Source: Non-league Paper (no online link)
FC UNITED of Manchester boss Karl Marginson believes that the game between his side and AFC Wimbledon, two fan- owned clubs, summed up football perfectly as they went head to head with the Wombles coming out on top 2- 0.
Marginson told The NLP: “AFC Wimbledon gave us a lot of help when we were setting up our own football club and that was the start of a great friendship which I am sure will continue for a long time and when we get our stadium built the Dons will not be far from our minds in our first game.”
“It was a fantastic workout for the boys and it was a great accession. It was a tough test but it was a good exercise for us.
“Possibly the heat hindered the lads but I think we need to respect what AFC Wimbledon are doing and I think we did well in stopping Wimbledon scoring in the main part.
“But our jinx of never scoring at Wimbledon goes on.”
At the Cherry Red Record stadium and in front of a packed crowd of 1,292 the hosts should have gone ahead early on.
Chris Arthur was unmarked in the Reds box, but the chance flew wide.
At the other end Ashley Bayes had to spread himself at the feet of Michael Norton to save.
With a minute to go until the break Norton could have put the visitors ahead but his strike flew just wide of the goal.
Norton’s missed opportunity was made to look worse as Wimbledon attacked through Luke Moore and he beat the keeper to put the Dons 1- 0 up just before the break.
In the second half FC United made a raft of new substitutions and sent out what was almost a new team.
Wimbledon also made some changes and substitutes Jack Midson and Harry Pell combined well.
Despite good play from both teams in the second half neither could find a goal.
That all changed in the 67th minute when Harry Pell headed into an open net after Cavell Coo cleared the ball off the line from the original attempt by Pell.
FC United’s best chance of the game arrived in the 90th minute fell to Tom Greaves on 90 minutes but he headed wide.
After the game Dons boss Neil Ardley said he was pleased with his team on how they played despite the heat.
Ardley said: “The pitch is a little long and it needs to be protected. It is a typical pre- season as we looked to be where we were.
Sunday, July 14, 2013
Friday, June 21, 2013
PLAY-OFF JINX WON’T CHANGE OUR WINNING PHILOSOPHY
Source: Non-League paper
EVERYONE knows about our record in the play-offs. This year was our third straight final and our third straight defeat.
It’s tough to take, but after every disappointment, we’ve always asked our players to bounce back stronger.
And every year, they’ve stepped up to the mark. Now what I want them to do is go one better. This season, we lost out on automatic promotion by ten points.
And straight off the top of my head, I can think of 15 points we threw away by letting ourselves down on the day. If we can learn that lesson and apply ourselves as we should, that will be 15 more points on the board and we’ll be in with a shout of going up as champions.
That has to be the target because, to be perfectly honest, I’m a bit p****d off with playoff finals now!
Karl MarginsonI have to say, we are looking very, very strong and the fact we’ve secured 17 of last season’s squad is brilliant in terms of continuity. Hopefully it means we can start the season well and give ourselves something to build on.
In terms of improving things, I think it’s just about stepping up the professionalism. There’s a lot of talent in that dressing room, but at the end of the day those boys are only semi-pro.
It’s about changing people’s mindsets about how they approach games. That psychological aspect is massive in my view because mental strength is what’s needed to make sure we get the job done. That’s what I’m looking to add.
On a personal note, I was delighted to sign a new two-year contract. I’ve been here a since the start and every season we’ve shown progress. From my point of view, it’s good that the board have recognised that.
If there’s one thing I’ve learnt in the eight years here, it’s that there’s got to be a long-term plan. If you go for the quick fix, chances are you’ll be a one-season wonder.
Here, I’d like to think we’ve laid the groundwork to be successful for years to come. Whether it’s me in charge or someone else, the philosophy will remain the same – to play attractive football, to be sustainable and to produce good, homegrown players.
I’ve been very privileged because from the very start I was given a blank canvas to really shape the club’s direction.
THE COUNTDOWN IS ON FOR TAKE-OFF TIME
IN a couple of weeks, builders will set to work on our new ground. It’s very exciting, and that’s been one of the main selling points in retaining so many of the squad for next year.
The players have bought into what the club are trying to achieve. They know that, once the new ground is there, it’ll be take-off time. Bury’s Gigg Lane has been a good home to us, but our new ground at Moston is so much closer and will have a big impact on gates.
We’ll hopefully be in there for the start of next season and I see it as a really pivotal moment in the club’s development.
Karl Maginson was speaking to The Non-League Paper’s Chris Dunlavy.
EVERYONE knows about our record in the play-offs. This year was our third straight final and our third straight defeat.
It’s tough to take, but after every disappointment, we’ve always asked our players to bounce back stronger.
And every year, they’ve stepped up to the mark. Now what I want them to do is go one better. This season, we lost out on automatic promotion by ten points.
And straight off the top of my head, I can think of 15 points we threw away by letting ourselves down on the day. If we can learn that lesson and apply ourselves as we should, that will be 15 more points on the board and we’ll be in with a shout of going up as champions.
That has to be the target because, to be perfectly honest, I’m a bit p****d off with playoff finals now!
Karl MarginsonI have to say, we are looking very, very strong and the fact we’ve secured 17 of last season’s squad is brilliant in terms of continuity. Hopefully it means we can start the season well and give ourselves something to build on.
In terms of improving things, I think it’s just about stepping up the professionalism. There’s a lot of talent in that dressing room, but at the end of the day those boys are only semi-pro.
It’s about changing people’s mindsets about how they approach games. That psychological aspect is massive in my view because mental strength is what’s needed to make sure we get the job done. That’s what I’m looking to add.
On a personal note, I was delighted to sign a new two-year contract. I’ve been here a since the start and every season we’ve shown progress. From my point of view, it’s good that the board have recognised that.
If there’s one thing I’ve learnt in the eight years here, it’s that there’s got to be a long-term plan. If you go for the quick fix, chances are you’ll be a one-season wonder.
Here, I’d like to think we’ve laid the groundwork to be successful for years to come. Whether it’s me in charge or someone else, the philosophy will remain the same – to play attractive football, to be sustainable and to produce good, homegrown players.
I’ve been very privileged because from the very start I was given a blank canvas to really shape the club’s direction.
THE COUNTDOWN IS ON FOR TAKE-OFF TIME
IN a couple of weeks, builders will set to work on our new ground. It’s very exciting, and that’s been one of the main selling points in retaining so many of the squad for next year.
The players have bought into what the club are trying to achieve. They know that, once the new ground is there, it’ll be take-off time. Bury’s Gigg Lane has been a good home to us, but our new ground at Moston is so much closer and will have a big impact on gates.
We’ll hopefully be in there for the start of next season and I see it as a really pivotal moment in the club’s development.
Karl Maginson was speaking to The Non-League Paper’s Chris Dunlavy.
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
MDR 1 RADIO SACHSEN sucht den Fanspieler
Source: mdr.deZum Dynamo-Fantag am 2.6. wird es ein Spiel der Dynamo-Aufstiegshelden von 2004 gegen den FC United of Manchester geben. Aber dem Oldieteam von Dynamo fehlt noch der 11. Spieler - werden Sie es und bewerben Sie sich hier!
Wer hat Lust, nach einem Training von Christoph Franke mit Thomas Neubert, Steffen Heidrich, René Beuchel und Lars Jungnickel zu kicken? Anschließend gibt es ein Dynamo-Dinner mit dem Team. Um mitzumachen, müssen Sie mindestens 18 Jahre alt sein und einigermaßen mit dem Fußball umgehen können. Motiviert? Füllen Sie einfach das unten stehende Formular aus! Die Bewerbung ist nur online möglich.
Monday, April 29, 2013
Møt FC United: – Manchester i dag, verden i morgen [Video]
Source: tv2.no (TV2 is Norwegian 'ITV')
Se reportasje fra da FC United of Manchester sikret plass i playoff på sjuende nivå.
Manchester (TV 2 Sporten):
Mandag 22. april sikret Manchester United seg sin historiske 20. ligatittel, og har gjenvunnet tronen i den fotballgale byen allerede på første forsøk.
Dagen etter var det utbrytergjengen fra FC United of Manchester sin tur til å juble, da en plass i playoff ble sikret etter 3-0 hjemme mot Ashton United.
En plass i playoff er dog ikke ensbetydende med opprykk, noe FC United-guttene ettertrykkelig har fått erfare etter finaletap to år på rad.
– Tre ganger. Dette er vår tredje gang. Vi har gjort gode prestasjoner, og kommet til opprykksfinalen ved begge anledinger. Forhåpenligvis kan vi nå klare det i den tredje, og bygge på erfaringene fra de siste par årene, sa manager Karl Marginson til TV 2 Sporten etter kampslutt på Gigg Lane i Bury.
Et resultat av Glazer-oppkjøpet
Klubben ble startet i 2005 som et direkte resultat av familien Glazers oppkjøp av Manchester United. Men i følge en av klubbens største pionerer var det faktumet mer den avgjørende dråpen som fikk begeret til å renne over.
– Det var åpenbart en reaksjon mot at Glazer-familien tok over på Old Trafford, men fotballen har blitt fjernet fra vanlige supportere for lenge siden, sa klubbens formann og øverste leder Andy Walsh til TV 2 Sporten.
De 1586 tilskuere som tok turen til Gigg Lane tirsdag fikk kose seg med et offensivt friskt hjemmelag, som sikret seg 3-0-ledelse i første omgang og cruiset inn til seier i den andre. Dermed fikk man ikke de enorme jubelscenene som sist TV 2 Sporten overvar en kamp med laget. Det var i FA-cupseieren mot Rochdale i 2010.
