale which will involve no disruption to services and no worry for passengers.

“This type of deal to an independent purchaser is a textbook example of how the pre-packed administration procedure should work.”

England’s Euro 2012 Krakow plans threaten future of Polish club

2011-12-04T11:11:00.002Z

Source: Sportingintelligence

By Nick Harris
SJA Internet Sports Writer of the Year
in Krakow

4 December 2012

The English FA’s decision to base themselves in Krakow during Euro 2012 may inadvertently lead to a local club, Hutnik Nowa Huta, going bust, according a senior local official, Sportingintelligence can reveal.

England’s training base will be the Stadion Suche Stawy (SSS), the council-owned home of a fourth division side, Hutnik.

The FA had to settle for this run-down facility, not endorsed by Uefa, because the Netherlands and Italy had already bagged the grounds of the two Polish top-flight clubs in Krakow – Wisla and Cracovia – as their 2012 bases.

The FA did the deal to rent the SSS directly with Krakow council, not Hutnik, and the deal stipulates nobody but England can play there between 1 February and 7 July 2012.

This means Hutnik will effectively be homeless from when the Polish league season resumes after the winter break in March until the end of the 2011-12 league campaign in June.

Hutnik are a fan-owned club, started last year after their predecessor club went bust. As a consequence, they don’t own their own ground but rent it – but the council got more money from the FA than Hutnik pay, and only dropped the bombshell on Hutnik in late October that they’re being evicted for half a season.

Hutnik are party to regular council planning meetings about England’s visit next summer, and at the latest, last week, suggestions were made about where Hutnik could go instead.

The council have suggested Hutnik groundshare during next Spring with Wanda Krakow of Poland’s eighth division (while the FA ‘own’ their home between February and July) but Hutnik’s vice-president, Adam Gliksman, exclusively told Sportingintelligence: ‘Wanda play in a speedway stadium, the pitch is awful and there is no electricity.

‘We have been hopeful of securing the one promotion place from our division this season because we’re in second place now. But being forced into a sub-standard stadium could hurt our chances on the pitch, and damage us financially if attendances and commercial income drop. Things are already tight financially.

‘I don’t blame the FA because I don’t know if the council even explained the consequences to them. I’m proud to think Hutnik’s home might help England do well at Euro 2012. But we were only told by the city council in October that someone else might be renting our stadium in the second half of the season and it was a shock.

‘Because of England’s deal we need to find somewhere else to play and it’s problematic. I am seriously concerned this will damage our promotion hopes. It might finish us.’

Gliksman, 34, whose day job is working for the Solidarity union made famous by human rights campaigner and Nobel Prize winner Lech Walesa, was instrumental in forming Hutnik Nowa Huta in 2010 as a fan-owned club, in the mould of FC United of Manchester and AFC Wimbledon.

Their 62-year-old predecessor club, Hutnik Krakow, went bust with debts of £1.5m, having been in the Polish top division and in the Uefa Cup (playing Thierry Henry’s Monaco) as recently as 1996-97.

The financial meltdown meant the council took ownership of the stadium, which is run on a day-to-day basis by Siemacha, a powerful local Catholic business organisation.

Hutnik’s budget is small but they operate as a community club with average gates of 1,000 this season. Ticket prices are £2 for adults and £1 for concessions but most of their income goes on rent to the council (£300 per game, £600 if floodlights are needed). Their best paid player earns £350 a month and most earn £100 a month.

The council, hurt that Krakow missed out on staging any Euro 2012 games, has done all it can instead to get big teams basing themselves in the city so it can promote Krakow as a Euro 2012 destination anyway. England, the Netherlands and Italy are good names to have. Hutnik’s fate is considered to be the acceptable the collateral damage.

Sinnott - We can push for promotion

2011-11-30T13:08:00.000Z

Source: MEN

Lee Sinnott is convinced the only thing stopping Altrincham mounting a push for promotion is a bout of travel sickness.

Altrincham were dumped out of the FA Trophy by Evo-Stik Premier FC United on Sunday, prompting chairman Grahame Rowley to issue a plea to supporters not to criticise Sinnott and his players.

The Robins have picked up just five points on their Conference North travels this season compared to six wins from nine games at Moss Lane.

And despite the disappointment at seeing the road to Wembley blocked by FC United, Sinnott believes a change of fortune on the road could see Altrincham challenge the league leaders in the new year.

"We’ve been together for five months and we’re looking to build something," said Sinnott, who replaced Ken McKenna in the summer.

"It takes time and it’s an on-going process.

"We’ve got 25 points in the league and we’re six points off the play-offs with a game in hand. Our away form just needs rectifying.

"You get the sense that people think there’s a little bit of doom and gloom. Form in this league can change very, very quickly. We know where we need to improve and things are going on behind the scenes to bring new people to the club.

"I’ve said to the players, we’ve just got to keep our heads down and work our way through it. It’ll make them better players for later in their careers. In the meantime, we’ve just got to keep our heads down and graft."

Sinnott was adamant Altrincham didn’t deserve to lose after watching FC United progress into the first round of the FA Trophy with a 2-1 win at Gigg Lane.

Carlos Roca’s fantastic 20-yard strike was cancelled out by Jack Redshaw’s second-half header before Mike Norton won it for United.

"I’m not the type of person who thinks, because FC are a league below us, we can just come here and do what we want to do for 90 minutes," said Sinnott, who takes his team to FC Halifax on Saturday.

"If you look at the balance of play, of course we should still be in the hat. But this is cup football and sometimes you don’t get what you deserve."

POINTS SHARED IN THE PREM

2011-11-30T10:05:00.000Z

Source: Non-league Daily

Only two matches went ahead in the Evo-Stik League Premier Division on Tuesday evening, and they both ended in 1-1 draws.

Sean Cooke gave Nantwich Town a ninth minute lead against FC United of Manchester from the penalty spot, but Michael Norton (pictured) rescued a point for United with nine minutes to go.

Elsewhere, Stocksbridge Park Steels took the lead through Jack Muldoon in the 16th minute of their match against Frickley Athletic, but the visitors levelled on 74 minutes through Bradley Grayson.

Kendal Town's scheduled match at home to Chester was postponed because of a waterlogged pitch.

Guiseley have big home tie in FA Trophy

2011-11-28T18:14:00.000Z

Source: Bradford Telegraph and Argus

Guiseley’s reward for their 7-0 thrashing of Eastwood Town in a Carlsberg FA Trophy tie at the weekend is a home draw against FC United of Manchester in the first round a week this Saturday.

Today’s draw handed the Lions home advantage against the club with the big support who came within one game of joining them in the Blue Square Bet North Division.

FC United, like Bradford Park Avenue, were in the play-offs last May and, after beating Avenue, they were themselves beaten in the final at Colwyn Bay.

FC Halifax Town are also still in the FA Trophy but face a replay against Colwyn Bay after the sides drew 0-0 in Wales on Saturday.

Should the Shaymen be successful tomorrow night they will host Blue Square Bet Premier Division club Lincoln City .

Guiseley are in action tomorrow, defending their West Riding County Cup when they host Harrogate Railway Athletic at Nethermoor.

Lions boss Steve Kittrick said: “The same players will be on duty. We only have the one squad and it is a small group of players because we don’t have a reserve side.”

Avenue also have a second-round tie and they will be heading to Glasshoughton Welfare.

Avenue should have more players available, with both Martin Drury and Ross Daly having served one-match bans at the weekend.

However, Bradford boss Deacey may decide not to change a winning side as they enjoyed a 4-0 away romp in the Evo-Stik Premier Division.

Liversedge must also travel as they were drawn away at Garforth Town.

The derby tie between Eccleshill United and Farsley AFC was due to be played tomorrow night but has been switched to Wednesday.

4:45pm Monday 28th November 2011
By Ian Whiting

FC United of Manchester 2 Altrincham 1

2011-11-28T11:47:00.002Z

Source: Messenger Newspapers

ALTRINCHAM slumped to their fifth defeat in six matches on Sunday with this loss to a team from a step lower down in the non-League pyramid.

Victory would have won the club £4,000 as well as progress to the next round of the FA Trophy.

After a reasonably bright start from Altrincham, United gradually got on top.

Their main attacking focus was their speedy left-winger and former Altrincham player, Carlos Roca. He put his side ahead just before half-time when the Rebels were given the benefit of the doubt about an offside decision. The ball came to Roca who fired into the top of the net from outside the box.

Having barely threatened a goal in the first half, Alty levelled the scores just seven minutes into the second half when Jack Redshaw, the shortest player on the pitch, was given a free header from a Nicky Clee corner from the right.

After this, with Alty having their best spell of the game, they made a couple of changes to their attack, as Twiss and Lawrie replaced Redshaw and Clee.

But it was FCUM who scored again, with 12 minutes remaining. This time Roca played a fine pass to another former Alty man, Astley Mulholland. His cross was headed home by centre-forward Mike Norton.

Despite a late flurry, in which Altrincham won four corners, FC United hung on to secure a tie in the first round proper of the FA Trophy.

ALTRINCHAM Coburn, Lees, Flynn, Williams (Watmore), Brown, Richman, Danylyk, Densmore (capt), Clee (Lawrie), Reeves, Redshaw (Twiss). Unused subs: Reid, Coombs

ROCA RETURNS TO HAUNT ALTY

2011-11-28T10:52:00.000Z

Source: Non-league Daily

Blue Square Bet North side Altrincham were dumped out of the FA Carlsberg Trophy by Evo-Stik League Premier Division side FC United of Manchester in a Third Qualifying Round tie on Sunday.

Former Alty player Carlos Roca (pictured) broke the deadlock with an excellent long-range shot to put FC United ahead.

Altrincham equalised when Jack Redshaw headed home.

But a Michael Norton header on 78 minutes gave United a 2-1 victory.

United we stand!

2011-11-25T09:32:00.002Z

Source: The FA

Big Trophy crowd expected as FC United host Altrincham.

FC United of Manchester have a chance to claim the scalp of a club steeped in non-League tradition when they face Altrincham in The FA Trophy on Sunday, according to their manager Karl Marginson.

One of the most intriguing Third RoundQualifying ties this weekend sees the meeting of two clubs separated by just ten miles - but poles apart when it comes to their history.

Altrincham - now playing in the Conference North - were formed in 1891 and boast a proud 120-year tradition that has featured them lifting The FA Trophy on two occasions and going as far as The FA Cup Fourth Round.

In contrast, FC United were born as recently as 2005 and have since enjoyed a steady rise through the non-League pyramid to the Northern Premier Division - one tier below their opponents.

"Altrincham, especially from the northern area, are one of the most famous non-League teams going and have a great heritage," Marginson told TheFA.com.

"We've only been going six years and having these games and these situations is really enjoyable - it's a great opportunity for everyone at the club.

"They are going to be favourites because they are in a higher league but we will look to compete and make sure the lads go out there and enjoy the occasion.

"It's a fantastic competition for non-League clubs and presents a real chance to play at Wembley, last year we had the great FA Cup run so let's hope for a repeat of that."

While awaiting the planning permission required to build their own stadium, FC United play their home games at Bury's Gigg Lane.

And, with near neighbours Manchester United playing on Saturday and Manchester City away at Liverpool on Sunday, Marginson is expecting a big crowd.

"There is a lot of local interest in the North-West and I would imagine there will be a few down there with it being on the Sunday," he added.

"Altrincham will bring a good few fans, our supporters will turn out in their numbers and you will get members of the public who have nothing else to do with their Sunday.

"The fans will have a bit of banter because it is a local derby and that will only add to the occasion. I'm sure it's going to be a great spectacle for everyone."

FC United Of Manchester v Altrincham
The FA Carlsberg Trophy
Third Round Qualifying
3pm, Sunday 27 November
Gigg Lane, Bury FC
Winning clubs receive £4000 from The FA's prize fund

By Giuseppi Muro - Friday, 25 November, 2011

Head boy Norton fires FC United to victory

2011-11-24T09:30:00.000Z

Source: MEN

Ten-man FC United shrugged off the 55th minute dismissal of Jimmy Holden to step up their Evo-Stik Premier promotion challenge with a hard-fought 1-0 win over visiting Kendal.

Mike Norton headed in what proved to be the only goal after just six minutes.

But Astley Mulholland's failure to convert a similar chance early in the second-half threatened to be costly when Holden saw red soon after for serious foul play.

Nevetheless, the Rebels held on comfortably for a win which takes them back up to sixth.

Meanwhile, Ashton United fell to a 38th minute goal scored by former Droylsden full-back Liam Brownhill in losing 1-0 at Chester.

Non-league round-up

2011-11-21T09:29:00.000Z

Edited from MEN

FC United stepped up their Evo-Stik Premier promotion challenge with a 3-2 victory at Worksop although it needed a 71st-minute Luke Shields own-goal to gift the Rebels the points after they’d lost a 2-0 half-time lead given them by Nicky Platt and Lee Neville.

FC United boss Karl Marginson has announced a backroom re-shuffle

2011-11-18T09:25:00.000Z

Edited from MEN

FC United boss Karl Marginson has announced a backroom re-shuffle in a bid to get more from his Rebels’ staff.

The move sees FC’s youth-team manager Chuks Akuneto promoted to first-team coach, with Dave Brown replacing him in charge of the club’s juniors.

Akuneto’s step-up means assistant Roy Soule will no longer need to regularly work alongside him on matchdays.

Soule will instead team up with United’s head of player development Darren Lyons in finding and nurturing young talent while also assessing future opponents.

Marginson said: “I’ve thought long and hard about these changes and feel they will help us take greater advantage of the individual strengths within my backroom team.

“Chuks’ primary responsibility will be for training and tactics, freeing up Souley to make better use of his years of experience in scouting and reporting on teams.”

FC, unbeaten in five, will be out to add further weight to their Evo-Stik Premier promotion assault with victory at Worksop.

