Source: Journal Live
Mar 15 2010 by Neil McKay, The Journal
Penalty hero Rhys Jobling of Durham City FC whose save helped his team hang on for their first win of the season. Pictured with from left team mate Paul Taylor, Physio Gary Miller and Dickie Ord Manager
THE heroes of England’s least successful football team were celebrating the season’s first victory yesterday – by watching a re-run on video.
After 28 successive defeats striker Elliot Cutts scored the winning goal and keeper Rhys Jobling saved a penalty to hand Durham City a 2-1 victory away to FC United of Manchester in the Unibond League Premier Division.
It still left them bottom by 26 points. In fact, thanks to a points deduction imposed earlier in the season, Durham still need to find another win to get back to zero points. But that hardly mattered when the final whistle blew.
The oddly-named Manchester team – formed five years ago by Manchester United supporters disillusioned with their club being bought by the American Glazer family – play in front of 2,000 plus crowds at Gigg Lane, Bury.
Durham are lucky to get one tenth of that figure for their home games at New Ferens Park, and would probably appreciate a little bit of help from even the most controversial of millionaires.
Since the majority of the first team squad walked out at the beginning of this season following a cash crisis, Durham have found life extremely tough in the Unibond League Premier Division, which is three divisions below the Football League.
The team, known as the Citizens, is made up primarily of students who before Saturday had played 28 games without a win, leaking 137 goals and scoring just 16.
A catastophic season took a turn for the worse last month when manager Lee Collings was banned for the rest of the season and the team docked six points after Collings, desperate to get out a side, fielded a player under a pseudonym in two games.
It all got a bit much for keeper Rhys, 20. Stand-in boss Dickie Ord admitted one defeat last month had left Rhys in tears. “He’s such an easy-going lad and it is difficult to see that because he’s a good kid,” he said at the time.
“I told all of them it is nobody’s fault that we’re in the position we’re in except the people who let them down before the season. They have worked their socks off and it’s been an experience for them all.”
All that was forgotten on Saturday after the team, which had started to threaten to at least take a point on a couple of occasions, went all the way and grabbed a deserved victory.
A delighted Rhys, who claims the statistics overlook the fact he has “saved more than I have let in,” said the feeling yesterday was “like winning the cup final”.
“We are still on a high. It was a great feeling when the final whistle went. To win in front of more than 2,000 people, the biggest crowd I have played in front of, made it extra special.”
Elliot, also 20, broke off from watching a re-run of his goal scored from an audacious lob over the goalkeeper from near the half way line, to say: “We’ve been getting messages of congratulations from other teams in the league and also from former Durham players.”
Yesterday the club website was inundated with congratulatory messages from officials and fans from other Unibond teams.
One message read: “Congratulations from all at Bradford Park Avenue on your first points of the season. A brilliant result and I’m sure a great journey home for all of you. The biggest cheer of the season rang out in our clubhouse when your result came in, bigger than for our own result on the day!”
Tomorrow evening Durham are at home to Whitby Town – the nearest they have to a local derby – and officials are hoping for a bumper crowd in the wake of Saturday’s win.
The Citizens may have a long way to go – but the only way is up.
Monday, March 15, 2010
Saturday, March 13, 2010
FC United slip to Durham defeat
Source: Manchester Evening News
Sam Williams
March 13, 2010
A woeful performance from FC United saw them slip to a shock 2-1 defeat to Durham on Saturday.
Durham had previously lost all 28 of their league games this season but produced a spirited display to come from behind to gain an unlikely three points at Gigg Lane.
FC took the lead against the run of play after seven minutes when Carlos Roca headed home Jerome Wright’s cross.
However, the visitors deservedly drew level 15 minutes in when captain Andrew Stephenson found the net with a brilliant 45-yard lob that earned a round of applause from the home crowd.