Les også: Her går FC United-fansen av skaftet
Supporterne bestemmer alt
Men selv om klubben altså kan sikre seg sitt fjerde opprykk siden de ble stiftet for åtte år siden, og i så fall kun har to divisjoner igjen før ligafotball er et faktum, er det ingen rundt FC United of Manchester som blir utålmodige av den grunn.
POSITIV MANAGER: Karl Marginson tror FC United of Manchester kan flyte på erfaringene fra de to foregående årene når det nå for tredje år på rad blir playoff på nivå sju.
– Det er mye hardt arbeid, og mange viktige avgjørelser som folk må ta før noe slikt (en plass i ligaen, red.anm.) blir oppnådd. Måten fotballen blir drevet på i dette landet er noe mange folk ikke liker, og det som er så bra med FC United er at det er supporterne som gjør disse valgene, sa manager Marginson.
Supporterne foretar nemlig de valgene som kan foretas, og alle som har kjøpt seg inn i klubben står med én stemme i valgene som foretas - uavhengig av hvor mye de har investert.
Andy Walsh mener klubben har potensiale til å bli en foregangsmodell for andre klubber rundt om i hele verden.
– Det Manchester gjør i dag, gjør verden i morgen. Og vi mener virkelig at modellen vår med en supportereid fotballklubb vil bli en modell for andre klubber rundt om i landet, avslutter styreformannen.
Se reportasje fra da FC United of Manchester sikret plass i playoff på sjuende nivå.
Manchester (TV 2 Sporten):
Mandag 22. april sikret Manchester United seg sin historiske 20. ligatittel, og har gjenvunnet tronen i den fotballgale byen allerede på første forsøk.
Dagen etter var det utbrytergjengen fra FC United of Manchester sin tur til å juble, da en plass i playoff ble sikret etter 3-0 hjemme mot Ashton United.
En plass i playoff er dog ikke ensbetydende med opprykk, noe FC United-guttene ettertrykkelig har fått erfare etter finaletap to år på rad.
– Tre ganger. Dette er vår tredje gang. Vi har gjort gode prestasjoner, og kommet til opprykksfinalen ved begge anledinger. Forhåpenligvis kan vi nå klare det i den tredje, og bygge på erfaringene fra de siste par årene, sa manager Karl Marginson til TV 2 Sporten etter kampslutt på Gigg Lane i Bury.
Et resultat av Glazer-oppkjøpet
Klubben ble startet i 2005 som et direkte resultat av familien Glazers oppkjøp av Manchester United. Men i følge en av klubbens største pionerer var det faktumet mer den avgjørende dråpen som fikk begeret til å renne over.
– Det var åpenbart en reaksjon mot at Glazer-familien tok over på Old Trafford, men fotballen har blitt fjernet fra vanlige supportere for lenge siden, sa klubbens formann og øverste leder Andy Walsh til TV 2 Sporten.
De 1586 tilskuere som tok turen til Gigg Lane tirsdag fikk kose seg med et offensivt friskt hjemmelag, som sikret seg 3-0-ledelse i første omgang og cruiset inn til seier i den andre. Dermed fikk man ikke de enorme jubelscenene som sist TV 2 Sporten overvar en kamp med laget. Det var i FA-cupseieren mot Rochdale i 2010.
Les også: Her går FC United-fansen av skaftet
Supporterne bestemmer alt
Men selv om klubben altså kan sikre seg sitt fjerde opprykk siden de ble stiftet for åtte år siden, og i så fall kun har to divisjoner igjen før ligafotball er et faktum, er det ingen rundt FC United of Manchester som blir utålmodige av den grunn.
POSITIV MANAGER: Karl Marginson tror FC United of Manchester kan flyte på erfaringene fra de to foregående årene når det nå for tredje år på rad blir playoff på nivå sju.
– Det er mye hardt arbeid, og mange viktige avgjørelser som folk må ta før noe slikt (en plass i ligaen, red.anm.) blir oppnådd. Måten fotballen blir drevet på i dette landet er noe mange folk ikke liker, og det som er så bra med FC United er at det er supporterne som gjør disse valgene, sa manager Marginson.
Supporterne foretar nemlig de valgene som kan foretas, og alle som har kjøpt seg inn i klubben står med én stemme i valgene som foretas - uavhengig av hvor mye de har investert.
Andy Walsh mener klubben har potensiale til å bli en foregangsmodell for andre klubber rundt om i hele verden.
– Det Manchester gjør i dag, gjør verden i morgen. Og vi mener virkelig at modellen vår med en supportereid fotballklubb vil bli en modell for andre klubber rundt om i landet, avslutter styreformannen.
Monday, March 25, 2013
Wade still upbeat despite first loss
Source: The Journal
TOM Wade’s honeymoon period as Blyth boss is over, writes STEVE BROWN.
But having pushed FC United of Manchester so close, the new Spartans manager insists his side is in the right shape to progress.
The Croft Park club had posted back-to-back wins with Wade in charge, first in former manager Paddy Atkinson’s work-enforced absence at Kendal Town, then following Atkinson’s resignation against Ilkeston.
The Manchester United breakaway club would prove a different matter, however.
But in front of a crowd of 1730 at Bury’s Gigg Lane, Blyth took FC United to the wire, and were unfortunate to come away without a point.
“We want to push on,” said Wade.
“Without being arrogant about it, Blyth Spartans shouldn’t be in the position we are in.
“Yes, relegation last season has left the club with a bit of a hangover, and it’s true we don’t have a divine right to be up at the top, or in the league above.
“But I think the atmosphere here now is right, and we’re ready to progress.
“It will be hard to win a lot of games with so many to pack in before the end of the season.
“But we’ve got a good set of lads, the shape and the system are good and if they work hard we can start to climb the table.”
That will have to wait until Wednesday’s trip to Ashton United after defeat in Lancashire, but Spartans can take encouragement from their performance.
Though the hosts’ Dean Stott went close early on, Blyth shocked their opponents by going in front after 11 minutes.
Dan Maguire’s determination forced a corner, and from Stephen Turnbull’s flag-kick, Joe Kendrick headed past James Spencer from 10 yards, his second goal in as many games since coming off the transfer list.
Sam Fitzgerald then went close to equalising before half-time, and after the interval Lee Mason set up Maguire, who forced a fine save from Spencer.
As play became increasingly scrappy, Ashley Mulholland curled wide for the home side, and Robbie Dale’s effort clipped the crossbar.
Moments later, FC United struck twice in as many minutes.
Carlos Roca latched onto a poor clearance by Blyth, and Mike Norton tapped in from close range, then a mishit shot by Roca bobbled past Mark Cook, making his Blyth debut, off Tom Greaves.
FC UNITED OF MANCHESTER: Spencer; Stott, Neville, Birch, Jones, Lacy, Mulholland (Greaves), Fitzgerald (Giggs), Norton, Wright, Wolfenden.
BLYTH SPARTANS: Cook; Airey, Slaughter, Kendrick, Buchanan, Turnbull (Berg), Mason, Hooks (Jennings), Hubbard, Maguire, Dale.
Referee: Mr K Haycock.
Attendance: 1,730.
FC United of Manchester 2
Blyth Spartans 1
TOM Wade’s honeymoon period as Blyth boss is over, writes STEVE BROWN.
But having pushed FC United of Manchester so close, the new Spartans manager insists his side is in the right shape to progress.
The Croft Park club had posted back-to-back wins with Wade in charge, first in former manager Paddy Atkinson’s work-enforced absence at Kendal Town, then following Atkinson’s resignation against Ilkeston.
The Manchester United breakaway club would prove a different matter, however.
But in front of a crowd of 1730 at Bury’s Gigg Lane, Blyth took FC United to the wire, and were unfortunate to come away without a point.
“We want to push on,” said Wade.
“Without being arrogant about it, Blyth Spartans shouldn’t be in the position we are in.
“Yes, relegation last season has left the club with a bit of a hangover, and it’s true we don’t have a divine right to be up at the top, or in the league above.
“But I think the atmosphere here now is right, and we’re ready to progress.
“It will be hard to win a lot of games with so many to pack in before the end of the season.
“But we’ve got a good set of lads, the shape and the system are good and if they work hard we can start to climb the table.”
That will have to wait until Wednesday’s trip to Ashton United after defeat in Lancashire, but Spartans can take encouragement from their performance.
Though the hosts’ Dean Stott went close early on, Blyth shocked their opponents by going in front after 11 minutes.
Dan Maguire’s determination forced a corner, and from Stephen Turnbull’s flag-kick, Joe Kendrick headed past James Spencer from 10 yards, his second goal in as many games since coming off the transfer list.
Sam Fitzgerald then went close to equalising before half-time, and after the interval Lee Mason set up Maguire, who forced a fine save from Spencer.
As play became increasingly scrappy, Ashley Mulholland curled wide for the home side, and Robbie Dale’s effort clipped the crossbar.
Moments later, FC United struck twice in as many minutes.
Carlos Roca latched onto a poor clearance by Blyth, and Mike Norton tapped in from close range, then a mishit shot by Roca bobbled past Mark Cook, making his Blyth debut, off Tom Greaves.
FC UNITED OF MANCHESTER: Spencer; Stott, Neville, Birch, Jones, Lacy, Mulholland (Greaves), Fitzgerald (Giggs), Norton, Wright, Wolfenden.
