Source: M.E.N.
FC UNITED seized on their UniBond Presidents Cup reprieve to secure a place in the final with a 3-1 win at AFC Goole.
The Rebels were reinstated after their quarter-final conquerors Nantwich were thrown out for fielding an ineligible player.
And FC made the most of their unexpected opportunity with two Chris Baguley goals - one of them a shot from 40 yards - plus another from Rory Patterson taking them sailing through a semi which was spoiled by a strong wind.
FC's opponents in the final will be neighbours Radcliffe, who they also meet in the Manchester Premier Cup semis.
Struggling Boro again shrugged off their poor league form to book a final ticket with a 1-0 win at Ossett Albion courtesy of Craig Dawson's scrambled 26th minute strike.
Meanwhile, to add to FC's joy, their division one north title hopes were also given a double boost as big rivals Curzon Ashton and Bamber Bridge, both lost.
Second-placed Curzon's 2-1 defeat at Clitheroe came as a bitter blow as they went down to a last-minute goal against 10-men.
Jorg Diaz gave Curzon a 20th minute lead, but Clitheroe hit back to deny them a chance to go top.
Trafford maintained their eight-point lead over second-placed Salford in the Vodkat League with goals by Chris Mackay and Kayden Coppin giving them a 2-0 derby victory over Maine Road.
Monday, March 10, 2008
Supporters reassured over roadworks
Source: This is Lancashire
By Dale Haslam
FOOTBALL fans have been assured that roadworks taking place on Gigg Lane next week will not affect the two teams that play there.
Though Bury Council has taken out an order giving it permission to potentially close the road for a month from Monday (March 17), highways officers only anticipate work to last four days, during which neither Bury FC or FC United of Manchester are due to play there.
Providing there are no delays, the road should reopen before FC United's fixture against Radcliffe Borough on March 22.
By Dale Haslam
FOOTBALL fans have been assured that roadworks taking place on Gigg Lane next week will not affect the two teams that play there.
Though Bury Council has taken out an order giving it permission to potentially close the road for a month from Monday (March 17), highways officers only anticipate work to last four days, during which neither Bury FC or FC United of Manchester are due to play there.
Providing there are no delays, the road should reopen before FC United's fixture against Radcliffe Borough on March 22.
FC to meet Radcliffe in cup final
By Liam Chronnell
FC UNITED took advantage of their President's Cup reprise to set up a final showdown with neighbours Radcliffe Borough.
The breakaway club thought they had blown their chances in the competition when they were hammered 5-1 by Nantwich Town in the quarter-finals.
But the Rebels were reinstated after it was discovered the Cheshire club had played an ineligible player - and they grabbed their second chance with both hands with a 3-1 victory at Goole.
A Chris Baguley double, including a spectacular 40-yard lob, and Rory Patterson's 32nd goal of the season was enough to put the Reds through.
FC, meanwhile, escaped with a fine after being found guilty of failing to fulfil a fixture against Woodley Sports on February 6 at a UniBond League hearing on Thursday night.
United, who feared they were facing a points deduction, were fined £500 plus £65 costs of the hearing.
Craig Dawson's 26th-minute strike booked Borough's place in the final with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Ossett Albion.
Michael Oates spurned a couple of fine chances to make the game safe, but Peter Coyne's side managed to hold on.
5:38am
10/03/2008
FC UNITED took advantage of their President's Cup reprise to set up a final showdown with neighbours Radcliffe Borough.
The breakaway club thought they had blown their chances in the competition when they were hammered 5-1 by Nantwich Town in the quarter-finals.
But the Rebels were reinstated after it was discovered the Cheshire club had played an ineligible player - and they grabbed their second chance with both hands with a 3-1 victory at Goole.
A Chris Baguley double, including a spectacular 40-yard lob, and Rory Patterson's 32nd goal of the season was enough to put the Reds through.
FC, meanwhile, escaped with a fine after being found guilty of failing to fulfil a fixture against Woodley Sports on February 6 at a UniBond League hearing on Thursday night.
United, who feared they were facing a points deduction, were fined £500 plus £65 costs of the hearing.
Craig Dawson's 26th-minute strike booked Borough's place in the final with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Ossett Albion.