Mickleover 0 FC United 2

2011-11-17T09:21:00.005Z

Source: Bury Times

TWO goals in two first-half minutes from Astley Mulholland completed a great week for FC United.

The forward came off the substitutes’ bench to score in Wednesday night’s FA Trophy replay win against Durham.

And he was back among the goals as his quickfire double moved the Rebels up to seventh in the Evo-Stik Premier Division.

Against Durham, Michael Norton, Jimmy Holden and Mulholland were on target in the 3-1 extra-time victory.

10:00am Thursday 17th November 2011

Durham City boss Dickie Ord is very frustrated

2011-11-15T07:44:00.000Z

Source: Newcastle Evening Chronicle

THE curse of the Manager of the Month Award has struck Durham City boss Dickie Ord after his side’s winless run stretched to four games.

After exiting the Durham Challenge Cup in a 4-3 defeat at home to Su nderland RCA, City took FC United of Manchester to a replay in the FA Trophy.

Wednesday’s extra-time defeat at Gigg Lane was then followed by a 2-0 defeat at title-chasing Curzon Ashton.

After winning every game in October, Durham have yet to taste victory this month and have slipped to seventh – while unbeaten Ashton have taken over at the top.

Durham paid the price for two defensive lapses at the Tameside Stadium, though there was only one goal in it until the closing stages of the game.

Both high-fliers had early chances, but Curzon’s Chris McDonagh shot into the side netting and City defender Ross Wilkinson put a free header wide.

The home side were ahead after 37 minutes with a simple goal from Kristian Dennis, who tapped home after James Winter failed to hold on to a Sam Walker shot.

That changed Ord’s half-time team talk, with Durham now behind against a side which had won 12 and drawn two of its opening 14 league games.

The first goal was always going to be crucial, though Elliott Cutts spurned a chance to put Durham back into the game early in the second half.

Winter then kept the Citizens in it with saves from Andy Watson and Walker, but it was all over 12 minutes from time.

Wilkinson could only turn McDonagh’s cross from the right into his own net and against a side which had conceded only nine league goals there was no way back.

Durham City now have a free week to prepare for the visit of 13th-placed Salford City this weekend.

Nov 14 2011,
Evening Chronicle

Non-league round-up: Hyde ease past Boston

2011-11-15T07:42:00.002Z

Source: MEN

Hyde boss Gary Lowe insisted they and neighbours Stalybridge Celtic can make it a straight fight between themselves for the Blue Square Bet North title after the Tameside pair moved further clear at the top with identical 2-0 victories.

Lowe’s table-topping Tigers maintained their two-point lead over their Bower Fold foes with goals by Shelton Payne (48 minutes) and Danny Broadbent (70) securing them a fourth successive win as they triumphed over Boston in Lincolnshire.

And Jim Harvey’s similarly slick Celts are now a massive 11 points ahead of third-placed Gainsborough after they comfortably saw off nine-man Histon with Phil Marsh scoring twice to sink the Cambridgeshire visitors.

Lowe, whose resurgent Hyde side can open up a five-point gap by winning at Hinckley tonight, said: “We’re delighted to have come away from a tough place with another victory and clean-sheet.

“It’s also good to see the likes of Gainsborough and Guiseley both dropping points.

“Stalybridge and ourselves now have a nice little cushion and, who knows, it could be between just the two of us all the way.”

Meanwhile, Altrincham missed a chance to climb into the play-off places and instead drop two spots to eighth after crashing to a 3-0 defeat at Worcester.

The Robins, who were without manager Lee Sinnott due to a family bereavement, were second-best for long periods of the game.

But things could have been so different had their 16-goal top scorer Damian Reeves not fluffed an early scoring opportunity.

Droylsden moved level on points with Alty in ninth but needed an 89th minute Danny Rowe equaliser to rescue a 1-1 draw at Vauxhall Motors.

Managerless Stockport suffered further Blue Square Bet Premier heartache as they were beaten 2-1 at Ebbsfleet. County, making their first league appearance under caretaker boss Willie McStay in the wake of Didi Hamann’s exit, looked to be on their way to a vital win after skipper Nick Chadwick had put them ahead from the penalty spot.

But two goals in the final ten minutes saw County lose again.

FC United stepped up their Evo-Stik Premier promotion challenge with Astley Mulholland’s quickfire brace giving them a 2-0 victory at Mickleover.

The former Flixton and Altrincham striker struck twice in two minutes midway through the first-half to ensure the Rebels kept up their chase on the leading pack. Leaders Northwich preserved their three-point advantage at the top of the table with Tom Field hitting two in their 3-0 romp at Rushall.

Third-placed Chorley lost ground in being held to a goalless draw by visiting Stocksbridge, while Ashton United lost 1-0 at Chasetown. Curzon Ashton returned to the top of the Evo-Stik North, and stretched their unbeaten start to 15 games by beating Durham 2-0 at the Tameside Stadium.

Jon Robinson was Ramsbottom’s match-winner as they pipped Runcorn Linnets 2-1 to stay tucked in behind NWCL frontrunners Runcorn Town.

Big week for Town

2011-11-13T01:37:00.000Z

Source: Retford Today

SATURDAY’S big game marks the start of a big week for Worksop Town.

A derby game against a bogey side will be followed by TWO midweek matches in the space of 24 hours, then a visit from FC United of Manchester and their hordes of fans.

Simon Clark’s Tigers travel to Matlock Town on Saturday, a side who have often given them trouble.

Tuesday brings a League Cup game at Belper Town and on Wednesday South Kirkby visit Sandy Lane in the Sheffield Senior Cup.

FC United should bring the biggest crowd of the season to Worksop the following Saturday.

Tigers are in red hot form having made it nine games unbeaten under Clark on Wednesday, when they ousted Radcliffe Borough from the FA Trophy.

But in his post-match interview with the Guardian, Clark issued a statement that may serve as a warning to the rest of the league – this Worksop Town side is not yet the finished article.

“We’ve got a lot more to come,” said the former Stamford boss.

“We need to get them on the training ground but we can’t do the sessions we want to at match tempo because we have so many games in November.”

“Tonight we’ve had Michael Jacklin out, Owain Warlow out, Jamie Jackson out with illness, Luke Sharry coming back from injury and Chris Wood playing left-back when he’s not a left-back.”

“Matlock will be a test for us, but we ought to have a full squad.”

The manager has added to the ranks this week, bringing in striker Gary King from Stamford and taking Gavin Allott on loan from Guiseley.

He paid tribute to club owner Jason Clark for allowing him to sculpt a squad that fits his needs, and the demands of the packed fixture list.

“The chairman has been magnificent,” he said. “We’ve now got a Trophy squad and a league squad.”

And he admits that he’ll have to draft in players from the ‘junior’ section to cope with next week’s midweek double header.

“The lads who start on Tuesday will come and do a cool down on the pitch on Wednesday while we’re warming up for South Kirkby,” he explained. “We’ll drag seven or eight in from the Under 19s hopefully for that game.”

“We’re out to win it, but more so it’s a great opportunity for me to see what the Under 19s are about, and it’s good for the club to have them involved.”

l For reports from the FA Trophy tie, and the replay that earned Tigers a third qualifying round clash at home to Curzon Ashton on 26th November, along with an interview with Gary King, see pages 78 & 79.

Published on Friday 11 November 2011 13:00

FC United 3 Durham City 1

2011-11-10T15:43:00.000Z

Source: MEN

FC United booked an FA Trophy third qualifying-round date with Altrincham by seeing off Durham at the second attempt at Gigg Lane.

But the Rebels needed extra-time to secure their passage with substitutes Jimmy Holden and Astley Mulholland each scoring in the added half-hour to earn them a 3-1 victory.

Mike Norton put them in front in the first half but Amar Purewal poked Durham level soon after the break.

:: Witton Albion secured a Trophy trip to Droylsden with Anthony Sheehan, Alex Titchiner, Daniel Andrews and Josh Hancock on target in a 4-1 romp over Leek.

Radcliffe crashed 2-0 at Worksop, who next host Curzon Ashton.

Durham City suffer FA Trophy agony

2011-11-10T15:22:00.000Z

Source: Newcastle Evening Chronicle

TWO extra-time goals ended brave Durham City’s FA Trophy hopes in front of a 672 crowd at Gigg Lane last night.

The Citizens took FC United of Manchester all the way in their second qualifying round replay after the two sides had drawn 1-1 at New Ferens Park.

The Reds, a league above Durham in the Evo-Stik Premier, led through Mike Norton’s header on the half-hour.

However, the gutsy visitors were always in the tie and levelled through Amar Purewal early in the second half.

Either side could then have won it but it was not until the last minute of extra-time that Astley Mulholland clinched the tie with United’s third.

A 3-1 defeat was harsh on Dickie Ord’s side, who nevertheless picked up useful money from a share of the gates in the two Trophy ties.

Norton put United ahead when he headed home Lee Neville’s cross.

Durham, though, were back in it when Stephen Thompson set up Amar Purewal to level.

City were unlucky not to go ahead, while James Winter saved well from Kyle Jacobs and Mulholland blazed over the bar.

Thompson almost won it for City five minutes from time, but his free-kick from just outside the box was tipped past the post by Spencer.

Holden then put the Reds ahead seven minutes into extra-time with a header and then Mulholland sealed a third-qualifying-round derby against Altrincham with a 120th-minute goal.

Durham City next face a top-six Evo-Stik North clash with Curzon Ashton on Saturday.

Read More http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/non-league-football/2011/11/10/durham-city-suffer-fa-trophy-agony-72703-29751578/#ixzz1dJfkZiCx

Durham City 1 FC United 1

2011-11-10T15:21:00.000Z

Source: Bury Times

FC United got a second bite of the FA Trophy cherry after drawing their second qualifying round tie at Durham City on Saturday.

Mike Norton put the Rebels in front just before half time, but the lead was short lived with David Dowson equalising for the home side two minutes after the restart.

The winners of last night’s Gigg Lane replay will have a home tie with Conference North side Altrincham in the next round on Saturday, November 26.

Dickie Ord wants spirit of 2009 to inspire Durham City

2011-11-09T15:18:00.000Z

Source: Sunderland Echo

Published on Wednesday 9 November 2011 13:30

DURHAM City boss Dickie Ord will remind his players of a memorable March day two years ago when he gives his pre-match talk at tonight’s FA Trophy replay against FC United of Manchester at Gigg Lane, Bury.

It was then that City won for the first time in the Evo-Stik League Premier Division and Ord remembers the occasion very well.

Ord, right, said: “We hadn’t won a match all season. The main sponsor had pulled the plug, most of the squad had left and the club was really struggling on and off the field.

“We were fielding a team of kids week-in and week-out and went to Bury with everybody predicting another hiding.

“But what a day it turned out to be. We won 2-1 and although we managed just two victories all season, that was a result to savour. It was one of the best feelings I’ve had in football.

“We did it then and there’s no reason why we cannot repeat the result tonight.

“I thought we deserved to defeat them at the first attempt on Saturday, but a couple of decisions didn’t go our way, so we are certainly up for the task tonight.”

Ord is sweating, though, on the availability of centre-half Ross Wilkinson, who is unsure whether he will be able to travel because of work commitments.

“The bus leaves at 3.30pm and I’ll wait until the very last minute for Ross.

“His absence would be a massive blow since he has been in outstanding form,” added Ord, who expects Stephen Thompson to come through a fitness test.

Washington will aim to arrest a losing sequence when they line up with Shildon at the Nissan Sports Complex in the Second Round of the Brooks Mileson Memorial Cup.

Manager Richie Latimer, who is looking to strengthen the squad, welcomes the return of Nicky Evans and John Lydon.

Birtley Town, who moved into third in Division Two at the weekend, could upset the odds at First Division Guisborough Town, who have slipped into the relegation zone.

A close result is anticipated at Waterhouses, where Esh Winning have home advantage over Second Division leaders Team Northumbria, whose recent results have been erratic.

In contrast, Spennymoor are enjoying a rich vein of form and they are firm favourites to go through at Morpeth Town.

Easington Colliery, now fourth-from-bottom in the Second Division, are at home to Hebburn in the Ernest Armstrong Memorial Cup.

Manager Mark Proudlock has yet to announce his starting line-up.

Manchester holding no fear for Durham City

2011-11-09T15:17:00.001Z

Source: Chester Chronicle

DURHAM CITY go to FC United of Manchester tonight without fear, Ross Wilkinson says.

The New Ferens Park outfit held their Evo Stik Premier opponents to a 1-1 draw in Saturday’s FA Trophy second qualifying round clash.

They replay at Gigg Lane this evening, and City skipper Wilkinson believes they do so buoyed by their weekend performance.

“We’re quite confident going down there,” Wilkinson said.

“We were really pleased with Saturday’s performance, especially the second half when I thought we fought hard.

“In the first half we stood off them a little bit, and let them get the ball down but in the second half we were in their faces and I think we could have won if we’d pushed on a little bit harder.

“We had a couple of good chances, and I had a goal disallowed, which I thought was a bit harsh, I thought I was onside.

“I felt if the game had gone on a little bit longer we would have won it.

“In the end, we settled for the draw. Against a team from the league above us, that’s a good result.

“Now we’ve got an excellent chance going down there to Gigg Lane.

“We’ve got to go there with confidence, start the game like we finished on Saturday and we might surprise a few people.

“Spirits are high at the club right now, the banter and morale are good.

“Dickie (Ord) gets us fired up for every game, and as long as we can keep this squad together and everybody fit, I think we can give it a good push in the Trophy and in the league.

“The money involved in the Trophy is obviously very important for a club like this, and the further we go in the competition the higher the standard of the opposition.

“People work their backsides off here to keep the club afloat so it’s important we keep our good form going.

“Two years ago the team that kept the club going won down there so it’ll be good to go back. If we play like we did on Saturday we’ll have a good chance.

“They’ll expect to win but there’s no fear among us, and nothing to lose.”