BLYTH SPARTANS: Cook; Airey, Slaughter, Kendrick, Buchanan, Turnbull (Berg), Mason, Hooks (Jennings), Hubbard, Maguire, Dale.
Referee: Mr K Haycock.
Attendance: 1,730.
FC United of Manchester 2
Blyth Spartans 1
Fixture backlog is growing
Source: Sheffield Telegraph
Heavy snowfall caused further disruption with all but a couple of the weekend games in the Evo-Stik and Baris NCEL postponed creating a fixture headache.
FC United of Manchester came from behind to beat Blyth Spartans 2-1 in the only Evo-Stik NPL game to take place, while in the only game in the Baris NCEL Scarborough Athletic went top of Premier Division with a 2-0 home win over Tadcaster.
Alan Alcock, the Evo-Stik League’s Operations Manager, admitted the latest disruption is a blow with the league campaign set to finish on Saturday, April 27, and said: “The weather has created major problems in how to squeeze games in over the remaining weeks of the season.”
With little chance of an immediate thaw midweek games are also expected to be severely hit. Stocksbridge Park Steels are due to face FC United at Bracken Moor tomorrow with Sheffield FC at Brigg Town, while Parkgate and Hallam host Bridlington Town and Dinnington Town respectively.
Stocksbridge Chairman Allen Bethel said; “There was around 11 inches of snow in areas of pitch on Saturday morning. The chances of staging tomorrow’s game against United are virtually non-existent. We still have 12 matches to fit in, eight of them at home.”
Many clubs already facing the prospect of two midweek games. Steels have arranged their home Senior Cup semi-final for Thursday, April 11, two days after they face Stafford Rangers at Bracken Moor. The new date for the relegation showdown against Grantham Town, postponed on Saturday, is now Tuesday, April 23.
Sheffield FC face cramming in 13 games, eight of which are at Dronfield where over the Easter week they face a gruelling three games in six days.
There is at least some good news for the Northern Counties East League clubs after the Management Board announced it had been given approval to extend by a week up to Saturday May 4.
TUESDAY - Evo-Stik Premier Div: Stocksbridge PS v FC Utd of Manchester, Matlock Town v AFC Fylde.
Div One South: Brigg Town v Sheffield FC.
Baris NCEL - Premier Div: Parkgate v Bridlington Town.
Div One: Askern Villa v Albion Sp, Hallam v Dinnington Tn, Rossington Mn v Eccleshill Utd, Teversal v Worsbrough Bridge.
WEDNESDAY - Evo-Stik Premier Div: Worksop Tn v Rushall Olympic.
Baris NCEL League Cup Quarter-Final: Louth Town v Staveley MW.
Premier Div: Barton Town OB v Retford United.
THURSDAY - Baris NCEL Division One: AFC Emley v Bottesford Town.
FRIDAY - Baris NCEL Div One: Athersley Rec v Askern Villa
By Paul Webster
Published on Monday 25 March 2013 07:49
Heavy snowfall caused further disruption with all but a couple of the weekend games in the Evo-Stik and Baris NCEL postponed creating a fixture headache.
FC United of Manchester came from behind to beat Blyth Spartans 2-1 in the only Evo-Stik NPL game to take place, while in the only game in the Baris NCEL Scarborough Athletic went top of Premier Division with a 2-0 home win over Tadcaster.
Alan Alcock, the Evo-Stik League’s Operations Manager, admitted the latest disruption is a blow with the league campaign set to finish on Saturday, April 27, and said: “The weather has created major problems in how to squeeze games in over the remaining weeks of the season.”
With little chance of an immediate thaw midweek games are also expected to be severely hit. Stocksbridge Park Steels are due to face FC United at Bracken Moor tomorrow with Sheffield FC at Brigg Town, while Parkgate and Hallam host Bridlington Town and Dinnington Town respectively.
Stocksbridge Chairman Allen Bethel said; “There was around 11 inches of snow in areas of pitch on Saturday morning. The chances of staging tomorrow’s game against United are virtually non-existent. We still have 12 matches to fit in, eight of them at home.”
Many clubs already facing the prospect of two midweek games. Steels have arranged their home Senior Cup semi-final for Thursday, April 11, two days after they face Stafford Rangers at Bracken Moor. The new date for the relegation showdown against Grantham Town, postponed on Saturday, is now Tuesday, April 23.
Sheffield FC face cramming in 13 games, eight of which are at Dronfield where over the Easter week they face a gruelling three games in six days.
There is at least some good news for the Northern Counties East League clubs after the Management Board announced it had been given approval to extend by a week up to Saturday May 4.
TUESDAY - Evo-Stik Premier Div: Stocksbridge PS v FC Utd of Manchester, Matlock Town v AFC Fylde.
Div One South: Brigg Town v Sheffield FC.
Baris NCEL - Premier Div: Parkgate v Bridlington Town.
Div One: Askern Villa v Albion Sp, Hallam v Dinnington Tn, Rossington Mn v Eccleshill Utd, Teversal v Worsbrough Bridge.
WEDNESDAY - Evo-Stik Premier Div: Worksop Tn v Rushall Olympic.
Baris NCEL League Cup Quarter-Final: Louth Town v Staveley MW.
Premier Div: Barton Town OB v Retford United.
THURSDAY - Baris NCEL Division One: AFC Emley v Bottesford Town.
FRIDAY - Baris NCEL Div One: Athersley Rec v Askern Villa
By Paul Webster
Published on Monday 25 March 2013 07:49
Snow busters sweep to victory!
Source: Evo-Stik League
FC United of Manchester's fans won the thanks of their play-off chasing side on Saturday after answering an emergency call on social media to clear Gigg Lane of snow so their Evo-Stik Northern Premier League clash with Blyth Spartans could go ahead.
After their earlier exertions, supporters had to wait for two late goals to secure a 2-1 win in the only fixture in the Evo-Stik NPL's three divisions to beat the big freeze as snow again blanketed large parts of the country.
FCUM say their fans made sure their team had a chance to bounce back from three defeats on the spin by turning out in force after the club's media department put out an appeal for volunteers with shovels and brushes, swinging into action via the club's website and Twitter and Facebook accounts before securing coverage on local and national radio.
The Evo-Stik NPL outfit's Press Officer Andy Walker said fans did such a good job that the pitch, pictured before and after their efforts, was clear and fit to play by 10.30am despite the heavy snowfall in the Manchester area on Friday and overnight.
Fans later earned their perfect reward, Mike Norton equalising and Tom Greaves grabbing the winner in the final ten minutes to cancel out a 12th minute Joe Kendrick goal and strengthen the fifth placed club's play-off bid.
Walker said: "We put out a call for help via our website, Twitter and Facebook and also managed to get some coverage on BBC Five Live, TalkSport and Radio Manchester. With no big freeze we knew that if we could get the pitch clear of snow then the game would definitely go ahead.
"We had a great response from our supporters who turned up with their shovels and brushes and finished the job in quick time. Thankfully, the players did their bit too by winning the game to put us right back in the play-off mix."
FC United of Manchester's fans won the thanks of their play-off chasing side on Saturday after answering an emergency call on social media to clear Gigg Lane of snow so their Evo-Stik Northern Premier League clash with Blyth Spartans could go ahead.
After their earlier exertions, supporters had to wait for two late goals to secure a 2-1 win in the only fixture in the Evo-Stik NPL's three divisions to beat the big freeze as snow again blanketed large parts of the country.
FCUM say their fans made sure their team had a chance to bounce back from three defeats on the spin by turning out in force after the club's media department put out an appeal for volunteers with shovels and brushes, swinging into action via the club's website and Twitter and Facebook accounts before securing coverage on local and national radio.
The Evo-Stik NPL outfit's Press Officer Andy Walker said fans did such a good job that the pitch, pictured before and after their efforts, was clear and fit to play by 10.30am despite the heavy snowfall in the Manchester area on Friday and overnight.
Fans later earned their perfect reward, Mike Norton equalising and Tom Greaves grabbing the winner in the final ten minutes to cancel out a 12th minute Joe Kendrick goal and strengthen the fifth placed club's play-off bid.
Walker said: "We put out a call for help via our website, Twitter and Facebook and also managed to get some coverage on BBC Five Live, TalkSport and Radio Manchester. With no big freeze we knew that if we could get the pitch clear of snow then the game would definitely go ahead.
"We had a great response from our supporters who turned up with their shovels and brushes and finished the job in quick time. Thankfully, the players did their bit too by winning the game to put us right back in the play-off mix."
Spartans run out of steam but football’s spirit in strong voice
Source: New Post Leader
THE banners read ‘supporters not customers’ and ‘making friends not millionaires’ at Gigg Lane Bury on Saturday.
And as the millionaire Premier League footballers were putting their expensive feet up, enjoying a weekend off, football in that part of Lancashire at least seemed to have rediscovered its soul.
Home side FC United of Manchester hosted visitors Blyth Spartans in what turned out to be a thoroughly engaging game of football in front of a boisterous but amicable crowd. A reassuringly heart-warming football experience.
Spartans started with a 4-5-1 formation with Daniel Maguire spearheading the attack.
Blyth manager Tom Wade said:” In most away matches this season we’ve not started well and have ended up chasing the game, so I wanted us to be solid and disciplined.
“FC United are a very attacking side and we had to stop them over-running us.
“The plan worked well until the last ten minutes when we ran out of legs.”
The Spartans took the lead on 11 minutes, the nature of which pleased Wade.
“We have been working on our set pieces so it was nice to score from a corner.