Michael Oates spurned a couple of fine chances to make the game safe, but Peter Coyne's side managed to hold on.
5:38am
10/03/2008
Sunday, March 09, 2008
Rebels fined after pitch row
8/ 3/2008
FC UNITED have been fined for failing to play a home fixture that was called off by landlords Bury.
The UniBond League have hit FC with a £500 penalty for not fulfilling their First Division North game against Woodley Sports at Gigg Lane on February 6.
FC have also been ordered to pay £65 towards the cost of the hearing - but the club has not been deducted any points.
The postponement caused controversy at the time, with the club issuing a statement in the aftermath accusing a Bury director of calling off the game after the pitch had passed a referee's inspection.
FC fans were also frustrated because the postponement denied them the chance of a public tribute to the Munich dead on the 50th anniversary of the air disaster.
But Shakers director Iain Mills, who has since resigned from the board over an unrelated matter, defended the postponement, arguing that it was in the best interests of both Bury and FC United as the game would have been the third in five days at Gigg Lane.
FC UNITED have been fined for failing to play a home fixture that was called off by landlords Bury.
The UniBond League have hit FC with a £500 penalty for not fulfilling their First Division North game against Woodley Sports at Gigg Lane on February 6.
FC have also been ordered to pay £65 towards the cost of the hearing - but the club has not been deducted any points.
The postponement caused controversy at the time, with the club issuing a statement in the aftermath accusing a Bury director of calling off the game after the pitch had passed a referee's inspection.
FC fans were also frustrated because the postponement denied them the chance of a public tribute to the Munich dead on the 50th anniversary of the air disaster.
But Shakers director Iain Mills, who has since resigned from the board over an unrelated matter, defended the postponement, arguing that it was in the best interests of both Bury and FC United as the game would have been the third in five days at Gigg Lane.
Thursday, March 06, 2008
FC United 3 Curzon Ashton 2
Tony Howard
6/ 3/2008
FC UNITED’S Rory Patterson struck a Stella blow in the race for the title with a brace against rivals Curzon Ashton.
The mercurial Irishman had been a doubt for the game after injuring his neck at the weekend, but after a few pints of Stella Artois on Saturday night his muscles relaxed and he was passed fit to lead United to a 3-2 on Wednesday.
The UniBond League Division One North title race is hotting up with FC now able to top the table if they win all their games in hand.
Before the game, Curzon had been the only side United couldn’t catch, and they started the Gigg Lane clash with a point to prove after FC had won the previous fixture 2-0 in December.
Former red Rhodri Giggs hit a post inside the first five minutes of his return to Bury and Ashton’s Jorge Diaz hit the bar with a superb curling effort.
Reds keeper Aaron Grundy also pulled off a fine save from Giggs as Curzon took advantage of the pulsating wind by taking it to FC in the opening exchanges.
The reds gradually struggled their way back into the game after Ashton keeper David Carnell suffered an injury.
Patterson took fair advantage of the man’s ailment by side footing the opener into the corner where he couldn’t possibly reach it.
That gave FC the advantage at half time, but it lasted barely 30 seconds into the restart as Michael Norton headed the visitors level.
FC skipper Dave Chadwick stooped to restore the advantage soon after, but then Giggs looked to have stolen the show when he made the most of a slip by Liam Foster to tap in for 2-2.
But Patterson wasn’t going to let anyone else steal the limelight, as he smashed home late on to assert the reds’ title ambitions.
FC are now in fourth place, nine points behind leaders Skelmersdale, but with four games in hand.
United travel to Goole in the UniBond President’s Cup on Saturday then they play away at Ossett Albion on Wednesday, March 12.
For further details visit the website: www.fc-utd.co.uk.
6/ 3/2008
FC UNITED’S Rory Patterson struck a Stella blow in the race for the title with a brace against rivals Curzon Ashton.
The mercurial Irishman had been a doubt for the game after injuring his neck at the weekend, but after a few pints of Stella Artois on Saturday night his muscles relaxed and he was passed fit to lead United to a 3-2 on Wednesday.
The UniBond League Division One North title race is hotting up with FC now able to top the table if they win all their games in hand.