Meanwhile, City vice-chairman Ian Walker added: “We’ve got to take confidence from Saturday’s game.

“When you look at FC United, the spin-off of Manchester United, they’ve got big support but haven’t forgotten what we did down there two seasons ago when we went down and beat them 2-1 with a bunch of kids.

“That shows where we’ve come from, we’ve risen from the ashes and I think they respect us for that.

“We’re getting recognised now across the north of England and we’ll go there on Wednesday with confidence.

“If we’ve got a strong squad I firmly believe we can give them a good run for their money and pick up a win.”

by Steve Brown, Evening Chronicle
Nov 9 2011

Robins wait in wings for Rebels

2011-11-08T13:07:00.000Z

Source: MEN

FC United have landed a plum home tie with non-League neighbours Altrincham in the FA Trophy’s third and final qualifying-round on Saturday November 26.

First, the Rebels must beat Durham City in a replay at Gigg Lane tomorrow (7.45pm).

Stalybridge Celtic will launch their Trophy assault with a trip to Droylsden’s recent FA Cup conquerors Blyth Spartans.

The Bloods, meanwhile, will entertain either Witton or Leek, while Hyde will visit Matlock or Hednesford.

Other ties will see Curzon Ashton visiting either Worksop or Radcliffe and Northwich Victoria hosting Ilkeston. Stockport County, as members of Blue Square Bet Premier, don’t enter the Trophy until its first-round stage.

Hyde had to wait nearly an hour longer than they had planned to knock Tameside neighbours Stalybridge Celtic off the top of Blue Square Bet North. The Tigers' clash with bottom-of-the-table Blyth Spartans at Ewen Fields last night kicked off 50 minutes late after the match officials were held up in traffic en route to the game.

But Hyde made light of the delay with Adam Griffin's 27th minute strike securing a 1-0 win.

Durham City have to see reds again after cup draw

2011-11-08T13:05:00.000Z

Source: Sunderland Echo

DURHAM City will have to make another attempt to see off FC United of Manchester on Wednesday night after a thrilling FA Trophy tie, writes Malcolm Pratt.

A pulsating, end-to-end contest at New Ferens Park finished 1-1.

City’s biggest crowd of the season was still a disappointing 533, considering the visitors expected at least 1,000 to make the journey to the North East. However, those who did turn up were not let down, with thrills and spills at both ends.

City’s Stephen Thompson was dispossessed and Michael Norton tried to lob into an empty net after goalkeeper James Winter had raced to the edge of the box to try and intercept the ball.

Gary Brown then headed over from a Thompson cross and United’s Kyle Jacobs forced a double save from Winter.

A superb challenge by Ross Wilkinson prevented Norton from getting in a shot and visiting goalkeeper James Spencer was forced to concede a corner, with David Dowson through on goal.

A ding-dong first half ended with United taking the lead on 45 minutes.

A free kick by Carlos Roca found Norton, who drove into an empty net.

City’s disappointment lasted only a couple of minutes, however, when Dowson deservedly equalised with a spectacular effort in off the far post.

The pattern of the first half continued into the second. Amar Purewal went close for Durham, but only a brilliant block by Jonathan Davis prevented United’s Astley Mulholland from capitalising in front of an open goal.

City, however, went even closer 20 minutes from time as Thompson rattled the woodwork, with United goalkeeper Spencer nowhere in sight.

Two minutes later Mulholland missed an open goal, so the sides must try again on Wednesday.

Durham City: J Winter, Stephenson, Madden, Davis, Wilkinson, Arjun Purewal, Cutts (Greulich-Smith), Brown, Dowson, Thompson (Home Jackson), Amar Purewal.

Ref: Mr Tony Peart. Att: 533.

Not what you'd egg-spect: Manchester's latest craze

2011-11-08T12:46:00.000Z

Source: Daily Mail

Manchester City fans need no egging on when it comes to strange or quirky - just look at the Poznan, the bouncing, backwards celebration they adopted from Poland.

And now a popular but odd snack named the 'Manchester Egg' is the latest fad to make its way to the Etihad Stadium.

The snack, a pickled egg surrounded by Bury black pudding, coated in breadcrumbs and then deep-fried, will be sold on match days after taking the Manchester Food and Drink Festival by storm.

Inventor and amateur chef Ben Holden said: 'I don’t think you can surpass the meat pie, but it’s about time football fans had another option.

'I think the Manchester Egg is perfect for eating on the hoof while walking to the match, washed down with a pint.

'We were overwhelmed by the success of the stall at the food and drink festival, and we’ve been looking for loads of ways to take it to a wider audience including at City.'

Although Blues fans will be able to buy the egg from December before and after matches at City Square, home of Marco Pierre White's Blue Moon Cafe, it is not for City mouths only.

The egg was well received by FC United fans before a recent home match, selling out in 15 minutes, while Manchester United fans are also invited to try it.

Neil Worcester, head of catering operations for Manchester City, told the Manchester Evening News: 'The north-west boasts some of the finest produce in the country and Manchester City prides itself on promoting locally-sourced ingredients across all our catering.'

Not somebody to put all his eggs in one basket, Worcester added: 'The Manchester Egg is one of many locally-produced products that will be featured in our match-day offering in City Square.'

By Rik Sharma
Last updated at 3:07 PM on 3rd November 2011

David Dowson delight with his 'fluke'

2011-11-07T13:02:00.002Z

Source: Newcastle Evening Chronicle

DAVID DOWSON admits the goal that earned Durham City an FA Trophy second qualifying round replay at FC United of Manchester on Wednesday was a fluke.

But the former Sunderland starlet insists another stab at the Evo Stik Premier outfit is the least his side deserves.

Though City trailed to Mike Norton’s 45th-minute goal at New Ferens Park on Saturday, they struck back through Dowson’s intended cross.

And though unfortunate not to claim victory with a string of late chances, Dowson believes Durham go to Gigg Lane in midweek full of confidence.

“I thought we were very unlucky, we had enough chances to win it,” Dowson said.

“Their keeper made a couple of good saves and we had a couple cleared off the line, and overall I think we gave a good account of ourselves.

“In a way, we’re disappointed. But we feel we’ve done ourselves justice.

“We’re coming off the back of a good few wins, confidence is high and I think that showed in our performance.

“They’re from the league above us, so we take encouragement from that. We knew they were going to be a challenge, we showed them respect but not too much.

“We just felt that if we went out and gave it a right good go, we fancied our chances.”

On his goal – a right-wing cross that looped over FC United keeper James Spencer – Dowson added: “I’ll be honest, it was a bit of a cross.

“It came off the side of my foot and ended up in the net, so happy days. They all count.”

Skipper Mike Norton strikes to keep Rebels’ dreams alive

2011-11-07T13:00:00.001Z

Source: MEN

FC United kept their Wembley dreams alive with a 1-1 draw at Durham City securing them an FA Trophy second qualifying-round replay at Gigg Lane on Wednesday.

The Rebels were made to work hard by their lesser-ranked opponents, who quickly replied after skipper Mike Norton had turned in Carlos Roca’s free-kick in the 44th minute.

Durham drew level within two minutes of the re-start when a mishit cross by dangerman David Dowson somehow found its way past United keeper Scott Spencer.

Both teams then contrived to waste a string of chances, Astley Mulholland missing FC’s best with a shot which sailed over.

Curzon Ashton progressed at the first attempt but needed a late Chris McDonagh goal to knock out Belper after the visitors had threatened to snatch a replay by cancelling out Sam Walker’s 36th minute opener.

Northwich, too, needed no second invitation to ease past Buxton, crushing their Evo-Stik Premier rivals 3-0.

Radcliffe and Witton Albion face replays, but Salford and Woodley both crashed out.

Ashton United were held 1-1 by visiting FA Cup heroes Nantwich in Evo-Stik Premier, while Garry Flitcroft’s Chorley missed a chance to go top, losing 1-0 at Rushall Olympic.

Trafford climbed to sixth in Evo-Stik North, Michael Oates hitting a hat-trick in their 4-1 romp at Clitheroe.

Ramsbottom had a pair of two-goal stars in Andrew Dawson and Lee Gaskell as they thrashed Squires Gate 4-0 to march to the top of the North West Counties League.

Durham City 1 FC United of Manchester 1

2011-11-06T12:57:00.000Z

Source: Sunday Sun

THERE were fireworks at Durham yesterday. No literally, FC United’s fans turned New Ferens into the San Siro with some final-whistle flares.

During the game, it was just as explosive.

After an incendiary enough first half with little to choose between the two sides but Mike Norton’s 45th-minute goal, the second 45 ignited into a cacophony of incident.

City rocketed back into contention moments after the break through David Dowson, and though both sides had chances to win it, the hosts can take heart from having had more of the better.

And they can take heart too, from having outplayed in spells, a side from the league above them.

So while the curse of manager-of-the-month – defeat and this draw since six straight wins, won it for Dicky Ord, who prefers to call it ‘club-of-the-month’ – has yet to fully subside, Durham are still in with a shout for £3,000 prize money, and the cut from Wednesday’s replay gate at Gigg Lane should add a tidy sum.

On and off the pitch, City are – after a tough time – on their uppers. Even president Asbery’s jokes are getting better.

His side were unfortunate first half not to lead, Ross Wilkinson’s header well saved by James Spencer, who then denied Dowson one-on-one.

At the other end James Winter pushed away Kyle Jacobs’ firm, 20-yard effort, and saved comfortably from Carlos Roca and Norton.

So it came as a considerable blow when, moments before the interval, Roca hung a free-kick into the area, Winter collided with Lee Neville – a Manc Neville, they’re everywhere – and Norton tapped into the vacated net.

So what, say City.

For after sausages, sausage rolls and Scotch eggs – cholesterol, pah! – I just made it back to my post in time to see Dowson bolt down the right and, from a narrow angle, slice an intended cross over Spencer and in.

If it was lucky, Durham deserved such fortune. Thereafter, it deserted them.

On the hour, Amar Purewal ghosted into the six-yard box but from point-blank range stabbed straight at Spencer, and minutes later – after Elliot Cutts was grounded, no pen – Stephen Thompson’s free-kick struck the foot of the post and Purewal was again denied by the FC United keeper.

Before then Adam Jones headed on to the crossbar for the visitors and Ashley Mulholland ought to have done better than smash a loose ball in the City box well over. With 10 minutes remaining Wilkinson fired in from another Thompson free-kick, but was adjudged offside.

But while that and other spurned chances may have left Durham feeling somewhat aggrieved, there was much more from which to be encouraged.

So replay Wednesday. Expect more fireworks.

DURHAM: Winter, Stephenson, WILKINSON, Arjun Purewal, Madden, Cutts (Greulich-Smith 84), Davis, Brown, Amar Purewal, Thompson (Home-Jackson 83), Dowson.

FC UNITED: Spencer, Stott (Deegan 74), Jones, Stones, Jacobs, ROCA, Cottrell, Carr (Platt 90), Neville, Wolfenden (Mulholland 34), Norton.

Attendance: 533.

Referee: Tony Peart (Northallerton).

Nov 6 2011 by Steve Brown, Sunday Sun

FA Trophy round up

2011-11-05T12:55:00.007Z

Source: The FA

There were 36 Second Round Qualifying ties on Saturday.

The FA Carlsberg Trophy
Second Round Qualifying
Saturday 5 November 2011
Winning clubs receive £3,000 from The FA's prize fund

The FA Cup took a backseat to The FA Carlsberg Trophy on Saturday, with 36 ties up and down the country in the Second Round Qualifying.

Teams need to negotiate just one more qualifying round before the Football League's big names come calling - but Radcliffe Borough will need win their replay with Worksop Town to reach that stage after the sides drew 1-1 in Saturday's early kick-off.

Radcliffe were indebted to Dave Sherlock, whose penalty snatched a draw to set up a replay at Worksop this Wednesday.

Chippenham Town and Mangotsfield will also have to do it all again as the sides played out an entertaining 1-1 draw.

Northwich Victoria are there, though, as they cruised to a 3-0 win over Buxton and Joe Francis was among the scorers as Lowestoft beat Hitchin Town 3-1 away from home.

Billericay Town beat St. Neots Town 2-0 and Chester also advanced with the same scoreline as they beat Stafford Rangers, while Brackley Town beat Hemel Hempstead Town 3-2 away from home.

Elsewhere, FC United battled to a 1-1 draw at Durham City and the teams will face each other in a replay.

Durham City set for big crowd

2011-11-04T12:53:00.005Z

Source: Sunderland Echo

DURHAM City will have their biggest gate of the season at New Ferens Park tomorrow with FC United of Manchester expected to bring at least 1,000 spectators.

“It should be a cracking occasion,” said manager Dickie Ord. “They have a terrific fan base and hopefully we can put on a good show.

“I know we lost to Sunderland RCA in the Durham Challenge Cup on Tuesday night but I wasn’t too disappointed.

“Yes, there was a lack of concentration which cost us goals but there were a lot of tired legs out there following last Saturday’s game on a heavy pitch at Mossley.”

Before Tuesday’s result, City had won six Evo Stik League Division One North games on the bounce and Ord is confident his side will quickly return to winning form.

He added: “We were going great so there’s no reason whatsoever why we cannot keep up our challenge for at least a play-off place.

“I should have everybody available. Steven Thompson took a knock on Tuesday but should be okay and I’ve also re-signed Josh Home Jackson, who has returned from Greece and he goes straight into the squad.”

Published on Friday 4 November 2011 13:30

Sir Alex Ferguson's fascinating relationship with the press

2011-11-04T12:48:00.000Z

Source: Belfast Telegraph

From slanging matches to bunches of flowers

It is a sign of the way things have changed that there were eight minutes of skirting the subject yesterday before someone actually summoned the courage to ask Sir Alex Ferguson about the 25th anniversary of his arrival at Old Trafford.