“It was a good cross by Steve Turnbull and Joe Kendrick did well to get to the ball and head home.
“I think it’s probably the first goal we’ve scored this season like that from a corner.”
Maguire impressed with his running, guile and burgeoning confidence.
The young former Seaton Delaval player was taking photos of the impressive Bury FC stadium prior to kick-off – somewhat different from the homely charms of Delaval’s Wheatridge Park ground where he was playing last season.
A sign of how far the player has come in so short a time.
Blyth stubbornly resisted the home side’s advances until the 80th minute when Mike Norton nipped in front of Ritchie Slaughter to equalise.
FC United went ahead within a minute, this time through Tom Greaves.
“Another couple of sloppy goals conceded by us,” said Wade.
“They were running out of ideas. They were controlling play up to the last third but seldom got through or around us. But we were running out of steam a little.
“I thought we deserved a point from the game but the positives are that we had good shape, were competitive and worked hard.
“The lads are 100 per cent behind the cause and understand what is being asked of them.
“We did well for 80 minutes but need to do it for the full 90. We have improved massively in the last two weeks.”
And Wade was full of praise for the vociferous travelling supporters.
“They were superb, outstanding,” he said.
“I said to the players before kick-off that the home fans would be noisy and for it not to dishearten them when they came out of the tunnel. But what actually happened was all they could hear were the Blyth fans”
The game was the first in which new coach John Cornforth was involved.
Wade added: “The lads took to John immediately. He organised a great warm-up and he is a calming influence of them. John is massively experienced, and it shows.”
Explaining the division of responsibilities, he said: ““I will be picking the team and signing players with John advising.
“John himself will be running training and will be more involved in the football side of things.”
If not a winning start for the new duo at the weekend, it was a highly promising one on an occasion which augured well for Blyth and the intrinsic spirit of football.
By Phil Castiaux
Published on Sunday 24 March 2013 14:12
THE banners read ‘supporters not customers’ and ‘making friends not millionaires’ at Gigg Lane Bury on Saturday.
And as the millionaire Premier League footballers were putting their expensive feet up, enjoying a weekend off, football in that part of Lancashire at least seemed to have rediscovered its soul.
Home side FC United of Manchester hosted visitors Blyth Spartans in what turned out to be a thoroughly engaging game of football in front of a boisterous but amicable crowd. A reassuringly heart-warming football experience.
Spartans started with a 4-5-1 formation with Daniel Maguire spearheading the attack.
Blyth manager Tom Wade said:” In most away matches this season we’ve not started well and have ended up chasing the game, so I wanted us to be solid and disciplined.
“FC United are a very attacking side and we had to stop them over-running us.
“The plan worked well until the last ten minutes when we ran out of legs.”
The Spartans took the lead on 11 minutes, the nature of which pleased Wade.
“We have been working on our set pieces so it was nice to score from a corner.
“It was a good cross by Steve Turnbull and Joe Kendrick did well to get to the ball and head home.
“I think it’s probably the first goal we’ve scored this season like that from a corner.”
Maguire impressed with his running, guile and burgeoning confidence.
The young former Seaton Delaval player was taking photos of the impressive Bury FC stadium prior to kick-off – somewhat different from the homely charms of Delaval’s Wheatridge Park ground where he was playing last season.
A sign of how far the player has come in so short a time.
Blyth stubbornly resisted the home side’s advances until the 80th minute when Mike Norton nipped in front of Ritchie Slaughter to equalise.
FC United went ahead within a minute, this time through Tom Greaves.
“Another couple of sloppy goals conceded by us,” said Wade.
“They were running out of ideas. They were controlling play up to the last third but seldom got through or around us. But we were running out of steam a little.
“I thought we deserved a point from the game but the positives are that we had good shape, were competitive and worked hard.
“The lads are 100 per cent behind the cause and understand what is being asked of them.
“We did well for 80 minutes but need to do it for the full 90. We have improved massively in the last two weeks.”
And Wade was full of praise for the vociferous travelling supporters.
“They were superb, outstanding,” he said.
“I said to the players before kick-off that the home fans would be noisy and for it not to dishearten them when they came out of the tunnel. But what actually happened was all they could hear were the Blyth fans”
The game was the first in which new coach John Cornforth was involved.
Wade added: “The lads took to John immediately. He organised a great warm-up and he is a calming influence of them. John is massively experienced, and it shows.”
Explaining the division of responsibilities, he said: ““I will be picking the team and signing players with John advising.
“John himself will be running training and will be more involved in the football side of things.”
If not a winning start for the new duo at the weekend, it was a highly promising one on an occasion which augured well for Blyth and the intrinsic spirit of football.
By Phil Castiaux
Published on Sunday 24 March 2013 14:12
Monday, September 10, 2012
FC United face FA Cup tie with Salford City
Source: MEN
Salford City have drawn FC United in the second qualifying round of the FA Cup.
The sides will meet Saturday September 22 at Hurst Cross.
Curzon Ashton host Bradford (Park Avenue), while Altrincham travel to Shildon.
Ashton United were handed a home draw against Marine and Droylsden go to the winner of Ossett Town and Whitby Town.
Salford City have drawn FC United in the second qualifying round of the FA Cup.
The sides will meet Saturday September 22 at Hurst Cross.
Curzon Ashton host Bradford (Park Avenue), while Altrincham travel to Shildon.
Ashton United were handed a home draw against Marine and Droylsden go to the winner of Ossett Town and Whitby Town.
Sunday, September 09, 2012
FC United march on
Source: The FA
FC United of Manchester marched into the Second Qualifying Round of The FA Cup, as they scored a thumping 5-0 victory over Cammell Laird on Sunday with striker Mike Norton scoring twice.
Lee Neville and Jerome Wright were also on target, while an own goal completed a difficult afternoon for the visitors and a memorable one for the hosts.
FC United were 3-0 up by half time and always looked in control at Gigg Lane in front of a crowd of 1,024.
Elsewhere, AFC Dunstable produced an excellent 4-2 away victory at London Lions while Godalming Town and Dulwich Hamlet drew 2-2 and now face a replay.
Cray Wanderers are through, however, following a narrow and hard-fought 1-0 away win at Greenwich Borough.
A late, late goal by substitute Jamie Darvill -who only arrived on the pitch after 75 minutes - put Cray through when he headed home a Michael Power cross right at the death.
FC United of Manchester marched into the Second Qualifying Round of The FA Cup, as they scored a thumping 5-0 victory over Cammell Laird on Sunday with striker Mike Norton scoring twice.
Lee Neville and Jerome Wright were also on target, while an own goal completed a difficult afternoon for the visitors and a memorable one for the hosts.
FC United were 3-0 up by half time and always looked in control at Gigg Lane in front of a crowd of 1,024.
Elsewhere, AFC Dunstable produced an excellent 4-2 away victory at London Lions while Godalming Town and Dulwich Hamlet drew 2-2 and now face a replay.
Cray Wanderers are through, however, following a narrow and hard-fought 1-0 away win at Greenwich Borough.
A late, late goal by substitute Jamie Darvill -who only arrived on the pitch after 75 minutes - put Cray through when he headed home a Michael Power cross right at the death.
Marginson inspired by 2010
Source: The FA
Karl Marginson’s FC United of Manchester had a 'Eureka moment' when his side beat Rochdale 3-2 in The FA Cup in 2010, securing the best result in the club's history. Now, two years on, the manager is hoping for another one.
Elaborating on the win, which set up a Second Round Proper tie with Brighton which they then drew, Marginson reveals that the headline-grabbing Cup run completely transformed the way his side play.
He said: "We had a fantastic experience a couple of years ago beating Rochdale in the First Round and took Brighton into a replay.
"Playing against Brighton, the players went out and played some fantastic football - and it really was a Eureka moment that I had as a coach. Watching them play; it was an inspiring moment."
Marginson describes the victory over Rochdale as a morale booster for not only the team but the fans as well.
He added: "That just whet the appetite of not only myself, but our supporters. They support us for that kind of thing."
Coinciding with their record run in The FA Cup, Marginson quit his job running a fruit and vegetable delivery company to manage the club full time. Describing the consequences of becoming a 24/7 manager, Marginson admitted: "It has changed my life beyond recognition.
"The things that I’m able to do now - not only the with the first team and the older players - but with my job at the Manchester college producing players and helping them with their development.
"It is a real chance to have an impact on young peoples’ lives which is really worthwhile and very fulfilling as a job.
"It’s essential to any club that they’re producing players of a good quality and we want to produce kids who play fantastic football and build careers for themselves.”
While Marginson acknowledges the importance of supporting the youth players, he reserved special praise for Mike Norton - who scored that famous winning goal in their FA cup victory against Rochdale.
He says of Norton: "He’s still the top goalscorer. That’s his final objective and that’s his job, he’s a fantastic player to work with."
FC United of Manchester v Cammell Laird
The FA Cup with Budweiser
First Round Qualifying
3pm, Sunday 9 September 2012
Gigg Lane, Bury FC
Winning clubs receive £3000 from The FA's prize fund
Karl Marginson’s FC United of Manchester had a 'Eureka moment' when his side beat Rochdale 3-2 in The FA Cup in 2010, securing the best result in the club's history. Now, two years on, the manager is hoping for another one.
Elaborating on the win, which set up a Second Round Proper tie with Brighton which they then drew, Marginson reveals that the headline-grabbing Cup run completely transformed the way his side play.
He said: "We had a fantastic experience a couple of years ago beating Rochdale in the First Round and took Brighton into a replay.
