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
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Football fans dig deep for Big Coat Day
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
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
Monday, December 26, 2011
FC United defeat Ashton United
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!
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!
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Stars line up to support FC United’s Big Coat Day to help the homeless
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:
Monday, December 19, 2011
VICS TAKE ADVANTAGE
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.
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
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 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
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
FC United continues Community Share drive
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
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
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
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.
...
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.
Monday, December 12, 2011
Guiseley AFC: Off-colour Lions seal late progress
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 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
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