The word was out that he did not want to dwell on this topic – or was "nae getting into all that" to cite the response which has become his catchphrase – though since 700 of his closest friends will celebrate this silver jubilee overlooking the Old Trafford cricket pitch tonight, it may equally be a case of him not caring to give those who chart his life in newsprint the satisfaction of a story. "You f***ing sell your paper and radio shows off the back of this club," as he said, eight years ago.

"I'm nae going to get into all that," Ferguson replied when the BBC, only restored to his press conferences two months ago, took the plunge. "All I'm going to say is I've been very fortunate to have some of the best players in the game. When I look back at these players I say to myself 'how fortunate I am'." But that wasn't the finish of it. The Manchester United manager's full reflections are reserved for tomorrow's newspaper but as he sat back, gazed into the pale sunshine illuminating the Carrington training complex and talked, you could have heard a pin drop. Very few questions were required, just the odd prompt for the most disarming and engaging manager in football – when the mood and the subject take him.

It is not always like this, of course. It is not even often like this. Ferguson's press conferences in United's nondescript youth academy building are generally prickly and fairly desperate affairs: a process of seeking to extract a meagre few beads of information from a man who does not need a good press and does not need to be here. His 10-minute audiences are actually a lot easier than Kenny Dalglish's. He goes in for monosyllabism and irritation, but rarely his compatriot's mockery.

But since Ferguson relocated this event across the car park from the main Carrington building in 2005 – punishment for the verbatim reporting of a press conference which he stormed out of after 74 seconds and 85 words – it has become an increasingly monochrome affair. Ferguson insisted when imposing this regime that everything he said must be filmed and, though he was persuaded two years ago that the daily newspapers' questions should not be transmitted on screens until they are published, it is a very different world. Daniel Taylor's This is the One, an excellent and affectionate portrayal of Ferguson republished for this anniversary, offers a reminder of how Ferguson waltzed down Carrington's central staircase, tanned and healthy after a few days in Malta with Lady Cathy, singing an old Josef Locke song to Kath, his receptionist. "Hear my song, Violetta, hear my song beneath the moon..." That was six years ago and yet somehow also a lifetime.

This was the Alex Ferguson encountered in 1986 by David Meek, chronicler of his actions at the Manchester Evening News and also the ghostwriter of his programme notes all these years. For Meek, the arrival of the new man from Aberdeen was a "breath of fresh air" – delivering a more accommodating manager than Sir Matt Busby, Wilf McGuinness, Frank O'Farrell, Tommy Docherty, Dave Sexton or Ron Atkinson had ever been – though Atkinson was a little more media-minded. It helped that Ferguson was an evening newspaperman's dream – installed at The Cliff training ground by 8am and and ready to take a call to hit first edition deadlines – and aware of the need for a fresh line from the nationals.

The propensity to erupt was also there from the start. The first spot of bother for Meek came when Ferguson took his players for a day trip to the SAS headquarters in Hereford, at the instigation of the club's head of security Ned Kelly, who had served with the regiment. One of the MEN news reporters got wind of the story, Ferguson asked the paper not to publish – fearing that his club would become a target for the then active IRA – but the paper went ahead anyway.

Ferguson effectively severed all relations with Meek when the reporter decided to meet the problem head on at Old Trafford, where the players were training just before Christmas. Ferguson spotted him. "The Manchester Evening News is finished at this club," he bellowed and marched away up the slope to the top of tunnel. He was out of breath, at the top, when Meek caught up with him. "OK. If that's how you feel, then Merry Christmas," he retorted as another Glaswegian volley came his way. Meek was marching past him when Ferguson's arm came out. "Nothing personal, you know!" Ferguson said, a smile breaking across his face.

It is a brave individual who puts Ferguson's club at risk but fire is always best met with fire where Ferguson is concerned. That much was also revealed when a recent dispute with one of the few journalists he engages with – all of his own vintage – was recently settled by his text message offering a racing tip. The Evening News's own relationship with Ferguson was not helped by the 1995 readers' poll asking whether he should resign – the answer was yes – though the paper almost got away with it. The manager was holidaying in the United States at the time and did not appear to have spotted the story until someone pointed it out. The relationship remained good enough in 2003 for Meek's successor, Stuart Mathieson, to have a Good Friday lie-in disturbed at 8.45am. Ferguson was on the line, asking a bleary Mathieson: "Are you in bed?" and barking: "What the fuck is a day off?" before declaring he had a story to offer, involving United's side in a bitter dispute with Arsenal over Sol Campbell's dismissal for an elbow at Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. It was the local paper's series of articles on the breakaway FC United which severed the long, significant relationship.

Meek is one of many journalists to have known Ferguson's compassion. After illness forced him to break off from 16 years of uninterrupted programme notes, he arrived at hospital to find a huge bouquet. He was convalescing at home a week later when the phone rang. There were no words of introduction down the line, just a growl declaring: "The Scottish beast is on its way!" Ferguson was at Meek's door in 20 minutes. The same went for John Bean, the former Daily Express journalist who after a heart attack awoke in hospital to find flowers and a note. "What have you been doing to yourself, you silly old tap dancer?" There has been professional empathy, too. When Mathieson was estranged from United for a newsroom misdemeanour, Ferguson wrote to his editor, saying it was not the journalist's fault. "You're not giving the lad a chance," he said. Strangers receive random acts of kindness, too. In March, Ferguson phoned the club doctor when a cameraman collapsed at a press conference.

And when it comes to his own utterances, an appreciation of how his words will be received is undoubtedly there. About one in four of Meek's columns, which he emails to Ferguson for approval, return via the manager's secretary, Lynn, with amendments. For the Sunderland programme on Saturday, Meek added writer's licence to Ferguson's praise for the returning John O'Shea and Wes Brown. "Although perhaps not big-name superstars, they nevertheless brought a quality and strength to the squad that was invaluable," Meek's script read. Ferguson indicated that the "superstar" reference must be removed, for fear of causing offence.

The media world is unrecognisable to an individual who so embraced it from his Aberdeen years on. There is always a suspicion when a face he does not know appears at his press conferences particularly for those who look young, when they are British. Taylor relates the story of a Daily Express reporter in his mid-thirties who turned up. "Jesus Christ," Ferguson said. "Do they get them straight from school these days?" But it is the 24/7 media monster which he sees as a root of many evils. "[The English media] source a problem where there's no problem [and] create a sensation just to counter the challenge of Sky [Sports] and the internet," he said in a rare and revealing interview last year to see La Gazzetta dello Sport's Giancarlo Galavotti into retirement.

The media will doubtless attempt to doorstep his big bash tonight, being held in a space known as The Point at cricket's Old Trafford. But he will close the doors, shut out the scrutiny and reflect – for an evening when red wine will certainly flow – that, though the enemy might be at the door, it will certainly not get beyond it.

Fergie on the media...

* "I don't get the press coverage I'm entitled to and I no longer see it as part of my job to fulfil their interest."

* "The media has become a monster. They know all the answers, right and wrong. They want exclusive stories and confidential background. They want their cards marked. They want gossip. And believe me if they don't get it you're in trouble."

* "Whenever we lose the media want an instant answer, preferably something a bit different so it makes a good headline. By now the press know I am immune to their sniping."

* "I don't give any of you [press] credibility. You talk about wanting to have an association with people here and you wonder why I don't get on with you? But you're a f***ing embarrassment. One of these days the door is going to be shut on you permanently."

Sir Alex Ferguson yesterday described his 25 years at the club as "a fairy tale". Ferguson, 70 in December, has won 12 Premier League titles, five FA Cups, four League Cups, two Champions Leagues and a Cup Winners' Cup.

"It is a bit of a fairytale to last so long," he said. "It has been a fantastic spell for me. It is something you don't think is going to happen and I appreciate that." He reflected briefly on his career since succeeding Ron Atkinson in 1986. "I say to myself how fortunate I am to have had these players. The list is incredible, going back to Bryan Robson, Norman Whiteside, Brian McClair, [Mark] Hughes, [Paul] Ince, [Roy] Keane, [Eric] Cantona. What a collection of players. It is hard to think I controlled all these players for so long."

By Ian Herbert
Friday, 4 November 2011

Amateur chef's Manchester Eggs to go on sale at Etihad Stadium

2011-11-03T12:35:00.005Z

Source: MEN

Football fans may be used to scoffing down meat pies at the match – but now City supporters can enjoy a new local delicacy instead.

The Manchester Egg has sparked a craze among pub-goers after it was invented by amateur chef Ben Holden last year.

And now it is to find a new audience among Manchester City fans – when it goes on sale at the Etihad stadium on match days.

The snack consists of a pickled egg wrapped in Bury black pudding and coated in breadcrumbs which is then deep-fried in hot oil.

It was a star of the Manchester Food and Drink Festival – with its stall selling out of them.

The egg is now set to vie with more traditional football fare like the meat pie and sausage rolls for the affections of football fans.

Chef Ben said: “I don’t think you can surpass the meat pie, but it’s about time football fans had another option.

“I think the Manchester Egg is perfect for eating on the hoof while walking to the match, washed down with a pint.

“We were overwhelmed by the success of the stall at the food and drink festival, and we’ve been looking for loads of ways to take it to a wider audience including at City.”

He added that he didn’t want the Egg to become ‘just a City thing or just a United thing’ – adding that a small number of eggs had gone down a storm with FC United members before a recent home game, selling out in just 15 minutes.

The egg will be available from December at City Square for two hours before matches and for one hour afterwards. The square is currently home to the Blue Moon café and a fish and chips stall.

Neil Worcester, head of catering operations for Manchester City, said: “The north west boasts some of the finest produce in the country and Manchester City prides itself on promoting locally-sourced ingredients across all our catering.

“The Manchester Egg is one of many locally-produced products that will be featured in our match-day offering in City Square.”

The Blue Moon Cafe has also started selling locally-sourced gourmet snacks created by celebrity chef Marco Pierre White, including chunky sausage rolls, onion bhajis and real pork pies.

Tom Brooks-Pollock
November 03, 2011

FC United boss Karl Marginson: We’ll be good neighbours

2011-11-02T19:49:00.000Z

Source: MEN

FC United boss Karl Marginson believes the club has ‘laid the foundations for success’ after plans for a stadium in Moston were approved.

The £3.5m development, complete with clubhouse and pitches, was given the go-ahead by Manchester city council despite fierce opposition from protesters concerned about potential noise and traffic. But Marginson assured those against the move to the club’s new home at Ronald Johnson playing fields that the new arrivals would make good neighbours.

“The council has obviously seen the benefits of what we can offer the area,” he said.

“I understand where protesters are coming from. If somebody came to my house and said they were going to build a stadium across the road, I’d have a few questions.

“But having known FC United since the start I can assure the Moston community that this is not a club that makes false promises. We will do all we have said.

“I’d urge them to get behind the stadium because it will lead to a brighter future for the area.”

And Marginson believes the new stadium will see the Rebels flourish.

“We’ve laid the foundations of the club – but the Moston stadium will really allow us to build on our success,” he said. “From a football point of view we’ve never had our own dressing room and space to congregate.

“It will really help the bonding within the squad and the relationships in the team. It will build strength and depth within FC United, not just in the first-team, but the youth set-up which has always been really important for us.

“We’re going to work with Moston Juniors and other junior teams in order to build a pathway.

“If they aren’t picked up by league sides they can come and play for FC United.”

Martha Kelner
November 02, 2011

Walcott Returns to FC United

2011-11-01T10:40:00.000Z

Source: Pitchero Non League

Evo-Stik Northern Premier League Premier Division club FC United of Manchester have re-signed Jay Walcott from NPL First Divisio North side Mossley.

Walcott, 18, is a lightning quick young striker who signed for Mossley in the close season from FC United.

Previously a junior with Manchester United and Woodley Sports, he impressed in his seven appearances for the Lilywhites and that brought him back to the attention manager Karl Marginson, who brought him back to the FC United ranks.

City boss Ord has decisions to make

2011-11-01T09:13:00.000Z

Source: The Journal

DURHAM CITY boss Dickie Ord is weighing up the pros and cons of making changes to his line-up for tonight’s Durham County Challenge Cup tie against Sunderland RCA at New Ferens Park, writes JAMES HUNTER.

The Citizens go into the first-round clash on the back of a six-game winning streak in all competitions and Ord wants to keep that momentum going, with an FA Trophy tie against FC United of Manchester coming up this weekend.

But he is also aware of the need to give his squad players an outing, and possibly rest key men ahead of the FC United game.

“I haven’t decided whether to go down the road of making changes or not, as yet,” he said.

“I’ll either make wholesale changes or none at all.

“It’s a difficult one, though, because there are reasons for and against.

“On the one hand, we are on a great run of form and I don’t want to do anything that will risk that coming to an end.

“But I also have a responsibility to the squad players who travel up and down the country with us, often without seeing much action.

“We have a squad of 21 or 22 players and they need to get some match action so that when they are needed, they don’t come into the side cold.”

Ord has a full squad to pick from tonight, with defender Dan Madden available again after serving a two-match ban.

Durham’s winning run continued at the weekend as they came back from 3-0 down to win 4-3 against Mossley in the Evo-Stik First Division North.

And Ord wants his side to show the same fighting spirit in their cup games this week.

He said: “It was a terrific fightback from the lads at Mossley after we had conceded three bad goals.

“To come back from 3-0 down to win shows the spirit in the camp.

“I said last week that I wanted us to go into these two cup games on the back of six wins, and that’s what we will do.

“Obviously, all the attention has been on the FA Trophy tie against FC United of Manchester, but we have a big game against Sunderland to focus on first.

“We beat them in pre-season and they will be out for revenge. They play in the Northern League Division One and will see us as a scalp, so we have to make sure that we don’t slip up against them.”

by James Hunter, The Journal
Nov 1 2011

Opponents to FC United stadium in Moston suffer setback in 'charitable land' ruling

2011-11-01T08:17:00.000Z

Source: MEN

Charity bosses will not try to stop plans to build a new stadium for FC United.