"Playing against Brighton, the players went out and played some fantastic football - and it really was a Eureka moment that I had as a coach. Watching them play; it was an inspiring moment."
Marginson describes the victory over Rochdale as a morale booster for not only the team but the fans as well.
He added: "That just whet the appetite of not only myself, but our supporters. They support us for that kind of thing."
Coinciding with their record run in The FA Cup, Marginson quit his job running a fruit and vegetable delivery company to manage the club full time. Describing the consequences of becoming a 24/7 manager, Marginson admitted: "It has changed my life beyond recognition.
"The things that I’m able to do now - not only the with the first team and the older players - but with my job at the Manchester college producing players and helping them with their development.
"It is a real chance to have an impact on young peoples’ lives which is really worthwhile and very fulfilling as a job.
"It’s essential to any club that they’re producing players of a good quality and we want to produce kids who play fantastic football and build careers for themselves.”
While Marginson acknowledges the importance of supporting the youth players, he reserved special praise for Mike Norton - who scored that famous winning goal in their FA cup victory against Rochdale.
He says of Norton: "He’s still the top goalscorer. That’s his final objective and that’s his job, he’s a fantastic player to work with."
FC United of Manchester v Cammell Laird
The FA Cup with Budweiser
First Round Qualifying
3pm, Sunday 9 September 2012
Gigg Lane, Bury FC
Winning clubs receive £3000 from The FA's prize fund
Thursday, September 06, 2012
Wolfenden’s Rebels winner
Source: MEN
FC United moved up to fourth in the Evo-Stik Premier Division with a 1-0 win at struggling Whitby Town, writes Chris Ostick.
A Matt Wolfenden strike in the 58th minute was enough to seal the points for the Rebels against a side still looking for their first win of the season.
An Aaron Burns goal three minutes from time earned Ashton United a 2-2 draw with AFC Fylde at Hurst Cross.
Mark Peers gave the Robins a first-half lead from the penalty spot after Ben Deegan was fouled in the box.
Jack Dorney and Richie Allen scored after the break, however, to give the visitors a lead, before Burns struck late on to leave Ashton third, two points behind leaders Marine.
Both sides now turn to the FA Cup first qualifying round where FC United play Cammell Laird at Gigg Lane on Sunday and Ashton travel to Prescot Cables on Saturday.
Chris Ostick
September 06, 2012
FC United moved up to fourth in the Evo-Stik Premier Division with a 1-0 win at struggling Whitby Town, writes Chris Ostick.
A Matt Wolfenden strike in the 58th minute was enough to seal the points for the Rebels against a side still looking for their first win of the season.
An Aaron Burns goal three minutes from time earned Ashton United a 2-2 draw with AFC Fylde at Hurst Cross.
Mark Peers gave the Robins a first-half lead from the penalty spot after Ben Deegan was fouled in the box.
Jack Dorney and Richie Allen scored after the break, however, to give the visitors a lead, before Burns struck late on to leave Ashton third, two points behind leaders Marine.
Both sides now turn to the FA Cup first qualifying round where FC United play Cammell Laird at Gigg Lane on Sunday and Ashton travel to Prescot Cables on Saturday.
Chris Ostick
September 06, 2012
Chairman calm as Blues fall to sixth defeat
Source: Whitby Gazette
Published on Thursday 6 September 2012 07:10
WHITBY Town’s winless start to the season continued when they suffered a second close defeat to title contenders FC United of Manchester in just over a fortnight.
Having been applauded off the pitch in a 3-2 defeat in Lancashire last month, another tight game beckoned on Wednesday - but a single goal consigned Whitby to a sixth defeat in succession.
Despite the alarming start, chairman Graham Manser believes a swift change of fortune is just around the corner.
“If any more opposing chairmen congratulate the Blues on their performance and standard of football and state that they don’t know why we haven’t won a game, I will throw myself off the pier,” he said in his programme notes.
“With the exception of one, each game has been lost by a single goal and in the exception we lost by two goals in stoppage time.
“I am not too despondent, the team is playing well and I feel it is only a matter of time before the results are achieved.”
Despite the sides’ contrasting fortunes in the league so far, there was little to choose between them as chances were at a premium in a tight first half.
Whitby’s Graeme Armstrong had the first crack at goal after some neat build-up play but the big frontman dragged his shot wide.
FC United threatened in the air with impressive centre back Adam Jones thumping a header goalwards from a deep corner but not enough to trouble Liversedge.
FC United’s Mike Norton had an unexpected chance to open the scoring from the type of slip-up that boss Darren Williams is so keen to stamp out.
Keeper Liversedge was dispossessed on the edge of the box by Norton who slid the ball right across the face of goal from an acute angle.
Whitby might have edged in front just before half-time had Shane Henry’s shot well struck shot from skipper Mark Robinson’s cross not been blocked en route to the top of the net.
The Blues’ man of the match Tom Portas then went close after the restart with a lung-bursting run forward before unleashing a skimming past keeper James Spencer but a fraction wide of the far post.
However, the Bury-based visitors got that stroke of luck which has agonisingly eluded Whitby so far this season on 58 minutes. Norton’s header from a deep cross from the right was tipped on to the bar by Liversedge but Matthew Wolfenden was on hand to convert the rebound.
Whitby instantly set out to level the scores and it took an alert stop from Spencer when Henry played a neat one-two with Nathan Mulligan before cracking a decent hit towards goal.
In one of Whitby’s slickest moves of the game, the ball was played out wide to sub Jamie Clarke, in his first game back at the Turnbull since arriving back from Darlington 1883. The veteran striker drove a smart ball across goal and it missed Robinson’s outstretched foot by millimetres.
Defender Alex White, fresh from scoring against AFC Fylde on Saturday, then strode forward and tried his luck with a speculative rocket which kept on rising.
With the introduction of Clarke, Whitby looked more creative but late substitutions combined with United players dramatising injuries to run down the clock ensured the visitors left with the three points, while Darren Williams’ men are left to rue what might have been.
Whitby Town: Liversedge, James, Robinson (c), Burgess, White, Portas, Hassan (Snaith), Tait, Armstrong (Clarke), Mulligan, Henry. Attendance: 482.
Whitby Town 0 FC United of Manchester 1
Published on Thursday 6 September 2012 07:10
WHITBY Town’s winless start to the season continued when they suffered a second close defeat to title contenders FC United of Manchester in just over a fortnight.
Having been applauded off the pitch in a 3-2 defeat in Lancashire last month, another tight game beckoned on Wednesday - but a single goal consigned Whitby to a sixth defeat in succession.
Despite the alarming start, chairman Graham Manser believes a swift change of fortune is just around the corner.
“If any more opposing chairmen congratulate the Blues on their performance and standard of football and state that they don’t know why we haven’t won a game, I will throw myself off the pier,” he said in his programme notes.
“With the exception of one, each game has been lost by a single goal and in the exception we lost by two goals in stoppage time.
“I am not too despondent, the team is playing well and I feel it is only a matter of time before the results are achieved.”
Despite the sides’ contrasting fortunes in the league so far, there was little to choose between them as chances were at a premium in a tight first half.
Whitby’s Graeme Armstrong had the first crack at goal after some neat build-up play but the big frontman dragged his shot wide.
FC United threatened in the air with impressive centre back Adam Jones thumping a header goalwards from a deep corner but not enough to trouble Liversedge.
FC United’s Mike Norton had an unexpected chance to open the scoring from the type of slip-up that boss Darren Williams is so keen to stamp out.
Keeper Liversedge was dispossessed on the edge of the box by Norton who slid the ball right across the face of goal from an acute angle.
Whitby might have edged in front just before half-time had Shane Henry’s shot well struck shot from skipper Mark Robinson’s cross not been blocked en route to the top of the net.
The Blues’ man of the match Tom Portas then went close after the restart with a lung-bursting run forward before unleashing a skimming past keeper James Spencer but a fraction wide of the far post.
However, the Bury-based visitors got that stroke of luck which has agonisingly eluded Whitby so far this season on 58 minutes. Norton’s header from a deep cross from the right was tipped on to the bar by Liversedge but Matthew Wolfenden was on hand to convert the rebound.
Whitby instantly set out to level the scores and it took an alert stop from Spencer when Henry played a neat one-two with Nathan Mulligan before cracking a decent hit towards goal.
In one of Whitby’s slickest moves of the game, the ball was played out wide to sub Jamie Clarke, in his first game back at the Turnbull since arriving back from Darlington 1883. The veteran striker drove a smart ball across goal and it missed Robinson’s outstretched foot by millimetres.
Defender Alex White, fresh from scoring against AFC Fylde on Saturday, then strode forward and tried his luck with a speculative rocket which kept on rising.
With the introduction of Clarke, Whitby looked more creative but late substitutions combined with United players dramatising injuries to run down the clock ensured the visitors left with the three points, while Darren Williams’ men are left to rue what might have been.
Whitby Town: Liversedge, James, Robinson (c), Burgess, White, Portas, Hassan (Snaith), Tait, Armstrong (Clarke), Mulligan, Henry. Attendance: 482.
Whitby Town 0 FC United of Manchester 1
Wednesday, September 05, 2012
You are here Sport > Football Blues hoping for bumper gate - and first points
Source: Whitby Gazette
WHITBY Town are hoping for a bumper gate tonight (Wed)- and their first points of the season - when they take on high-fliers FC United of Manchester at the Turnbull Ground.