Before the game, Curzon had been the only side United couldn’t catch, and they started the Gigg Lane clash with a point to prove after FC had won the previous fixture 2-0 in December.
Former red Rhodri Giggs hit a post inside the first five minutes of his return to Bury and Ashton’s Jorge Diaz hit the bar with a superb curling effort.
Reds keeper Aaron Grundy also pulled off a fine save from Giggs as Curzon took advantage of the pulsating wind by taking it to FC in the opening exchanges.
The reds gradually struggled their way back into the game after Ashton keeper David Carnell suffered an injury.
Patterson took fair advantage of the man’s ailment by side footing the opener into the corner where he couldn’t possibly reach it.
That gave FC the advantage at half time, but it lasted barely 30 seconds into the restart as Michael Norton headed the visitors level.
FC skipper Dave Chadwick stooped to restore the advantage soon after, but then Giggs looked to have stolen the show when he made the most of a slip by Liam Foster to tap in for 2-2.
But Patterson wasn’t going to let anyone else steal the limelight, as he smashed home late on to assert the reds’ title ambitions.
FC are now in fourth place, nine points behind leaders Skelmersdale, but with four games in hand.
United travel to Goole in the UniBond President’s Cup on Saturday then they play away at Ossett Albion on Wednesday, March 12.
For further details visit the website: www.fc-utd.co.uk.
Prolific Patterson is the hero again
By Liam Chronnell
FC United 3 Curzon Ashton 2
RORY Patterson once again proved FC United's matchwinner as they cut the gap on leaders Skelmersdale to nine points with a crucial victory against title rivals Curzon Ashton.
The prolific striker struck twice to hand the Rebels, who have four games in hand on the leaders, the points in an entertaining UniBond Division One North clash at Gigg Lane.
Curzon hit the woodwork three times before Patterson handed United the lead in first-half injury time when he finished off a flowing FC move.
The visitors were level just 27 seconds after the restart when the division's top scorer, Michael Norton, headed home his 35th goal of the season.
But United captain Dave Chadwick restored the breakaway club's advantage on 55 minutes.
FC old boy Rhodri Giggs, brother of Manchester United star Ryan, came back to haunt his former club when he levelled on 69 minutes.
But Patterson's 31st goal of the season four minutes later secured the points for the Rebels, who could have points docked when they go before league officials tonight after being charged with failing to fulfil a fixture last month.
As it stands, FC are fourth, two points behind Bamber Bridge with a game in hand and eight behind Curzon with three games in hand.
11:15pm Wednesday 5th March 2008
FC United 3 Curzon Ashton 2
RORY Patterson once again proved FC United's matchwinner as they cut the gap on leaders Skelmersdale to nine points with a crucial victory against title rivals Curzon Ashton.
The prolific striker struck twice to hand the Rebels, who have four games in hand on the leaders, the points in an entertaining UniBond Division One North clash at Gigg Lane.
Curzon hit the woodwork three times before Patterson handed United the lead in first-half injury time when he finished off a flowing FC move.
The visitors were level just 27 seconds after the restart when the division's top scorer, Michael Norton, headed home his 35th goal of the season.
But United captain Dave Chadwick restored the breakaway club's advantage on 55 minutes.
FC old boy Rhodri Giggs, brother of Manchester United star Ryan, came back to haunt his former club when he levelled on 69 minutes.
But Patterson's 31st goal of the season four minutes later secured the points for the Rebels, who could have points docked when they go before league officials tonight after being charged with failing to fulfil a fixture last month.
As it stands, FC are fourth, two points behind Bamber Bridge with a game in hand and eight behind Curzon with three games in hand.
11:15pm Wednesday 5th March 2008
Rebels sweat on hearing
By Liam Chronnell
FC UNITED's hopes of a third successive title could hinge on the outcome of a league hearing.
The Rebels go before UniBond League chiefs on Thursday night facing a charge of failing to fulfil a fixture last month - and could receive a heavy fine, points deduction or even, though highly unlikely, expulsion from the league.
United were forced to postpone their Division One North clash with Woodley Sports on March 6 at the last minute after ignoring the fact that landlords Bury had called the game off 15 days earlier.