Town hall planners gave the green light last week for the club to build a 5,000-seat ground on playing fields in Moston.

Neighbours fighting the development were pinning their hopes on an appeal to the Charity Commission, in the hope it would recognise the ground’s historic covenant.

But lawyers for the independent commission have now ruled the Ronald Johnson Playing Fields is NOT charitable land.

The decision paves the way for the club to build the £3.5m stadium at the ground.

Campaigners maintain the proposed site is protected by an historic agreement and was given to residents for ‘leisure’ purposes in memory of heroes who died during the First World War.

But the Charity Commission said it did not believe the land met the description

A spokesman said: “Based on the information provided to us by the council and numerous members of the public, our initial view regarding the land was that it did not appear to be held on charitable trusts.

“However, this was a question for the council to consider and satisfy themselves on, based on their legal advice.

“We have since been informed that the council is satisfied that the land is not held on charitable trusts, therefore the land does not fall within our jurisdiction and there is no regulatory role for the Commission regarding its use.”

Bob Hill, chair of the residents association in Moston which is fighting the plan, said it would be seeking further legal advice.

He said: “Our chief concern has always been the loss of a much loved open green space in Moston. No attempt has ever been made to investigate a brown field site for this purpose of which there are many.

“We will of course be speaking to our legal people regarding this and other matters.”

But club officials welcomed the ruling. Andy Walsh, general manager of FC United, said: “Thursday’s planning decision was a great step forward for us. “We are aware that there are a number of covenants on the land but we believe that our plans satisfy those covenants and we are working with Manchester council to be able to do that.”

FC United, who currently play at Bury’s Gigg Lane, will now wait for a decision from Manchester council’s executive on unlocking the £750,000 funding needed to build the stadium. Council planners approved the scheme after visiting the site last week.

The club says it hopes to complete the stadium for the start of the 2012/13 football season.

Pamela Welsh

November 01, 2011

Patience could deliver Old Firm to England

2011-10-30T11:28:00.001Z

Rangers and Celtic could set up grassroots proxies south of the Border and gradually climb the English football pyramid in order to realise their Premier League dreams, writes Stewart Fisher.

THOSE who conclude that Celtic and Rangers colours could never adorn the Barclays Premier League tend to forget one simplistic yet potentially rather startling detail: that in theory there is nothing to stop any interested private individuals or supporters grouping starting up a new team or affiliate in the English league system tomorrow if they wanted to.

The cases of FC United of Manchester and AFC Wimbledon, the latter having worked its way from scratch right back up to npower League Two, merely illustrate that the pyramid system that exists south of the Border can still offer a land of opportunity rather than a closed shop.

Sunday Herald
30 Oct 2011

Skelmersdale United sign David Chadwick and Steve Torpey

2011-10-29T10:54:00.000+01:00

Source: Liverpool Echo

SKELMERSDALE UNITED have swooped for two experienced non-league campaigners.

The Evo-Stik First Division North leaders will be able to include David Chadwick and Steve Torpey in the squad for today’s match at home to Ossett Town.

Both players have been managed by Skem boss Tommy Lawson before when he was in charge of Prescot Cables.

Defender Chadwick and Torpey, a forward, were released by FC United of Manchester earlier this week, allowing Lawson to move in for them.

Chadwick, returning to Skem for a second spell, is a former FC United captain whilst Torpey scored The Rebels’ first ever goal in a 2005 pre-season friendly.

“David is a player I know well, he played for me at Prescot, he is just the sort of winning character we need if we are achieve our aim of promotion,” said Lawson.

“I am very happy to have signed him.

“I have known both players since they were youngsters, they played a great part in training tonight they are also characters that will play a part in the dressing room, too. I am looking forward to working with them again.”

l BOOTLE, meanwhile, have a ticket offer for all those attending lunchtime’s Everton v Manchester United match.

The Bucks entertain Alsager Town today (3pm) in the second round of the League Challenge Cup and upon the production of a match ticket from the early kick-off at Goodison Park, or a season card, you can gain entry for £2.

by Philip Kirkbride, Liverpool Echo
Oct 29 2011

FC United Ground Permission,

2011-10-28T11:30:00.000+01:00

Edited from Manchester Confidential

DESPITE angry protests, FC United were granted permission to build a £3.5million stadium at a council meeting yesterday. Fans celebrated after plans for a 5,000 capacity stadium in Moston were approved. Opponents argued building a stadium on the Ronald Johnson playing fields would destroy a local beauty spot. They said they plan to persue legal action to overturn the decision.

FC United plans approved

2011-10-28T11:28:00.000+01:00

Source: Place North West

FC United of Manchester's planning application for a £3.5m stadium in Moston was passed by Manchester City Council on Thursday.

The proposals include a 5,000 capacity stadium, community changing facilities and classroom, a function space open for public bookings, two additional community pitches and landscaped public areas.

The football club is advised by Manchester-based planning and design consultancy, SCP. Implementing the travel plan for the new development was the priority now, according to Jim Budd, director of SCP, said: "The car parking and travel plans agreed between the club and council now need to be put into action so that we are ready to respond to the demand for travel by all modes when the stadium opens its doors for the first time.

"Based on our experiences with football clubs elsewhere, I am confident that we can show the residents of Moston that the club will be successful in minimising its impact on the community. This is a great day for the club and the people of Moston and everyone associated with FC United should be very proud of what they have achieved."

Earlier plans for a new stadium in Ten Acres Lane in Newton Heath, owned by Manchester City Council, were abandoned when the council withdrew funding.

28 Oct 2011, 09:37

Second Time Lucky: A New Home For FC United Of Manchester, This Time?

2011-10-28T10:12:00.001+01:00

Source: Twohundred Percent

This time. Perhaps this time. FC United of Manchester have been once bitten and can certainly be forgiven for being twice shy over their planning application for a new ground of their own, to be built in the Moston area of the city. Their previous attempt to do exactly this in Newton Heath ended in failure after government cuts slashed their hopes, but this time there should be no such concerns. This afternoon, Manchester City Council approved their planning application for the new ground, which will also house a community centre and training facilities, and the well of hope amongst their support base, which had been tempered by their previous disappointment, can begin to hope again.

In the attempt to build a football ground near a residential area, the club ran into vocal opposition, which was represented at this afternoon’s meeting. Attempts to reach out to this group failed and it was rumoured that the “no” group had been using tactics to secure signatures for a petition which may have been considered underhand. If true, this was probably a mistake on the part of the campaigners to adopt this tactic. It certainly gave the impression of a group willing to descend to whatever level they could in order to win this debate on points rather than relying of depending on the merits of their case.

As things turned out, it was an irrelevance. The Charity Commission, who had the final say over a covenant held over the land, confirmed that they had no objections to the proposed development. There had been a feeling of optimism amongst the supporters of the club that their case was water-tight, but the celebrations didn’t start until the announcement was made and for some the champagne may even remain on ice until a spade hits the ground at the site and the foundations begin to be dug out. It is also worth pointing out that the club doesn’t yet have all of the money in place to complete the construction of the ground. As such, the innovative Community Share Scheme, which has already raised around £1.5m, needs to step up another gear.

The good news for the club is that it has the volunteer base to be able to achieve this. If there is one thing that FC United of Manchester represents more than anything else, it is that people can and will join together for a cause that they believe in, and that they can create a football club of which they can be proud. There have been obstacles in their way at every turn since their formation in 2005, of which the end of their hopes of securing a home of their own at Ten Acres Lane was possibly the biggest of all. The club has, however, continued to work diligently and competently towards securing their new ground and today’s decision is an absolute vindication of all of the work that they have put in over the last few years or so.

There may be some that are wondering this evening why this new ground is so important for this club. After all, they have been ground-sharing at Gigg Lane, a ground with excellent facilities, for the last six and a half years. Setting aside the fact that Gigg Lane will always be somebody else’s home, there is a practical imperative for the club to build a home of its own as well. It costs the club in excess of £100,000 per year to rent the ground for league matches, and they also occasionally have to move matches to other venues – such as Stalybridge Celtic’s Bower Fold – when Bury need to use it. In spite of regularly achieving excellent crowds for the level at which they play, they have been struggling financially in recent years in no small part because they will not compromise on a founding principle of keeping ticket prices as affordable as they can. The future prosperity and wellbeing of the club was in no small part dependent upon today’s decision.

For now, there is little else to say other than congratulations to all those at the club that have put in such a tremendous effort to make this project happen. It is also to be hoped that previous objections and disagreements are set to one side, and that the club does everything possible within its power to demonstrate to objectors what benefits this venue can bring to their neighbourhood. There is no reason whatsoever to believe that this won’t happen – this is a unique football club, one which will ensure that it maximises every opportunity that the new facility offers them. If the last six years or so have been an adventure for those that have given their all for this club, then the future this evening looks considerably brighter. And it couldn’t have happened to a nicer bunch of people.

By Ian

Reds win fight over ground

2011-10-28T09:41:00.000+01:00

Source: The Independent (no online content)

FC United were yesterday given planning permission to build a new 5,000-capacity, £3.5m stadium in Moston, Manchester. The Manchester City Council Planning Department approved the plans, despite objections from some residents.

The Reds, set up by disaffected Manchester United fans, are a step closer to a home, as well as developing facilities for community use. FC United are seventh in the Evo-stick Premier Division.

FC UNITED RELEASE CHADWICK

2011-10-28T09:35:00.000+01:00

Source: Non-league Daily

Karl Marginson, manager of Evo-Stik League Premier Division side FC United of Manchester, has agreed to release former captain David Chadwick.

"The reasons essentially boil down to finances," said Marginson. "Chaddy is getting married next year and he needs to be playing and earning regularly in order to save for the big day.

"It is difficult to see a player like Chaddy leave, we have known each other for a long time and I consider him a friend. But I can’t guarantee him a starting place every week so I fully understand his reasons for moving on.

"He has been an absolutely magnificent servant to the club from its earliest days and, as club captain, he has played a major part in the club’s development."

Margy believes that United fans may not have seen the last of Chadwick (pictured) and hopes to be welcoming him back one day.

He added: "Chaddy has shown an interest in the non-playing side of football and I have told him that the door is open for him to return to the club in the future as it continues to grow and develop."

When Margy signed Chadwick in August 2005, the manager said United had gained the sort of player who would put his head through a brick wall if he was asked to. And Chadwick certainly lived up to that billing during his 209 appearances for FC United.

The centre-half always led by example on and off the pitch. He scored 25 goals for the Reds with arguably his most celebrated one capping a memorable day at Edgeley Park in November 2005 when he headed home a last minute equaliser to make it 3-3 with Cheadle Town.

We’ll take fight to extra time say objectors as FC United stadium in Moston gets go-ahead

2011-10-28T09:30:00.000+01:00

Source: MEN

Residents have vowed to fight on after FC United’s plans to build a stadium opposite their homes were given the green light.

Campaigners have hired a barrister and are planning to take legal action against the decision.

The 5,000-capacity stadium was approved at a boisterous Manchester council planning meeting, where jubilant fans and furious residents had a stand-off.

A consultation exercise found the plans were supported the people of Manchester by a majority of two-to-one.

But a group of objectors living close to the proposed site at the Ronald Johnson Playing Fields in Moston claimed the stadium would cause traffic chaos and destroy a local beauty spot.

Annette McGovern, from Residents United Residents’ Association, said: "There are lots and lots of holes in the arguments for this development and it is totally unacceptable. We have not given up and are definitely going to fight on.

"I will be seeking a meeting with our representatives to work out what our next step will be."

Part of the playing fields in between St Mary’s Road and Lightbowne Road are covered by a covenant which states the land has to be used for recreation of the people of Moston.

But the M.E.N. understands the Charities Commission is likely to rule that the land is not charitable and is suitable for the project.

FC United, who play in the seventh tier of English football, hope to be using the facility by the start of next season.

Andy Walsh, general manager of FC United, said: "We are very pleased. We still have a lot of hard work to do. We’ve got to raise the cash and we want to continue the consultation with residents to ensure that the development is something fitting for the area.

"We want to be long-term partners and good neighbours."

The £3.5m plans include two youth pitches for Moston Juniors, a full-sized artificial pitch, and an open-to-the public medical room managed by club physios.

Club bosses say they will put on special park-and-ride schemes during match days so that residents do not suffer parking problems.

The breakaway club chose the Moston site after its preferred location in Newton Heath fell through due to council funding reallocation in March.

HUNDREDS of people packed into Manchester town hall to hear whether FC United’s controversial stadium plans would get the go-ahead.

Reaction to the decision was utterly divided – fans cheered and clapped, while there were furious outbursts from campaigners.

Karen Galston, one of the residents against the plans, said: "We do not have a lot of green space in Moston and it is totally the wrong place for this development. I am shocked but not surprised by this.

"The land was given to the people of Moston in memory of people who died during the First World War."

In his submission to the planning committee, the club’s general manager Andy Walsh said he had been in contact with a member of the Ronald Johnson family. Mr Walsh said: "The representation from the person identifying themselves as part of the Ronald Johnson family said that FC United’s vision was a 21st-century version of the original bequest."

Two of Moston’s councillors – Paul Murphy and Rita Tavernor – voiced their support.

Coun Murphy said: "I believe the stadium will benefit all the community in Moston. However, it is important to monitor FC United to make sure they do what they say and we will be looking at that closely."

The only Moston councillor to oppose the scheme, Henry Cooper, said he was ‘disappointed’ by the decision.

Coun Cooper said: "Many of the people who supported the scheme did not directly come from the area and won’t be affected directly by the stadium when it is up and running."

The stadium was allowed to go ahead after a partnership was forged between Moston Juniors and Manchester council to allow FC United to use the land.

Coun Mike Amesbury, the council’s culture and leisure chief, said: "This will mean Moston Juniors FC and other sports groups in the area will have access to a top-class facility which will enable them to thrive.