The Blues have endured a nightmare start, with five EvoStik League defeats out of five, but boss Darren Williams insists all their matches so far have been close and that Whitby have dominated much of these fixtures, without reward.
Whitby ran FC United close in a 3-2 reverse last month and were applauded off the pitch by the large crowd at Bury’s Gigg Lane - Williams sees no reason why that level of performance can’t be repeated.
He told the Whitby Gazette: “We are looking forward to tonight’s game.
“We know it will be a good footballing game, it will not be a scrappy game or a long ball situation.
“I’ve spoken to a few of FC United’s backroom staff who have said ‘we’ll see if we can come to your place and snatch your wallet again.’”
Although the Blues played well in August’s away match, Williams is aware that tonight could be a completely different scenario.
“We will have to work hard to get the spoils,” he stressed.
“Fingers crossed we will be able to get our first points on the board and give the lads a lift ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup tie.”
With the weather forecast looking good for today, it is hoped the fixture will attract a good crowd, with more than 600 turning up to see last season’s clash between the two.
“Hopefully, people can see how well we’ve played - it’s not a case of us getting trounced every week because we’re not good enough,” he added.
“We’ve just been creating our own problems and if we cut those out, we will be okay.”
Tonight’s game kicks off at 7.45pm.
* See Friday’s Whitby Gazette for report of Whitby v FC United game.
WHITBY Town are hoping for a bumper gate tonight (Wed)- and their first points of the season - when they take on high-fliers FC United of Manchester at the Turnbull Ground.
The Blues have endured a nightmare start, with five EvoStik League defeats out of five, but boss Darren Williams insists all their matches so far have been close and that Whitby have dominated much of these fixtures, without reward.
Whitby ran FC United close in a 3-2 reverse last month and were applauded off the pitch by the large crowd at Bury’s Gigg Lane - Williams sees no reason why that level of performance can’t be repeated.
He told the Whitby Gazette: “We are looking forward to tonight’s game.
“We know it will be a good footballing game, it will not be a scrappy game or a long ball situation.
“I’ve spoken to a few of FC United’s backroom staff who have said ‘we’ll see if we can come to your place and snatch your wallet again.’”
Although the Blues played well in August’s away match, Williams is aware that tonight could be a completely different scenario.
“We will have to work hard to get the spoils,” he stressed.
“Fingers crossed we will be able to get our first points on the board and give the lads a lift ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup tie.”
With the weather forecast looking good for today, it is hoped the fixture will attract a good crowd, with more than 600 turning up to see last season’s clash between the two.
“Hopefully, people can see how well we’ve played - it’s not a case of us getting trounced every week because we’re not good enough,” he added.
“We’ve just been creating our own problems and if we cut those out, we will be okay.”
Tonight’s game kicks off at 7.45pm.
* See Friday’s Whitby Gazette for report of Whitby v FC United game.
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Security warning after FC United attacks
Source: MEN
FC United are to step up security when building work starts on their new stadium, after a spate of attacks.
As revealed by the M.E.N. last week, vandals used weedkiller to etch a protest in the turf of the Ronald Johnson Playing Fields, where they plan to move.
Attackers burnt out 10ft letters spelling out ‘No to FC Utd’ on the land in Moston, poured concrete into goal posts and sprayed anti-FC United graffiti on a container in an attack branded ‘pathetic’ by council chiefs.
The club have been given planning permission to build a 5,000-capacity stadium on the fields and had hoped to start work before the autumn.
But a residents’ group opposed to the £3.5m plans, Residents United Residents Association, is seeking a judicial review.
It issued papers to Manchester council, which has now responded. And it is now up to the group to decide whether to mount such a challenge at the High Court.
Andy Walsh, FC United general manager, said that similar attacks over the past 12-months have forced the club to set money aside for site security.
He said: “This is a small group of people and by no means reflective.
“Moston Juniors, the junior club who, until recently, played at the fields, have suffered considerable vandalism over the last 12 months.
“Unfortunately they could not afford a security provision on the site.
“When we go on the site we have earmarked provision for a security presence.
“It is sad that a small group of people would vandalise the facilities of a junior club.
“We will be able to offer them protection from those who seek to destroy facilities for young people to play sport.”
The M.E.N. understands that RURA now has until the end of September to consider the council’s response.
If it decides to press on, a judge will then be tasked with ruling whether its case carries enough weight to justify a judicial review. Annette McGovern, chair of RURA, said: “The council has responded and we are not going to back down. We will take this as far as we can.
“We believe that there are environmental issues and that the planning process was fundamentally flawed.”
FC United are to step up security when building work starts on their new stadium, after a spate of attacks.
As revealed by the M.E.N. last week, vandals used weedkiller to etch a protest in the turf of the Ronald Johnson Playing Fields, where they plan to move.
Attackers burnt out 10ft letters spelling out ‘No to FC Utd’ on the land in Moston, poured concrete into goal posts and sprayed anti-FC United graffiti on a container in an attack branded ‘pathetic’ by council chiefs.
The club have been given planning permission to build a 5,000-capacity stadium on the fields and had hoped to start work before the autumn.
But a residents’ group opposed to the £3.5m plans, Residents United Residents Association, is seeking a judicial review.
It issued papers to Manchester council, which has now responded. And it is now up to the group to decide whether to mount such a challenge at the High Court.
Andy Walsh, FC United general manager, said that similar attacks over the past 12-months have forced the club to set money aside for site security.
He said: “This is a small group of people and by no means reflective.
“Moston Juniors, the junior club who, until recently, played at the fields, have suffered considerable vandalism over the last 12 months.
“Unfortunately they could not afford a security provision on the site.
“When we go on the site we have earmarked provision for a security presence.
“It is sad that a small group of people would vandalise the facilities of a junior club.
“We will be able to offer them protection from those who seek to destroy facilities for young people to play sport.”
The M.E.N. understands that RURA now has until the end of September to consider the council’s response.
If it decides to press on, a judge will then be tasked with ruling whether its case carries enough weight to justify a judicial review. Annette McGovern, chair of RURA, said: “The council has responded and we are not going to back down. We will take this as far as we can.
“We believe that there are environmental issues and that the planning process was fundamentally flawed.”
Sunday, August 26, 2012
Witton Albion protect unbeaten record against fast-starters FC United of Manchester
Source: Northwich Guardian
Witton Albion v FC United of Manchester (Kick off 3pm)
Evo-Stik Northern Premier League Premier Division
Venue Help for Heroes Stadium
Referee Jonathan Hunt (Liverpool)
Admission Adults £9, Concessions (NUS/ OAP) £6, U15s £3, Armed Forces personnel Free (on production of valid ID)
Odds (Coral) Witton 8/5, Draw 12/5, FC United 5/4
Previous meeting Witton 2 FC United 1 (Northern Premier League Premier Division, January 24 2009)
Witton (from) Cooper (GK), Booth, Gardner, Glover, Harrison, Wood, Andrews, Cross, Fallon, Hancock, Schofield, Sheehan, Woolley, Buchan, Gahgan, Moseley, Stott, Tuck
Doubtful Cross (match fitness)
Injured Connors (calf), Shaw (ankle)
Suspended none
Disciplinary record (last season) Y32 R4
Top scorers Anthony Gardner, Shaun Tuck (both 2)
Title odds (SKY Bet) 40/1
Form (Past six home in league) W
Record (home) P1 W1 D0 L0 F2 A1 Pts 3
Record (overall) P3 W2 D1 L0 F5 A3 Pts7
FC United (from) Spencer (GK), Worsnop (GK), Anderson, Armstrong, Jacobs, Jones, Krou, Neville, Munroe, Stott, Birch, Cheetham, Cottrell, Grimshaw, Johnson, Platt, Roca, Wright, Amadi, Norton, Wolfenden
Doubtful none
Injured Giggs (broken foot)
Suspended none
Disciplinary record (last season) Y59 R7
Top scorer Michael Norton (3)
Title odds (Bet Victor) 9/2
Form (Past six away in league) W
Record (away) P1 W1 D0 L0 F4 A2 Pts3
Record (overall) P3 W3 D0 L0 F11 A4 Pts9
Match pointers
WITTON take on tomorrow, Monday, one of the five teams to have won each of its opening three league matches in FC United of Manchester.
The Rebels put four goals past Matlock Town on Saturday, meaning only Ashton United have scored more than Karl Marginson’s men in the season’s first seven days.
Seven different players have been on target for the Manchester men in that time.
Witton have a proud record to protect as well; a weekend draw at Worksop Town taking to 19 the number of league games without defeat since mid February.
Midfield pair Steve Connors (calf) and Joe Shaw (ankle) continues to convalesce, although Matt Cross may be named as a substitute after shaking off a calf strain.
Wide man Chris Gahgan is available again too.
The visitors have named the same starting line-up for each of their games so far, although midfielder Nick Platt featured for the first time this term as a substitute at the weekend.
Striker Kris Amadi, a new recruit from Ashton United, is yet to play though.
Two previous meetings with Witton have yielded 11 goals, including a 2-1 success for Albion in January 2009 when they last played at this level.