But the Reds - 11 points behind leaders Skelmersdale with four games in hand before tonight's vital home clash with rivals Curzon Ashton - know any loss of points could have a serious impact on their championship aspirations.
"I've not known something like this before and would hope the league would be sympathetic given that they know the position we face in not having our own ground and that we are tenants," said FC boss Karl Marginson.
"It's a league and points should be played for, not deducted."
Patterson was passed fit for tonight's match with fellow title-hopefuls Curzon, while midfielder Nicky Platt (groin) and defender Bradley Howard (hamstring) will both come into Marginson's plans after recovering from injury.
4:53pm Wednesday 5th March 2008
FC UNITED's hopes of a third successive title could hinge on the outcome of a league hearing.
The Rebels go before UniBond League chiefs on Thursday night facing a charge of failing to fulfil a fixture last month - and could receive a heavy fine, points deduction or even, though highly unlikely, expulsion from the league.
United were forced to postpone their Division One North clash with Woodley Sports on March 6 at the last minute after ignoring the fact that landlords Bury had called the game off 15 days earlier.
But the Reds - 11 points behind leaders Skelmersdale with four games in hand before tonight's vital home clash with rivals Curzon Ashton - know any loss of points could have a serious impact on their championship aspirations.
"I've not known something like this before and would hope the league would be sympathetic given that they know the position we face in not having our own ground and that we are tenants," said FC boss Karl Marginson.
"It's a league and points should be played for, not deducted."
Patterson was passed fit for tonight's match with fellow title-hopefuls Curzon, while midfielder Nicky Platt (groin) and defender Bradley Howard (hamstring) will both come into Marginson's plans after recovering from injury.
4:53pm Wednesday 5th March 2008
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
FC United 2 Bamber Bridge 2
3/ 3/2008
FC UNITED'S hopes of a third successive league title suffered a body-blow as they were held by UniBond Division One North promotion foes Bamber Bridge in front of a Gigg Lane crowd of 3,348.
But it would have been worse for fifth-placed FC, whose offer of free admission to under-18s resulted in a bumper attendance, had Chris Baguley not saved their bacon with a spectacular injury-time equaliser.
Baguley struck from 30 yards to rescue a point for the Rebels after they had twice trailed to Alex Porter goals, the second of which arrived with just a minute left on the clock.
Simon Carden netted FC's first equaliser, firing home from close-range, but they were staring defeat in the face when Baguley salvaged a draw which means they now trail the top two, Skelmersdale and Curzon Ashton, by 11 points.
But FC United have been reinstated to the UniBond League President's Cup after their quarter-final conquerors Nantwich were thrown out for fielding an ineligible player in their 5-1 victory.
Karl Marginson's men will now visit Goole in the semis on Saturday.
FC UNITED'S hopes of a third successive league title suffered a body-blow as they were held by UniBond Division One North promotion foes Bamber Bridge in front of a Gigg Lane crowd of 3,348.
But it would have been worse for fifth-placed FC, whose offer of free admission to under-18s resulted in a bumper attendance, had Chris Baguley not saved their bacon with a spectacular injury-time equaliser.
Baguley struck from 30 yards to rescue a point for the Rebels after they had twice trailed to Alex Porter goals, the second of which arrived with just a minute left on the clock.
Simon Carden netted FC's first equaliser, firing home from close-range, but they were staring defeat in the face when Baguley salvaged a draw which means they now trail the top two, Skelmersdale and Curzon Ashton, by 11 points.
But FC United have been reinstated to the UniBond League President's Cup after their quarter-final conquerors Nantwich were thrown out for fielding an ineligible player in their 5-1 victory.
Karl Marginson's men will now visit Goole in the semis on Saturday.
Monday, March 03, 2008
FC United of Manchester 2 - 2 Bamber Bridge
Brig were robbed of a crucial win by a stoppage time equaliser on Saturday.
In front of FC United's biggest crowd of the season, the top of the table clash ended all square thanks to a Chris Baguley strike in the sixth minute of stoppage time.
Bamber Bridge's captain Alex Porter looked to have won the game when he latched on to a Tom Ince through ball to score in the 89th minute.