Pamela Welsh
October 28, 2011

Skem swoop for FC United pair

2011-10-28T08:27:00.000+01:00

Source: Football Editorial

Former FC United of Manchester captain David Chadwick and striker Steve Torpey have signed for Skelmersdale United tonight.

According to FootballEditorial.com sources, both players have finalised moves to Evo Stik Division One North (tier 4) side Skelmersdale this week after they were released by the Manchester club.

The signings are a major coup for manager Tommy Lawson, who said he was ‘very pleased’ to be bringing some much-needed experience to a young Skelmersdale squad.

Both players were members of the successful FC United side who were promoted from the Evo Stik Division One North and join former FC United keeper Sam Ashton in the Skelmersdale squad.

Chadwick, 34, made 209 appearances for FC United since 2005, scoring 25 despite playing as a centre half and is a former captain of the club.

FC United manager Karl Marginson said Chadwick left the club because of financial reasons. The experienced defender is getting married next year and decided he needed to play regularly to save money for the day.

He said: “It is difficult to see a player like Chaddy leave, we have known each other for a long time and I consider him a friend. But I can’t guarantee him a starting place every week so I fully understand his reasons for moving on.

“He has been an absolutely magnificent servant to the club from its earliest days and, as club captain, he has played a major part in the club’s development.”

Chadwick has played for Skelmersdale United before as well as spells at local rivals Prescot Cables – where he was managed by Skelmersdale boss Tommy Lawson – and Salford City before FC United.

He will be joined at Skelmersdale by former Liverpool youth player Steve Torpey, 30, who is no stranger to Merseyside football having briefly played for Prescot Cables in 2002.

Torpey scored three goals in 18 appearances for FC United but a series of injury problems limited his chances with the Evo Stik Premier side.

Earlier today, FC United of Manchester celebrated receiving planning permission for a new stadium called the Moston Community Stadium in the Newton Heath area of Manchester.

They will now attempt to raise the initial £500,000 to begin the ambitious £3.5m project to build a 5,000 capacity stadium.

Video: FC United's £3.5m Moston stadium gets the go-ahead

2011-10-27T19:25:00.000+01:00

Source: MEN

FC United can build their new stadium in Moston after a crunch meeting. Jubilant fans cheered in celebration after planning bosses gave the green light.

The decision was taken at a boisterous town hall meeting where angry residents laid out the opposition to the plan.

They claimed building a stadium at the Ronald Johnson playing fields would cause traffic chaos and destroy a local beauty spot.

But council chiefs ruled in the club's favour, granting them permission to proceed with the £3.5m project.

However, the club, known as the Rebels, will have to wait until the Charity Commission decides the land can be built on before they can start work.

Part of the playing fields in between St Mary's Road and Lightbowne Road are covered by a covenant which states the land has to be used for recreation of the people of Moston.

FC United, who play in the seventh tier of English football, hope to be using the facility by the start of the 2012-13 football season.

Andy Walsh, general manager of FC United, said: "We are very pleased with the way this committee went today. We still have a lot of hard work to do. We've got to raise the cash and we want to continue the consultation with residents to ensure that the development is something fitting for the area.

"We want to be long-term partners and good neighbours."

Residents had mounted a substantial campaign against the proposal, claiming the site is unsuitable for a football stadium.

Paul Gibson, a solicitor acting on behalf of 17 of the residents, said: "My clients are astonished by this decision. We can't understand how it was taken and, further to instruction, I will be pursuing further legal action."

Annette McGovern, from Residents United Association, said: "Naturally, we are very disappointed and upset by the decision, but we need to look forward.

"This is by no means over and there are a lot of avenues we can try."

The breakaway club chose the Moston site after its preferred location in Newton Heath fell through due to council funding cuts.

The plans include two youth pitches for Moston Juniors, who currently lease the playing fields from Manchester council.

Meanwhile, the clubhouse will also be used by community groups and for education sessions.

Cllr Mike Amesbury, Manchester City Council's executive member for culture and leisure, said: "This will mean Moston Juniors FC and other sports groups in the area will have access to a top-class facility, which will enable them to thrive."

Pamela Welsh
October 27, 2011

FC United granted planning permission for new stadium

2011-10-27T19:21:00.000+01:00

Source: Daily Mirror

Plans for a new 5,000-seater stadium for Manchester United's breakaway club FC United have been approved by councillors, according to the club.

FC United had submitted plans for a stadium, club house, pitches and car parking at Ronald Johnson playing fields in Moston, Manchester.

The 5,000 capacity ground would cost around £3.5m.

The club said in a statement: "FC United is pleased to announce that Manchester City Council Planning Department approved the plans for our ground development at Lightbowne Road in Moston, at a meeting held this afternoon."

Councillor Paul Murphy, who represents Moston on the city council, told the BBC before the meeting: "If the application is approved, it will bring much needed investment to Moston - close to £4m.

"It will also bring sporting facilities for the young people of Moston and the surrounding areas which again is much needed and will be developed in a professional way."

FC United stadium plans for Moston to be considered

2011-10-27T14:47:00.000+01:00

Source: BBC

Plans for a new 5,000-seater (Ed: Aaargh) stadium for Manchester United's breakaway club FC United are to be considered by councillors later.

FC United wants to build the stadium, club house, pitches and car parking at Ronald Johnson playing fields in Moston, Manchester.

Officers have recommended that councillors approve the application.

The recommendation is subject to the signing of a section 106 agreement, to include community use of the site.

It is also subject to a travel plan being submitted and reviewed, and the provision of off-site parking.

Councillor Paul Murphy, who represents Moston on the city council, said: "If the application is approved, it will bring much needed investment to Moston - close to £4m.

"It will also bring sporting facilities for the young people of Moston and the surrounding areas which again is much needed and will be developed in a professional way."

The council has received 5,635 letters in support of the application and 2,226 letters objecting to it.

The club, which is owned and run by its members, currently plays in the Northern Premier League Premier Division at Bury's Gigg Lane.

It wants to build the stadium near Newton Heath - Manchester United's first home.

The council gave permission for a stadium at a site on Ten Acres Lane in Newton Heath last November.

But, earlier this year, the council advised the club's board it was "no longer a viable option, as a result of the challenging local government budget settlement in December 2010, and the decision by the council to reduce revenue expenditure on the Ten Acres Lane site", a report to councillors said.

Live: FC United's Moston stadium planning decision

2011-10-27T11:30:00.000+01:00

Source: MEN

It's decision day over FC United's proposed new stadium in Moston - and you can follow the site visit and planning meeting live here.

Planning officers will be handing down their decision over whether or not the club can build a £3.5m stadium on Ronald Johnson playing fields in Moston.

Councillors will be conducting a site visit at 11am and holding a full planning meeting at 2pm, and MEN reporter Pamela Welsh will be filing live updates via Twitter (Ed: Ms Welsh's twitterfeed is @PamelaWelsh)

Click on the grey box below (Ed: available here) to follow the day's event, or if you are using a mobile device, click here.

Blues blown away by FC United of Manchester in FA Trophy

2011-10-24T11:03:00.000+01:00

Source: Hemsworth and Southelmsall Express

FRICKLEY Athletic were blown out of the FA Trophy at the first qualifying round stage on Saturday when freescoring FC United of Manchester made light work of the Blues to win 4-0 at the Tech5 Stadium.

Michael Carr scored two goals while Carlos Roca and an Adam Jones own goal saw the visitors through to the next round and give Karl Marginson’s men a second win over the Blues in ten days.

It was a day to forget for Frickley, who also saw Leon Henry sent off.

Danny Walsh was sidelined with flu, meaning manager Peter Rinkcavage lined-up with five men in midfield, Jack Watts being the sole striker.

The hitman had the first chance on goal in the fifth minute but his shot lacked power and James Spencer, in the United goal, comfortably collected it.

James Ashmore also saw his free-kick cleared off the line as the Blues started brightly, but the visitors slowly found their way into the game.

United had the wind in their favour and they broke the deadlock with their first real shot on goal after 20 minutes. The Frickley defence failed to deal with a cross and Carr pounced for his first of the afternoon.

Before the Blues defence could recover it was 2-0, Roca whipping a free-kick in which Adam Jones could only divert into the back of the net at the far post.

Things could have got worse just after the half-hour mark but Roca, who was brought down inside the box, saw his penalty well saved by Frickley stopper Adam Billard.

Frickley’s goal remained under siege and there was better fortune was Roca ten minutes later when his free-kick struck the crossbar but found its way over the line off the back off a diving Billard.

And straight from the restart Frickley’s miserable first half came to an end with Carr nipping in for his second of the match and Henry seeing red for a late tackle on Jake Cottrell on the stroke of half-time.

Chances came at both ends in the second half but the damage had already been done and it was United who progressed into the next round.

Frickley: Adam Billard, Kelvin Bleau, David Cyrus (Brad Grayson 46), Stuart Ludlam, Lincoln Adams, Michael Simpkins, Grant Darley, James Ashmore, Jack Watts (Ollie Ryan 57), Ryan Mallon, Leon Henry. Unused subs: Mark Whitehouse, Karl Jones, Ben Saynor.

FC United: James Spencer, Kyle Jacobs (Greg Stones 55), Lee Neville, Jake Cottrell, Adam Jones (David Chadwick 81), Dean Stott, Carlos Roca, Michael Carr, Mike Norton, Matthew Wolfenden, Astley Mulholland (James Holden 73). Unused subs: Daniel Grimshaw, Nicky Platt.

Referee: Mr Gary Chapman

Attendance: 524.

See this week’s Hemsworth and South Elmsall Express for all the latest sports news from around the area.

Published on Monday 24 October 2011 10:51

Dowson secures Durham City Trophy victory

2011-10-24T11:01:00.001+01:00

Source: Newcastle Evening Chronicle

DURHAM City’s great run continued as they switched their Evo-Stik North form to the FA Trophy.

David Dowson’s late goal gave the Citizens a 3-2 first qualifying round victory at Goole to further boost the club’s coffers.

Durham are now hoping for a good draw in the next round and manager Dickie Ord is angling for a big fish.

Ord said: “FC United of Manchester and Chester are both big clubs with 2,000-strong support so either of those would do as the gate is shared.

“A run in the FA Trophy is a bonus to what we achieve in the league and having got through two rounds we want to go further.”

Not for the first time, Durham created a host of chances but were left to scrape a narrow win at the Victoria Pleasure Grounds.

Ord added: “We should have been out of sight after Amar Purewal and Billy Greulich put us two up early on.

“Goole have then got back into it through a penalty which was apparently given for a shirt pull inside the box by Ross Wilkinson.

“That has given them a lift and they then equalised 10 minutes later through one of the few efforts they had at goal all afternoon.

“Dowson has then gone past two players to finish well with his left foot to put us into the next round.

“He could easily have scored six on the day, as he missed a series of good chances.

“He was also unlucky to hit the bar.

“It is another good win, which has brought a few more bob into the kitty.

“Confidence is sky- high and everyone is buzzing.”

Why Manchester United And FCUM Will Never Reunite

2011-10-22T11:05:00.001+01:00

Source: Sabotage Times and Zimbabwe Guardian (text from Sabotage Times)

The Glazer family's takeover of Manchester United was the coup de grâce for many United supporters, and caused an irreparable damage that is swelling rather than subsiding.

It was Joey Barton’s spiritual mentor Friedrich Nietzsche who stated that ‘When a hundred men stand together, each of them loses his mind and gets another one.’ In May 2005 thousands, let alone hundreds, of Manchester United supporters’ minds were distorted when the Glazer family completed their £800m takeover of the club. Many had campaigned tirelessly in a bid to stave off the American threat, yet their futile efforts were then compounded by the dawning quandary of whether or not to return to watch United at Old Trafford again.

But there was another alternative that had been pioneered by AFC Wimbledon, set up by supporters following their disillusion at the club being relocated and rebranded as Milton Keynes Dons. But unlike Wimbledon, United remained at Old Trafford (set to expand by a further 9,000 seats) and retained their name, contrary to fears following the Glazers’ rejigging of their NFL franchise Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Yet the prospect of financing the Glazers’ privilege of owning the club, now saddled with hundreds of millions of debt, saw thousands more cut the cord. And so FC United of Manchester was established in a bid to offer disenfranchised Reds an antidote to the acrimony over severing ties with their lifelong club. Over six years on, the club are plying their trade in the seventh tier of English football, playing their home matches in front of crowds of 2,000 at Bury’s Gigg Lane while only on Thursday the dream of a 5,000-capacity stadium edged closer.

Yet despite FCUMs progress, they divide opinion amongst United supporters. As one of Old Trafford’s taboo subjects, it will remain an unwritten rule to mention their name in the presence of Sir Alex Ferguson. The Scot has belittled The Rebels’ inception and accused them of attention-seeking: ‘I’m sorry about that (the breakaway club). It is a bit sad that part, but I wonder just how big a United supporter they are. They seem to me to be promoting or projecting themselves a wee bit rather than saying, “at the end of the day the club have made a decision, we’ll stick by them.” It’s more about them than us.’

His view is shared by other United supporters who frown upon the non-league side as a treacherous formation, supported by deserters who purport their loyalty through abandonment, when one of football’s prime mantras is that the club you follow is the club you follow for life. Unfortunately the opinion has manifested itself because of certain United supporters who have capitalised on the Glazer takeover.

Stretford End Flags, responsible for the permanent banners which adorned the second tier of the famous stand, took down the decorations which back in 2005 in protest at the Glazers’ arrival. Almost immediately somebody else took over the reins of the group and has since displayed some truly cringing efforts, even seeking the advice of Liverpool supporters’ groups on mosaics (a recurring appearance at Old Trafford) since 2008. Imitating, not innovating.

Reviled and identified as a ‘Glazer stooge’, said imitator (who will remain unnamed) is inexplicably the mouthpiece news outlets contact to gain reaction from on a matter from a fans’ perspective. Thanks to his position he is the unofficial mouthpiece of the Old Trafford hierarchy, he voices petty dismay to feed his own hunger for power to the insatiably ludicrous extent that he was a convenient competition winner on the club’s website last season.