Witton Albion v FC United of Manchester (Kick off 3pm)
Evo-Stik Northern Premier League Premier Division
Venue Help for Heroes Stadium
Referee Jonathan Hunt (Liverpool)
Admission Adults £9, Concessions (NUS/ OAP) £6, U15s £3, Armed Forces personnel Free (on production of valid ID)
Odds (Coral) Witton 8/5, Draw 12/5, FC United 5/4
Previous meeting Witton 2 FC United 1 (Northern Premier League Premier Division, January 24 2009)
Witton (from) Cooper (GK), Booth, Gardner, Glover, Harrison, Wood, Andrews, Cross, Fallon, Hancock, Schofield, Sheehan, Woolley, Buchan, Gahgan, Moseley, Stott, Tuck
Doubtful Cross (match fitness)
Injured Connors (calf), Shaw (ankle)
Suspended none
Disciplinary record (last season) Y32 R4
Top scorers Anthony Gardner, Shaun Tuck (both 2)
Title odds (SKY Bet) 40/1
Form (Past six home in league) W
Record (home) P1 W1 D0 L0 F2 A1 Pts 3
Record (overall) P3 W2 D1 L0 F5 A3 Pts7
FC United (from) Spencer (GK), Worsnop (GK), Anderson, Armstrong, Jacobs, Jones, Krou, Neville, Munroe, Stott, Birch, Cheetham, Cottrell, Grimshaw, Johnson, Platt, Roca, Wright, Amadi, Norton, Wolfenden
Doubtful none
Injured Giggs (broken foot)
Suspended none
Disciplinary record (last season) Y59 R7
Top scorer Michael Norton (3)
Title odds (Bet Victor) 9/2
Form (Past six away in league) W
Record (away) P1 W1 D0 L0 F4 A2 Pts3
Record (overall) P3 W3 D0 L0 F11 A4 Pts9
Match pointers
WITTON take on tomorrow, Monday, one of the five teams to have won each of its opening three league matches in FC United of Manchester.
The Rebels put four goals past Matlock Town on Saturday, meaning only Ashton United have scored more than Karl Marginson’s men in the season’s first seven days.
Seven different players have been on target for the Manchester men in that time.
Witton have a proud record to protect as well; a weekend draw at Worksop Town taking to 19 the number of league games without defeat since mid February.
Midfield pair Steve Connors (calf) and Joe Shaw (ankle) continues to convalesce, although Matt Cross may be named as a substitute after shaking off a calf strain.
Wide man Chris Gahgan is available again too.
The visitors have named the same starting line-up for each of their games so far, although midfielder Nick Platt featured for the first time this term as a substitute at the weekend.
Striker Kris Amadi, a new recruit from Ashton United, is yet to play though.
Two previous meetings with Witton have yielded 11 goals, including a 2-1 success for Albion in January 2009 when they last played at this level.
Saturday, August 25, 2012
Cammell Laird must take FA Cup chance and book tie with FC United of Manchester, says manager Read More http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/amateur-football/2012/08/25/cammell-laird-must-take-fa-cup-chance-and-book-tie-with-fc-united-of-manchester-says-manager-100252-31693297/#ixzz24pt5gPeh
Source: Liverpool Echo
CAMMELL LAIRD can book an exciting FA Cup tie with FC United of Manchester – if they overcome an unknown side from Hull.
Tony Sullivan’s men make the trip to Barton Town Old Boys this afternoon in the preliminary round stage of the competition.
Sullivan says not only are the finances on offer from a potential game at Gigg Lane a major incentive but the prospect of playing against such a well supported non-league side should also serve as real motivation for his players.
Laird have started the Evo-Stik First Division North season with a draw and a defeat with Jamie Henders netting four times.
But Sullivan has challenged the striker to maintain his form whilst asking the squad to make the most of their FA Cup opportunity today.
“We are not going to take Barton lightly at all,” said Sullivan.
“We are going there with a game plan to try and get something out of the game.
“We will properly prepare and hopefully get through to the next round.
“Potentially the next round could be a financially fantastic reward for the club. Going to FC United is the carrot at the end of today’s game.
“It is a fixture that can only help the club.
“Yes, it would be great for my CV but more importantly, what an opportunity for the players to play in front of over 1,000 fans at Gigg Lane.
“Victory in the FA Cup can kick start a season as well.
“Before that next big tie, everyone is playing for the shirt.”
Henders is likely to start up front for Lairds this afternoon following his four goals in two games, but Sullivan says he cannot rest on his laurels.
“Jamie has had a great start to the season,” he said.
“Jamie has got fantastic ability but he will be the first to tell you that he has not always been the player we know he can be.
“He has started the season on fire but we expect more of that.
“He has shown everyone his capabilities in the first two games but he has got to do that for the 44 games over the course of the season.
“He has a good attitude and hopefully this form will continue.”
Also in the FA Cup: Padiham v Burscough; AFC Liverpool v Cables and Irlam v Runcorn Town.
Read More http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/amateur-football/2012/08/25/cammell-laird-must-take-fa-cup-chance-and-book-tie-with-fc-united-of-manchester-says-manager-100252-31693297/#ixzz24ptF7Uvq
CAMMELL LAIRD can book an exciting FA Cup tie with FC United of Manchester – if they overcome an unknown side from Hull.
Tony Sullivan’s men make the trip to Barton Town Old Boys this afternoon in the preliminary round stage of the competition.
Sullivan says not only are the finances on offer from a potential game at Gigg Lane a major incentive but the prospect of playing against such a well supported non-league side should also serve as real motivation for his players.
Laird have started the Evo-Stik First Division North season with a draw and a defeat with Jamie Henders netting four times.
But Sullivan has challenged the striker to maintain his form whilst asking the squad to make the most of their FA Cup opportunity today.
“We are not going to take Barton lightly at all,” said Sullivan.
“We are going there with a game plan to try and get something out of the game.
“We will properly prepare and hopefully get through to the next round.
“Potentially the next round could be a financially fantastic reward for the club. Going to FC United is the carrot at the end of today’s game.
“It is a fixture that can only help the club.
“Yes, it would be great for my CV but more importantly, what an opportunity for the players to play in front of over 1,000 fans at Gigg Lane.
“Victory in the FA Cup can kick start a season as well.
“Before that next big tie, everyone is playing for the shirt.”
Henders is likely to start up front for Lairds this afternoon following his four goals in two games, but Sullivan says he cannot rest on his laurels.
“Jamie has had a great start to the season,” he said.
“Jamie has got fantastic ability but he will be the first to tell you that he has not always been the player we know he can be.
“He has started the season on fire but we expect more of that.
“He has shown everyone his capabilities in the first two games but he has got to do that for the 44 games over the course of the season.
“He has a good attitude and hopefully this form will continue.”
Also in the FA Cup: Padiham v Burscough; AFC Liverpool v Cables and Irlam v Runcorn Town.
Read More http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/amateur-football/2012/08/25/cammell-laird-must-take-fa-cup-chance-and-book-tie-with-fc-united-of-manchester-says-manager-100252-31693297/#ixzz24ptF7Uvq
Friday, August 24, 2012
FC United's proposed new ground in Moston vandalised in weedkiller protest
Source: MEN
Vandals have used weedkiller to etch a protest against FC United's move to Moston into the turf of their proposed new home.
The attackers burnt 10ft letters spelling out 'No to FC Utd' in the grass of the Ronald Johnson Playing fields.
They went on to pour concrete into holes drilled for goal posts and spray anti-FC United grafitti on a storage container in a spree branded 'pathetic' by council chiefs.
The site is set to become a 5,000-capacity stadium for FC United, which was formed in protest of the Glazer family's ownership of Manchester United.
It was previously home to amateurs Moston Juniors, who are currently playing their matches elsewhere after similar attacks in recent months.
FC United were given planning permission to build their £3.5m complex on the site last October.
A residents group opposed to the stadium, Residents United Residents Association, have launched a bid to force a judicial review.
The M.E.N. revealed that they had served papers on town hall bosses last month.
Officials from FC United had hoped to start work on the project this summer and be in the ground for next season.
They had hoped to turn around some of the pitches to allow Moston Juniors to carry on playing there while work was going on.
But the delays caused by the challenge, coupled with the repeated attacks, have led to the club, which has 15 teams ranging from Under 7s to Under 18s, to move elsewhere.
Matches are currently being played in Blackley, Failsworth and at Heaton Park.
A spokesman for Moston Juniors said they were saddened by the attacks.
He said: “We are concerned about the continuing threat of vandalism and graffiti.
“It is disturbing that there are people from the local community who feel it is necessary to cause further damage to the facilities.
“It would be better if they talked to the partners involved to achieve a solution that is acceptable to all of those concerned.”
Local councillor Luthfur Rahman said: "There is no excuse for this kind of vandalism.
“Damaging a pitch used by one of the biggest amateur junior football teams in Manchester is just pathetic."
FC United declined to comment on the attack.
Vandals have used weedkiller to etch a protest against FC United's move to Moston into the turf of their proposed new home.
The attackers burnt 10ft letters spelling out 'No to FC Utd' in the grass of the Ronald Johnson Playing fields.
They went on to pour concrete into holes drilled for goal posts and spray anti-FC United grafitti on a storage container in a spree branded 'pathetic' by council chiefs.
The site is set to become a 5,000-capacity stadium for FC United, which was formed in protest of the Glazer family's ownership of Manchester United.
It was previously home to amateurs Moston Juniors, who are currently playing their matches elsewhere after similar attacks in recent months.
FC United were given planning permission to build their £3.5m complex on the site last October.
A residents group opposed to the stadium, Residents United Residents Association, have launched a bid to force a judicial review.
The M.E.N. revealed that they had served papers on town hall bosses last month.
Officials from FC United had hoped to start work on the project this summer and be in the ground for next season.
They had hoped to turn around some of the pitches to allow Moston Juniors to carry on playing there while work was going on.
