Witton out of relegation zone with brave victory over FC United of Manchester

Source: Mid Cheshire Chronicle

Jan 26 2009 by Ben Coulbeck, Mid Cheshire Chronicle

A battling home performance in front of a four-figure crowd ensured Witton Albion climbed out of the bottom four and claim their first league win at Wincham Park since early September.

Witton maintained their unbeaten start to 2009 thanks to goals at the end of both halves in an entertaining and open UniBond Premier encounter against FC United of Manchester.

Despite visiting FC United, backed by the majority of a 1030-strong crowd, having most of the play during the first half, it was Gary Finley’s men that took the lead moments before the half-time whistle.

Witton had been on the back foot for most of the half but during a number of salvos into FC’s penalty area, a cross from the right was met by striker Lee Thompson who rose highest to head the ball past energetic keeper Sam Ashton.

It was a goal that came against the run of play but was exactly the break Witton needed to instil belief that victory, and indeed revenge for the 5-3 embarrassment at FC United’s Gigg Lane last year, was possible.

After the break the visitors, attacking the Lostock end, looked threatening and hit Greg Smith’s crossbar on no more than four occasions.

But it was Witton that came closest to adding to the scoresheet when a cross from the right was met again by Thompson but his goal-bound header was miraculously tipped onto the bar by Ashton.

The visitors immediately responded though and levelled when a ball through the heart of Witton’s defence was latched onto first by Tristam Whitman who squeezed his shot under Smith.

United almost went ahead shortly after when they hit Smith’s left-hand post and at times, Witton were riding their luck, but a mixture of fortune, grit and determination made sure the Albion stayed on level terms.

Witton had chances to go ahead through Neil Black, who impressed with his workrate all afternoon, but FC keeper Ashton was up to the task to block his shot on two occasions.

But Black was not to be denied as, in the final minute of the game, he managed to get the final touch to deflected shot which saw the ball trickle over the line and sent the home fans into raptures.

Witton host Marine tomorrow (Tuesday) night at Wincham Park in the fourth round of the UniBond Challenge Cup.

Wincham ready for the FC invasion

Source: Mid Cheshire Chronicle

Jan 21 2009 by Ben Coulbeck, Mid Cheshire Chronicle

WITTON Albion officials are looking forward to the biggest pay day of the UniBond Premier season as FC United of Manchester and their travelling hordes arrive in Northwich on Saturday.

The rebel club, formed by disillusioned fans when American business tycoon Malcolm Glazer bought Manchester United in 2005, have an average home crowd of more than 2,000.

And with current finances at both Northwich football clubs being at a premium, the arrival of a potential 1,000-plus FC United fans will bring a welcome boost to the Wincham Park coffers.

Acting chairman Mark Harris said the club was prepared for the match and would extend a warm welcome to visiting supporters up until kick-off.

He said: “We have been working for about three of four weeks in preparation for the visit of FC and we have been liaising with them to ensure their supporters have an enjoyable and safe afternoon.

“There will be no segregation on Saturday as we don’t feel that it will be an issue but I have been overwhelmed by our fantastic group of volunteers who have offered to be extra programme sellers and stewards.

“Our supporters will be in the minority so they will have to shout that bit louder but if we stick together on and off the pitch, hopefully we can continue to rise up the table.”

Witton are on a high at the moment having taken six points from their last two league matches although the visiting Gigg Lane outfit arrive on the back of three straight wins themselves.

Manager Gary Finley said his players would relish playing in front of the biggest crowd of the season but, more importantly, he wants three points from the fixture to continue their drive to safety.

He said: “The lads will give their all week in week out but these are the games you want to be playing in. When you are playing in front of more than 2,000 fans then you are bound to give that bit extra.

“Saturday is all about us trying to turn our home form around. We have gone to some extremely tough places in the league and picked up three points.

“But we need to start picking up points at home and that starts on Saturday against FC United.”

Kick-off on Saturday is 3pm and admission prices are £9 adults, £5.50 for concessions. The social club will be open to both sets of supporters from noon.

See www.midcheshirechronicle.co.uk for a match report of Witton’s clash with FC United.