But it wasn't to be and the Irongate outfit left Gigg Lane feeling harshly treated by the officials.
An entertaining first half lived up to the atmosphere made by 3,348 fans, but it was the Brig followers who had the most to shout about as a strong penalty appeal was turned down in the 20th minute.
Ryan Bowen, playing in a midfield role, was put through by Danny Mahoney, and was floored inside the box as he went round United's 'keeper Aaron Grundy.
Amazingly Brig's appeals were waved away and Bowen was booked.
However, five minutes after half time Brig went in front.
Dave Eaton broke down the left and crossed for Porter to put Brig 1-0 up.
Two minutes later FC United were level when a long diagonal ball found Jerome Wright and his inch perfect cross from the left flank was converted by Simon Carden.
Chances came at both ends, but it was Brig who looked the more likley as FC began to tire towards the end.
Porter's second looked to have bagged all three points, but then came the inordinate amount of stoppage time and Baguley's 25-yard equaliser.
In front of FC United's biggest crowd of the season, the top of the table clash ended all square thanks to a Chris Baguley strike in the sixth minute of stoppage time.
Bamber Bridge's captain Alex Porter looked to have won the game when he latched on to a Tom Ince through ball to score in the 89th minute.
But it wasn't to be and the Irongate outfit left Gigg Lane feeling harshly treated by the officials.
An entertaining first half lived up to the atmosphere made by 3,348 fans, but it was the Brig followers who had the most to shout about as a strong penalty appeal was turned down in the 20th minute.
Ryan Bowen, playing in a midfield role, was put through by Danny Mahoney, and was floored inside the box as he went round United's 'keeper Aaron Grundy.
Amazingly Brig's appeals were waved away and Bowen was booked.
However, five minutes after half time Brig went in front.
Dave Eaton broke down the left and crossed for Porter to put Brig 1-0 up.
Two minutes later FC United were level when a long diagonal ball found Jerome Wright and his inch perfect cross from the left flank was converted by Simon Carden.
Chances came at both ends, but it was Brig who looked the more likley as FC began to tire towards the end.
Porter's second looked to have bagged all three points, but then came the inordinate amount of stoppage time and Baguley's 25-yard equaliser.
Sunday, March 02, 2008
FC United 2 Bamber Bridge 2
2/ 3/2008
FC UNITED'S hopes of a third successive league title suffered a body-blow as they were held by UniBond Division One North promotion foes Bamber Bridge in front of a Gigg Lane crowd of 3,348.
But it would have been worse for fifth-placed FC, whose offer of free admission to under-18s resulted in a bumper attendance, had Chris Baguley not saved their bacon with a spectacular injury-time equaliser.
Baguley struck from 30 yards to rescue a point for the Rebels after they had twice trailed to Alex Porter goals, the second of which arrived with just a minute left on the clock.
Simon Carden netted FC's first equaliser, firing home from close-range, but they were staring defeat in the face when Baguley salvaged a draw which means they now trail the top two, Skelmersdale and Curzon Ashton, by 11 points.
But FC United have been reinstated to the UniBond League President's Cup after their quarter-final conquerors Nantwich were thrown out for fielding an ineligible player in their 5-1 victory.
Karl Marginson's men will now visit Goole in the semis on Saturday.
FC UNITED'S hopes of a third successive league title suffered a body-blow as they were held by UniBond Division One North promotion foes Bamber Bridge in front of a Gigg Lane crowd of 3,348.
But it would have been worse for fifth-placed FC, whose offer of free admission to under-18s resulted in a bumper attendance, had Chris Baguley not saved their bacon with a spectacular injury-time equaliser.
Baguley struck from 30 yards to rescue a point for the Rebels after they had twice trailed to Alex Porter goals, the second of which arrived with just a minute left on the clock.
Simon Carden netted FC's first equaliser, firing home from close-range, but they were staring defeat in the face when Baguley salvaged a draw which means they now trail the top two, Skelmersdale and Curzon Ashton, by 11 points.
But FC United have been reinstated to the UniBond League President's Cup after their quarter-final conquerors Nantwich were thrown out for fielding an ineligible player in their 5-1 victory.
Karl Marginson's men will now visit Goole in the semis on Saturday.
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