But the delays caused by the challenge, coupled with the repeated attacks, have led to the club, which has 15 teams ranging from Under 7s to Under 18s, to move elsewhere.
Matches are currently being played in Blackley, Failsworth and at Heaton Park.
A spokesman for Moston Juniors said they were saddened by the attacks.
He said: “We are concerned about the continuing threat of vandalism and graffiti.
“It is disturbing that there are people from the local community who feel it is necessary to cause further damage to the facilities.
“It would be better if they talked to the partners involved to achieve a solution that is acceptable to all of those concerned.”
Local councillor Luthfur Rahman said: "There is no excuse for this kind of vandalism.
“Damaging a pitch used by one of the biggest amateur junior football teams in Manchester is just pathetic."
FC United declined to comment on the attack.
Grantham Town’s opening game bumper crowd ‘had their money’s worth’
Source: Grantham Journal
A HUGE attendance witnessed Grantham Town’s return to the Northern Premier League Premier Division at The Meres on Saturday.
A crowd of more than 1,200 saw the Gingerbreads battle valiantly against one of the title favourites, FC United of Manchester. The Manchester side brought more than 700 fans who sang and chanted throughout the 90 minutes.
Grantham enjoyed what joint manager Wayne Hallcro termed a “dream start” early on to send the home crowd wild, but it was not to be Town’s day. Back on level terms, FC United went in front after the break after the home keeper was red carded. The match ended 4-2.
Hallcro said: “Looking at what we’ve achieved, there’s a lot of plus points. Hopefully people have had there money’s worth today. Young lads coming through the gates have probably never seen that atmosphere up here before. It was all good apart from the result.”
Co-boss Jimmy Albans re-iterated Hallcro’s sentiments: “This is what we’ve wanted for years. That’s the type of crowd we and the players want to play in front of. I hope they liked what they saw.”
Following the opening game defeat, the Gingerbreads immediately got back on track with a 1-0 win at Stafford Rangers on Tuesday night – finishing again with just 10 men.
Albans said: “Stafford was more like the week to week game we will be facing for the rest of the season. Our communication and togetherness will take us a long way this season. That showed by playing for 50 minutes with 10 men.
“With the way we set up, if we do get a man sent off, we can just drop one of the front two deeper into midfield and continue to play the same way from the back. On the night we deserved the goal and now need to keep on playing the same way and keep our good form.
“In any season, the first three points are always the hardest to get. Now we have got them, it doesn’t take any pressure off Wayne and me, but it does lift it from the players. There were signs of a lack of pressure on Tuesday night. We played a very relaxed game.”
Grantham can expect a tough encounter at Chorley tomorrow, despite the Lancashire side losing in midweek. Albans said that changes would be necessary due to a large amount of absentees – Rhys Lewis, Damien Magee, Gio Carchedi, Connor Higginson, Ash Robinson – with Martin Ball doubtful.
Albans said: “We are all looking forward to the game. We wanted to be here and everyone is enjoying every minute of it. The pressure is off us, but is on the opposition. Our consistency and style of play makes it difficult for opponents and easier for us.”
l Match reports on page 78 with more on the FC United game on page 4.
A HUGE attendance witnessed Grantham Town’s return to the Northern Premier League Premier Division at The Meres on Saturday.
A crowd of more than 1,200 saw the Gingerbreads battle valiantly against one of the title favourites, FC United of Manchester. The Manchester side brought more than 700 fans who sang and chanted throughout the 90 minutes.
Grantham enjoyed what joint manager Wayne Hallcro termed a “dream start” early on to send the home crowd wild, but it was not to be Town’s day. Back on level terms, FC United went in front after the break after the home keeper was red carded. The match ended 4-2.
Hallcro said: “Looking at what we’ve achieved, there’s a lot of plus points. Hopefully people have had there money’s worth today. Young lads coming through the gates have probably never seen that atmosphere up here before. It was all good apart from the result.”
Co-boss Jimmy Albans re-iterated Hallcro’s sentiments: “This is what we’ve wanted for years. That’s the type of crowd we and the players want to play in front of. I hope they liked what they saw.”
Following the opening game defeat, the Gingerbreads immediately got back on track with a 1-0 win at Stafford Rangers on Tuesday night – finishing again with just 10 men.
Albans said: “Stafford was more like the week to week game we will be facing for the rest of the season. Our communication and togetherness will take us a long way this season. That showed by playing for 50 minutes with 10 men.
“With the way we set up, if we do get a man sent off, we can just drop one of the front two deeper into midfield and continue to play the same way from the back. On the night we deserved the goal and now need to keep on playing the same way and keep our good form.
“In any season, the first three points are always the hardest to get. Now we have got them, it doesn’t take any pressure off Wayne and me, but it does lift it from the players. There were signs of a lack of pressure on Tuesday night. We played a very relaxed game.”
Grantham can expect a tough encounter at Chorley tomorrow, despite the Lancashire side losing in midweek. Albans said that changes would be necessary due to a large amount of absentees – Rhys Lewis, Damien Magee, Gio Carchedi, Connor Higginson, Ash Robinson – with Martin Ball doubtful.
Albans said: “We are all looking forward to the game. We wanted to be here and everyone is enjoying every minute of it. The pressure is off us, but is on the opposition. Our consistency and style of play makes it difficult for opponents and easier for us.”
l Match reports on page 78 with more on the FC United game on page 4.
Catalogue of injuries hit Matlock hard ahead of trip to FC United
Source: Derby Telegraph
IT is a Matlock Town side missing several first-team players who manager Mark Atkins will take to FC United of Manchester tomorrow.
The Gladiators' catalogue of injuries began even before the first game, when central defender Laurence Gaughan tore his hamstring, leading to a potential eight weeks on the sidelines.
Full-back Micky Harcourt was forced off after 20 minutes in the 5-0 defeat by Nantwich Town with a foot injury, then X-rays revealed that substitute Ben Algar had a broken metatarsal.
Midfielder James Ashmore lasted only eight minutes at Frickley Athletic on Tuesday before being carried off with ankle ligament damage and faces a couple of months' lay-off.
"Thank goodness we've got a big squad because it looks like we'll need it," said Atkins.
"That's why I brought all the lads in that I did, particularly with the hectic start to the season.
"We've also got Kris Bowler with a rib injury, Lewis McMahon has a bad ankle and Joe Leesley an Achilles knock."
Gareth Davies and Nathan Joynes will be added to the squad for tomorrow's trip to Gigg Lane and the home fixture against Rushall Olympic on Bank Holiday Monday (3pm).
Both opponents have 100% records after the opening two games, while Tuesday's 2-1 success at Frickley Athletic, achieved when late goals, from McMahon, from the penalty spot, and Leesley, overturned a deficit and saw Matlock leap from bottom to eleventh place.
"FC United will be up there," said Atkins.
"They're a very good side and will probably be in the play-offs – if they don't win the league.
"The big question is, can we handle them defensively and can we also create and take enough opportunities to hurt them?
"Rushall, meanwhile, had a very good first season at this level. They're strong and very well organised so it'll be another tough one for us."
Last Saturday's hammering by Nantwich is still in the thoughts of Atkins and his side, who are keen to erase the memories of Matlock's worst opening day at home since joining the Northern Premier League in 1969-70.
"We got exactly what we deserved," he said.
"Nantwich were by miles the better side but we weren't at the races.
"Of the 14 players we used, I wasn't happy with any one of them.
"There was no determination, no thought to our play, just long balls to their centre-halves. It was a very poor performance."
IT is a Matlock Town side missing several first-team players who manager Mark Atkins will take to FC United of Manchester tomorrow.
The Gladiators' catalogue of injuries began even before the first game, when central defender Laurence Gaughan tore his hamstring, leading to a potential eight weeks on the sidelines.
Full-back Micky Harcourt was forced off after 20 minutes in the 5-0 defeat by Nantwich Town with a foot injury, then X-rays revealed that substitute Ben Algar had a broken metatarsal.
Midfielder James Ashmore lasted only eight minutes at Frickley Athletic on Tuesday before being carried off with ankle ligament damage and faces a couple of months' lay-off.
"Thank goodness we've got a big squad because it looks like we'll need it," said Atkins.
"That's why I brought all the lads in that I did, particularly with the hectic start to the season.
"We've also got Kris Bowler with a rib injury, Lewis McMahon has a bad ankle and Joe Leesley an Achilles knock."
Gareth Davies and Nathan Joynes will be added to the squad for tomorrow's trip to Gigg Lane and the home fixture against Rushall Olympic on Bank Holiday Monday (3pm).
Both opponents have 100% records after the opening two games, while Tuesday's 2-1 success at Frickley Athletic, achieved when late goals, from McMahon, from the penalty spot, and Leesley, overturned a deficit and saw Matlock leap from bottom to eleventh place.
"FC United will be up there," said Atkins.
"They're a very good side and will probably be in the play-offs – if they don't win the league.
"The big question is, can we handle them defensively and can we also create and take enough opportunities to hurt them?
"Rushall, meanwhile, had a very good first season at this level. They're strong and very well organised so it'll be another tough one for us."
Last Saturday's hammering by Nantwich is still in the thoughts of Atkins and his side, who are keen to erase the memories of Matlock's worst opening day at home since joining the Northern Premier League in 1969-70.
"We got exactly what we deserved," he said.
"Nantwich were by miles the better side but we weren't at the races.
"Of the 14 players we used, I wasn't happy with any one of them.
"There was no determination, no thought to our play, just long balls to their centre-halves. It was a very poor performance."
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