Knowledgeable United supporters’ frustration is that too few of them know who he is. Because Old Trafford, in the Glazer era, is populated by touristic jester hat (or sombrero) wearers who each strike a dagger to the heart of United’s soul, and the fan factions mount and the togetherness subsides so significantly that Manchester is far from united. Even pop culture has commented on the subject, courtesy of a scene in Ken Loach’s Looking for Eric (2009), which illustrates the ambivalence and dogmatic assertions that are synonymous with the issue.

Another fan, who has worn anti-Glazer garb at FC games and is the owner of another egregious banner (there’s a theme here), even asked to have his photo taken with Avram Glazer during the club’s tour of the United States last year. Yet whereas yesteryear it would be feasible for him to abstain from attending games due to intimidation, United’s support isn’t what it was.

Both sides of the fence have exercised the nuclear option of burning bridges thanks to the mudslinging and umpteen accusations of disloyalty. A truce was called in January last year when United supporters, outraged at the publication of club accounts which showed figures revealing that without the sale of Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid for £80m, the colossal interest payments on the club’s debt would have meant a net loss, conjured up the Green and Gold movement. FCUM offered an olive branch – and solidarity – since two split divisions were literally singing from the same hymn sheet, but now that United are league champions the G&G momentum is irrelevant because success trumps identity for the majority.

Supporters who go to watch both sides tend to champion the ‘Love United Hate Glazer’ cause most fervently, but if and when the Glazers sell up, FCUM aren’t simply going to fold and undo years of work enhancing the club’s profile and working their way up the ladder of English football. In this case, Joey’s friend isn’t right; the future doesn’t influence just as much as the past.

By Samuel Luckhurst

FC United 2 Chester 3

2011-10-20T11:13:00.000+01:00

Source: Bury Times

TEN-man FC United conceded a last-minute winner against Chester in the Evo-Stik Premier League.

A crowd of 3,142 at Gigg Lane saw a Carlos Roca brace put the Rebels 2-1 up at half-time before centre-back Adam Jones was sent off.

Christopher Simm’s second of the afternoon levelled matters before George Horan struck late on.

FC lost 2-1 at Mossley in the first round of the Manchester Premier Cup on Tuesday night. Steve Torpey was on target.

9:00am Thursday 20th October 2011
By Bury Times Sports Reporter

FC United's £3.5m stadium in Moston set for green light

2011-10-20T11:11:00.000+01:00

Source: MEN

FC United's dream of a 5,000-capacity stadium is set to become a reality, the M.E.N. understands.

The breakaway club want to end six years on the road by building a £3.5m complex on the Ronald Johnson playing fields close to St Mary's Road in Moston.

We can reveal that planning officers will recommend the council give the plans the green light, with conditions, at a town hall meeting next week.

The ambitious proposals have been the subject of controversy since they were first made public in April.

Some residents formed a protest group and vowed to fight the plans until the end.

They claimed building a stadium would cause traffic chaos and destroy a local beauty spot.

The club, formed in protest at the Glazer family's ownership of Manchester United, say the stadium will open up land currently closed off to the community.

They believe it will bring investment to the area along with a host of facilities for residents.

And after an extensive consultation process it appears planners agree with them.

They have recommended the scheme goes ahead subject to the signing of a 'section 106' agreement which promises community use for the site, a reviewable travel plan and provisions for off-site parking.

It is understood the club are happy to sign such an agreement.

The council will give their verdict at an eagerly-awaited meeting next Thursday.

There will then be a 'cooling off' period for those on both sides to reflect on their decision and an appeal can be lodged.

The plans will also only go ahead if The Charity Commission rule that the land can be built on.

But the M.E.N. understands they are likely to rule the land is not charitable and so is suitable for the project.

FC, a co-operative, currently play their home games at Bury's Gigg Lane ground.

They ply their trade in the seventh tier of English football and attract crowds of about 2,000.

The stadium would be a mix of terracing and seating.

Exclusive: Mike Keegan
October 20, 2011

Book review: Reclaim the Game!

2011-10-19T11:14:00.004+01:00

Source: Socialist Party

Coming out just days after the chief executive of Liverpool FC announced proposals to keep even more of the money from TV rights for the richest clubs in the Premier League, the timing of the latest edition of John Reid's book Reclaim the Game could not have been sharper.

As John says: "For fans everywhere the match is the highlight of the week. When your team loses you are depressed, when they win you are on top of the world. Football has been transformed from the people's game into a multi-billion pound arm of the leisure industry."

This is the first full edition for two years and reflects the growing impact of the economic recession on football. While generally ticket prices have increased dramatically, some clubs have been forced to temporarily freeze or reduce ticket prices to try to get more fans through the turnstiles. John also mentions some reheated plans such as having Premier Leagues One and Two, involving Celtic and Rangers from Scotland, in an attempt to boost the income of the clubs involved in this.

This pamphlet is packed with statistics that highlight the increasing grip of the super-rich on football worldwide. It touches on the protests in Brazil against the costs to the public at holding the 2014 World Cup while the multinationals rake in profits.

It also shows how fans on lower incomes are being priced out of going to matches as ticket prices soar while players' agents profits increase dramatically and the top players' wages spiral ever upwards .

There are sections in the pamphlet that deal with racism in football, women's football and the takeover of football clubs by multi-billionaire owners like the Mittal family of John's beloved QPR.

The growing concern that many fans feel about the multi-billionaire ownership of their clubs is shown in this following quote from an Ipswich Town fan on the "Those were the days" fan website about the attempt by the millionaire owner Marcus Evans to buy the freehold to the ground: "The ground should stay in public ownership - then at least there's always a stadium (however dilapidated it gets) into which a club can be formed. I follow ITFC not Franchise Evans."

But football fans have not taken these attacks lying down. John describes the rise of FC United in Manchester and AFC Wimbledon set up by respective fans. There are also fans' movements set up to save their clubs, the latest being Plymouth with fans of different clubs from around the country recently taking part in a fans reunited day.

What is different though about Reclaim the Game is that whilst many other books on football many describe the role of big business in football, very few it offers an alternative as to how football could be run. There is whole section at the end of this pamphlet both with immediate demands to change how football is run but also how football could be run under a socialist society. Chris Newby, London Socialist Party.

Reclaim the Game

£3.50 inc p&p

Bulk order deal - five copies for the price of four

Socialist Books

020 8988 8789

bookshop@socialistparty.org.uk

FC United of Manchester 2 Chester FC 3: Updated report including Neil Young reaction

2011-10-16T10:59:00.001+01:00

Source: Chester Chronicle

GEORGE Horan scored an injury-time winner as Chester came from behind to beat 10-man FC United for the second time this season on an afternoon of great drama at Gigg Lane.

The captain rifled in from close range to earn the second-placed Blues the win they ultimately deserved from a match that more than lived up to its billing as the biggest in the league.

At one stage Neil Young’s side, who remain three points behind Premier Division pacesetters Northwich Victoria, looked to be heading for their first defeat in nine games after two-goal Carlos Roca cancelled out Chris Simm’s early opener.

But after Adam Jones was sent-off for two bookings in as many minutes, they finally made their dominance count as Simm netted his second before captain marvel Horan struck at the death.

Chester boss Young said: “It was a great spectacle for the sport and for the league. I’m standing here happy because we’ve won, but even if we would have lost 2-1 I still couldn’t have asked any more of my team apart from their finishing.

“They showed battling qualities to keep going in a very difficult arena in which their supporters – like our own – were fantastic. The atmosphere was incredible and I think our fans enjoyed it because for the first time away from home it was in a stadium that they were used to.”

The match, which kicked-off 15 minutes late because of traffic problems around the ground, exploded into life when the recalled Simm broke the deadlock within 90 seconds.

An outswinging corner from Matty McGinn – the other change to the team which started the midweek draw at Buxton – was delivered to perfection and Simm sent an unstoppable 10-yard header past the outstanding James Spencer.

It was no more than the Blues deserved for an impressive start, but the hosts weathered the early storm and tested John Danby with long-range attempts from Jake Cottrell and Roca.

But former Chester City goalkeeper Spencer remained the busier stopper and after he made a flying save from another Simm header, he breathed a huge sigh of relief when Iain Howard volleyed over and Horan managed to miss from almost underneath the crossbar.

Karl Marginson’s men needed a break and they got one in the 32nd minute when the referee awarded them a soft penalty for a push in the box by Alex Brown.

Roca sent Danby the wrong way to restore parity before the same player turned the game on its head with a sublime free kick five minutes later.

Horan was adjudged to have fouled Mike Norton 25 yards from goal and Roca did the rest with a wonderful effort that curled away from Danby and into the top corner.

The winger came desperately close completing his hat-trick seconds into the start of the second half, but from that moment on it was the home goal which lived a charmed life.

In a relentless period of pressure top-scorer Michael Powell somehow volleyed wide from five yards out, Spencer made top stops from Howard and McGinn, before Howard hammered against the post from 20 yards.

FC United were rocking and their cause wasn’t helped when centre-back Jones collected two yellow cards in quick succession, the second coming in the 63rd minute for hauling Simm down when he was through on goal.

Blues boss Young threw on strikers Michael Wilde and Jamie Rainford, but it was his earlier replacement, Wes Baynes, who was to make the most impact.

The right-back sent over a 78th-minute cross which found Horan in space at the back post. Although the centre-back’s header was kept out by Spencer, Simm was on hand to tap in the equaliser and his fifth goal of the season.

And after Rainford and Matty Wolfenden missed golden opportunities at either end, better was to come at the death.

Another Baynes free kick caused chaos in the box and there was Horan to smash in his second goal of the campaign and bring a fitting end to a match which had everything.

FC United: Spencer, Jacobs, Jones, Stott, Neville, Wolfenden, Cottrell, Carr, Roca (Chadwick 63), Deegan (Mulholland 82), Norton. Subs: Platt, Battersby, Grimshaw.

Booked: Jones.

Sent-off: Jones 63.

Goals: Roca 32pen, 37.

Chester: Danby, Brownhill (Baynes 57), Horan, Taylor, McGinn, Booth (Rainford 68), Powell, Brown, Howard, Simm, McNeil (Wilde 68). Subs: Ormrod, Judge.

Booked: Taylor, Brown, Horan, Powell.

Goals: Simm 2, 78, Horan 90.

Oct 16 2011 by Paul Wheelock, Chester Chronicle

FC United of Manchester 2 Chester 3

2011-10-15T20:41:00.000+01:00

Source: Chester First

BLUES skipper George Horan clinched a last gasp winner in a thrilling contest at Gigg Lane.

Blues striker Chris Simm had put Chester 1-0 up after just two minutes when he headed home a right-sided corner from Matty McGinn.

But United equalised in the 32nd minute when Carlos Roca converted a penalty after Ben Deegan had been fouled by Alex Brown.

And Roca celebrated a spectaular 25 yard free kick to earn United a 2-1 lead after 37 minutes.

Chester created numerous chances after the break before and after United had been reduced to 10 men following Adam Jones' dismissal for two bookable offences in the 62nd minute.

Simm put Chester back on level terms in the 79th minute when he tapped home after seeing Spencer parry a George Horan header from Wes Baynes' pinpoint cross.

Horan clinched Chester's third goal in the 90th minute after United had failed to clear Baynes' right wing cross.

FC UNITED OF MANCHESTER (4-4-2): Spencer; Jacobs, Neville, Cottrell, Jones; Stott, Roca (Chadwick 63), Carr, Deegan (Mulholland 82); Norton, Wolfenden. Subs (not used): Platt, Battersby, Grimshaw.

CHESTER (4-4-2): Danby; Brownhill (Baynes 57), Horan, Taylor, McGinn; Booth (Wilde 67), Brown, Powell, Howard; Simm, McNeil (Rainford 67). Subs (not used): Ormrod, Judge.

REFEREE: David Midgley (Huddersfield).

ATTENDANCE: 3,112.

Published date: 15 October 2011 |
Published by: Dennis Wall

Marine denied a win once again against FC United of Manchester

2011-10-13T19:58:00.000+01:00

Source: Crosby Herald

MARINE extended their unbeaten league run to five matches with a draw at Bower Fold on Saturday, the game ending 1-1 with hosts FC United of Manchester.

The Crosby side have yet to record a victory over the Mancunians in seven attempts but probably should have broken their duck this time, having the better of the scoring chances on a damp afternoon at Stalyvegas.

Referee David Storrie had a busy afternoon, showing yellow cards no fewer than 11 times in what was a full blooded but generally fairly fought encounter, FC’s Ben Deegan seeing two of them to depart the fray amid much controversy.

The home side threatened with a free-kick which rebounded off Ryan McMahon in the Marine goal, Matthew Wolfenden sending the ball back in with the visitors’ defence managing to clear the danger.

Aaron Rey went on a good run down the left, cutting in before firing an angled drive which brought a fine stop from James Spencer to push the ball away.

The Mariners took the lead after 37 minutes with a smart finish from Stephen Johnson, the winger, pacy and direct throughout, pouncing on Dean Stott’s error to finish clinically with a crisp shot inside the near post from 15 yards.

The start of the second-half saw the Mariners have a great chance to double their lead, Andy Fowler driving in to the box with Johnson crossing, Rey blazing over the top from six yards .

It was a pivotal miss at a crucial point of the game.

The home side levelled proceedings just before the hour mark, a free-kick from the right being met by a stooping header from Wolfenden to steer the ball inside the far post.

Deegan collected the first of his yellow cards when sliding in on McMahon as the keeper came out to collect, cueing a flare up involving players from both sides.

Marine possibly had some good fortune late on when Deegan appeared to be tripped in the box, the Joe Jordan-esque forward instead seeing a second yellow card for simulation in modern parlance – in old money a dive – with opinion split amongst observers as to the merits of the decision.

A penalty and probable winning goal would have been harsh on the Mariners though, as they moved within a point of the play-off positions.

FC United of Manchester: James Spencer, Kyle Jacobs, Lee Neville, Jake Cottrell, Adam Jones, Dean Stott, Carlos Roca, Nicky Platt (Daniel Grimshaw 90), Ben Deegan, Matthew Wolfenden (Theo Kidd 90), Michael Carr (Richard Battersby 90). Unused subs: David Chadwick, Adam Edwards.

Cautions: Jacobs, Carr, Jones, Deegan (x2 = 1 red).

Marine: Ryan McMahon, Paul Lundon, Ian Latham, Sam Barnes, John Shaw, Joe Fowler, Andy Fowler (Carl Gargan 73), Jonathan Goulding, Thomas Moore, Aaron Rey (Peter Cumiskey 90), Stephen Johnson. Unused subs: Phil Brazier, Darren Byers, Karl Brown. Cautions: McMahon, Latham, J. Fowler, A. Fowler, Rey, Goulding.

Referee: Mr David Storrie; Assistants Mr Mark Smith, Mr Paul Secker.

Attendance: 1704.

Oct 13 2011 by Our Correspondent, Crosby Herald

Chester FC: Midfield battle key to beating FC United of Manchester, says Neil Young

2011-10-13T19:56:00.000+01:00

Source: Chester Chronicle

NEIL Young believes winning the midfield battle will be key to Chester FC beating FC United of Manchester for the second time this season.

The Blues stopped the Red Rebels from dictating the tempo in August’s meeting between the fan-owned clubs – and Young will ask his team to do the same at Gigg Lane on Saturday (3pm).

The Chester boss said: “FC United are one of the best passing sides in the division so we’ve got to make sure we don’t allow them to play.

“Their three midfielders like to get on the ball and dictate the play so it’s up to us to get about them early doors, get a foothold in the game and then go for the win I fully believe we can get.”

FC United have made a underwhelming start to the season, losing five of their first 14 matches.

But Young still regards them as rivals for promotion and victory over Frickley Athletic on Tuesday extended their unbeaten league run to four matches.

Young, who sent chief scout Alex Hay to watch Karl Marginson’s men in action at Frickley, said: “It’s the biggest game in the league as we are the two biggest clubs in terms of our fan bases.

“I’m sure both sets of supporters would like to win the game – we’ve just got to make sure it’s us as we want to take advantage of the fact that some of the teams are not playing as they’re in the FA Cup.”

The Blues stretched their winning run to eight matches on Saturday with a last-gasp victory over Chasetown.

Their form is made more impressive given Young has only 14 fully fit senior players, including back-up goalkeeper Adam Judge, to choose from.

Former FC United winger Jerome Wright, Christian Smith and Ashley Williams remain sidelined – although all three should be back within a month – while Matty McGinn is struggling with a sore calf. The left-back was likely to be a substitute at best for last night’s trip to Buxton, which was played after The Chronicle went to press.

Oct 13 2011 by Paul Wheelock, Chester Chronicle

Rebels on the rampage up the table

2011-10-12T19:54:00.004+01:00

Source: MEN

FC United continued their charge up the Evo-Stik League’s premier division with a 3-1 victory at Frickley Athletic seeing them climb to eighth place, writes Tony Glennon.

But the rapidly improving Rebels had to wait until the 53rd minute before breaking the deadlock when Ben Deegan’s cross was turned into his own net by defender Stuart Ludlam.

Matthew Wolfenden added a second goal just two minutes later, firing home from 15 yards after latching onto Deegan’s chested knock-down.

And, though Frickley reduced the arrears in the 63rd minute, Brad Grayson netting from no more than a yard out following a goalmouth scramble, Deegan promptly restored FC’s two-goal lead with a fearsome right-foot volley sealing the points for Karl Marginson’s men.

Meanwhile, Ashton United’s woes continued with a 6-3 drubbing at North Ferriby.

Garry Flitcroft’s Chorley missed a chance to move level on points with leaders Northwich, who visit Burscough tonight, in being held to a goalless draw by visiting Rushall Olympic.

Tony Glennon
October 12, 2011

Blues succumb to FC United of Manchester

2011-10-12T19:52:00.002+01:00

Source: Hemsworth and Southelmsall Express

FRICKLEY Athletic suffered a second defeat in four days on Tuesday night when FC United of Manchester left South Elmsall with a 3-1 Evo-Stik Premier Division victory.

The Blues slipped to a 1-0 loss at Hednesford Town on Saturday and will go into this weekend’s big FA Cup third qualifying round clash at Gainsborough Trinity on the back of consecutive defeats.

Peter Rinkcavage’s men went behind in unfortunate circumstances early in the second half when Stuart Ludlam turned a Ben Deegan cross into his own goal.

The visitors went for the jugular and doubled their lead just three minutes through Matthew Wolfenden.

It gave the hosts a mountain to climb but they got back into the game on 64 minutes when Brad Grayson reduced the deficit by scrambling the ball over the line from a corner.

But their joy lasted barely a minute when the impressive Deegan fired in his side’s third to send United back across the Pennines with all three points.

Published on Wednesday 12 October 2011 11:22

Rebels are fuming

2011-10-10T23:54:00.003+01:00

Source: MEN

FC United manager Karl Marginson was left fuming over the performance of referee David Storrie after the Evo-Stik Premier side drew 1-1 with Marine.

Matthew Wolfenden earned the Rebels a share of the spoils with a 59th minute equaliser but it was the overworked official’s hugely controversial decision to deny United an 89th minute penalty and instead send off Rebels striker Ben Deegan which most incensed Marginson.

The Rebels boss stormed: “Even the Marine lads have admitted we should have had a penalty but instead we end up down to 10 men.

“Some of the ref’s decisions were baffling and not just the ones which went against us. Marine’s manager Kevin Lynch was, I think, just as frustrated as me.”

Meanwhile, Ashton United chief Danny Johnson’s plea for his team to respond positively to their FA Cup loss to Spennymoor was wasted as the injury-hit Robins lost 5-1 to visiting Stafford Rangers. Ashton were reduced to 10 men when dangerman Chris Amadi was dismissed following an off-the-ball incident with the game still scoreless at that stage.

Northwich went top with debutant Jordan Johnson hitting both goals in a 2-0 home win over North Ferriby.

Curzon Ashton returned to the Evo-Stik North summit as they saw off fellow high-fliers Farsley 3-2 with goals from Andrew Watson and Graham Kay (two).

Altrincham’s surprise FA Cup conquerors Witton Albion are up to third after they de-railed visiting Harrogate Railway 4-0.

The FA Trophy preliminary-round brought wins for Woodley and Radcliffe but defeats for Trafford and Mossley, while Salford and Warrington each face replays.

Flixton held onto pole position in the North West Counties League with Phil Drummond’s single strike sufficient to sink Stone.

October 10, 2011

FC United 0-1 Lancaster City

2011-10-04T09:46:00.000+01:00

Source: Lancaster Guardian

A PERFORMANCE FULL OF grit and determination saw Lancaster City progress to the next round of the FA cup.

They knocked out Evo-Stik Premier outfit FC United of Manchester at Gigg lane on Saturday with a Lee Dodgson strike and a full blooded defensive effort.

After a good first-half where they more than matched their supposed superior opponents the Dolly Blues nicked the lead just inside the second-half.

They then spent 40 draining minutes defending in the October sunshine to repel wave after wave of FC United attack and keep in the hunt for a place in the elusive First round proper.

In an impressive first-half display the Dolly Blues more than proved that they can mix it at this level and perhaps should have earned a goal for their efforts.

Max Rothwell and Dodgson both had half-chances from the edge of the box that they scuffed wide before Dodgson narrowly missed the chance of the half.

He broke into the box after a Danny Hattersley flick-on, leaving a somewhat flat FC back four in his wake and lifted the ball over James Spencer in the home net, the unseasonable Autumn weather had left the Gigg lane pitch hard and it took a bounce before hitting the bar and being cleared.

At the other end FC danger man Carlos Roca had the edge in his captivating battle with Ryan Elderton – it was short-lived as the City full-back was immense in the second 45 to take Roca out of the game- and he masterminded the home side’s best chance, a disallowed goal from Ben Deegan after Roca had just ran the ball out for a goal kick before crossing.

If City were disappointed not to go in at the break with a goal they did not show it, coming out after the break with renewed confidence that was justified five minutes in.

An angled free-kick from deep on the left was delivered towards the back of the box by Elderton and headed into the danger area by Jack Duggan, the FC defence again dithered for long enough to allow Dodgson to nip in on the ‘keeper and slice the ball over the onrushing ‘keeper into the net.

The home side reacted by bringing Michael Carr and Matthew Wolfenden off the bench and it was evident that City were in for a battle.

It was perhaps, with hindsight, a dangerous game to play by the Dolly Blues as they set up camp to defend for forty long minutes they were far too deep at times and invited a lot of pressure.

However they were still, as always, dangerous on the counter, particularly through Dave Swarbrick who flew off the bench like a man possessed and it seemed like they would have enough in the tank to take their opponents all the way.

It took a monstrous effort and fair amount of luck to keep the United hordes at bay, striker Deegan missed an incredible four headers from six yards and only troubled Martin Fearon with one that he was more than a match for.

While the only other efforts of note involved the tricky Wolfenden and Mike Norton, the former broke into the box but scuffed a shot wide while Norton showed a great first touch to bring down a long pass and find space but his shot was easily saved.

Inevitably Swarbrick broke free on three occasions, hitting two ambitious efforts high and wide, one a cheeky lob that had Spencer scrambling, on the other lightening counter he showed excellent trickery to beat Lee Neville but after breaking into the box he should have pulled back for Joe Bunney who was unmarked.

The back four take all the plaudits for forty brave minutes of backs to the wall defending however special mention must go to Simon Wills who showed great energy in covering his back four alongside Alex Kenyon who showed great fighting spirit to boss the centre of the park.

In a scouting mission the Tuesday previous Tony Hesketh had watched FC beat Whitby Town 3-0 and had remarked that he thought they were vulnerable at the back and Dodgson and Rothwell certainly had their number for most of the game.

A brilliant performance from the Dolly Blues, who looked a drained yet jubilant bunch when the final whistle blew. The FA cup dream is still alive.

FC UNITED: Spencer, Jacobs, Neville, Cottrell, Jones, Stott, Roca, Battersby (Carr 57), Norton, Deegan, Grimshaw (Wolfenden 57)

Subs not used: Platt, Chadwick, McGreevy, Armstrong, Edwards

LANCASTER CITY: Fearon 8, Henry 8, Elderton 9, Duggan 8, Marshall 8, Kenyon 7, Clark 7 (Bunney 66), Wills 7, Hattersley 7 (Swarbrick 66), Dodgson 8 (Wood 72), Rothwell 7

Subs not used: Gregson, Hall, Meaney, Turner

Attendance: 1147

Referee: Matthew Walsh

Starman: Ryan Elderton - Difficult to split a tremendous back four but his second-half handling of Carlos Roca was awesome

Published on Monday 3 October 2011 11:50

Misfiring big guns are shown the FA Cup exit

2011-10-03T09:43:00.000+01:00

Source: MEN

Non-League big guns Altrincham, Stalybridge Celtic and FC United were among the teams to crash out of the FA Cup on a largely disappointing day for the region’s semi-pro clubs, writes Tony Glennon.

And it was Alty’s shock exit which will perhaps be felt the hardest as the once renowned Cup giant-killers suffered an embarrassing 2-0 second qualifying round defeat to visiting Witton Albion, who play two divisions below them in Evo-Stik North.

The Robins, playing for the first time in their new red-and-black Moss Lane centenary kit, were rocking from the moment Alex Titchiner fired Witton into a surprise 11th-minute lead.

Despite dominating possession, Alty rarely looked like breaking a Cup goals duck stretching back to 2008 and were eventually sunk without trace when sub Mark Buchan added Witton’s second goal three minutes from time.

Stalybridge joined Altrincham in falling at their opening hurdle as they lost for the first time this season in tumbling 2-1 to fellow Blue Square Bet North high-fliers Guiseley at Bower Fold.

To rub salt in Bridge’s wound, it was two of their old boys, Lee Ellington and Joe O’Neill, who hit the goals which shattered their dreams of Cup glory.

Phil Marsh pulled one back in stoppage-time but that was scant consolation for the Celts on the weekend their boss, Jim Harvey, was named BSBN manager of the month.

FC United’s hopes of repeating last season’s money-spinning run to the second round proper were dashed as they fell to a 51st- minute Lee Dodgson goal in losing 1-0 to Lancaster.

Ashton United also bowed out, crushed 3-0 by visiting Spennymoor.

Out too went Northwich – beaten 2-1 by neighbours Nantwich – Warrington, who lost 3-1 to Bradford Park Avenue, and Buxton, felled 2-1 by Rushall Olympic.

Eased

But there was delight for Droylsden as they made an impressive start to their bid to successfully negotiate the Cup’s qualifying stages for the third time in four years with Ciaran Kilheeney’s first-half brace giving them a 2-1 win at Workington.

Joining the Bloods in the third and penultimate qualifying round will be their Tameside neighbours Hyde, who eased past Staveley Miners Welfare 3-0.

On target for the Tigers were Ryan Crowther (2) and Matthew Berkeley.

Evo-Stik North strugglers Radcliffe Borough also continued their unlikely Cup progress with Steve Howson, Dave Sherlock and Ben Wharton scoring as they came from behind to triumph 3-1 at Clitheroe.

Tony Glennon
October 03, 2011

Rebels back on track

2011-09-30T10:40:00.000+01:00

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

Henry’s overdue a goal to make mark

2011-09-30T10:39:00.000+01:00

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

Hesketh eyes FC United cup upset

2011-09-29T16:23:00.001+01:00

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