Durham then took the lead just after half time through an Elliot Cutts penalty after Ludovic Quistin handled the ball in the area. The Rebels should have equalised soon after through a spot-kick of their own, but Ben Deegan’s powerful effort was tipped over the bar.
And despite their domination for the remainder of the game, the home side failed to break down a determined Durham side who held on to claim a well-earned win.
Sam Williams
March 13, 2010
A woeful performance from FC United saw them slip to a shock 2-1 defeat to Durham on Saturday.
Durham had previously lost all 28 of their league games this season but produced a spirited display to come from behind to gain an unlikely three points at Gigg Lane.
FC took the lead against the run of play after seven minutes when Carlos Roca headed home Jerome Wright’s cross.
However, the visitors deservedly drew level 15 minutes in when captain Andrew Stephenson found the net with a brilliant 45-yard lob that earned a round of applause from the home crowd.
Durham then took the lead just after half time through an Elliot Cutts penalty after Ludovic Quistin handled the ball in the area. The Rebels should have equalised soon after through a spot-kick of their own, but Ben Deegan’s powerful effort was tipped over the bar.
And despite their domination for the remainder of the game, the home side failed to break down a determined Durham side who held on to claim a well-earned win.
Lincoln football thugs admit role in station scuffle
Source: Lincolnshire Echo
Saturday, March 13, 2010, 06:30
A football yob told police that onlookers would have been scared and thought he was "scum" after supporters clashed at Lincoln train station.
The 16-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was part of a group of Lincoln lads who traded insults with FC United of Manchester fans following two games in the city in August 2009.
The teenager was joined in Lincoln Magistrates' Court yesterday by a 17-year-old, who also cannot be named, and Marcus Norton, 21, of East Liberty, Lincoln.
All three pleaded guilty to one public order charge of using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour.
City magistrates heard football fixtures took place at Lincoln City's Sincil Bank stadium and Lincoln United's Ashby Avenue ground, in the Hartsholme area, on August 22, 2009.
Non-league Retford United hosted FC United of Manchester - a team established by supporters of Manchester United - while the Imps played Burton Albion.
Following the end of both games, a group of FC United of Manchester fans walked to Lincoln Central Station where a confrontation broke out at 6.30pm with a number of younger Lincoln-based supporters.
Prosecutor Matthew Coles told the court that 16-year-old was asked by police what he believed members of the public would have thought of his behaviour.
"He said people would have been scared and they would think 'scum'," said Mr Coles.
Mr Coles said Norton was at the non-league game at Ashby Avenue before walking into town with his mates.
The court heard Norton admitted he had a short temper and reacted after watching a friend get jumped on by one of the older football fans.
The two teenagers will appear at Lincoln Youth Court on Thursday, March 18, for sentencing.
Norton was fined £200 for his actions. No football banning orders were applied for by the prosecution.
In separate matters, Norton also pleaded guilty to one theft offence on January 18 and a breach of a previous court order. He was jailed for six months after District Judge Richard Blake enacted two suspended sentences imposed for earlier offences.
Saturday, March 13, 2010, 06:30
A football yob told police that onlookers would have been scared and thought he was "scum" after supporters clashed at Lincoln train station.
The 16-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was part of a group of Lincoln lads who traded insults with FC United of Manchester fans following two games in the city in August 2009.
The teenager was joined in Lincoln Magistrates' Court yesterday by a 17-year-old, who also cannot be named, and Marcus Norton, 21, of East Liberty, Lincoln.
All three pleaded guilty to one public order charge of using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour.
City magistrates heard football fixtures took place at Lincoln City's Sincil Bank stadium and Lincoln United's Ashby Avenue ground, in the Hartsholme area, on August 22, 2009.
Non-league Retford United hosted FC United of Manchester - a team established by supporters of Manchester United - while the Imps played Burton Albion.
Following the end of both games, a group of FC United of Manchester fans walked to Lincoln Central Station where a confrontation broke out at 6.30pm with a number of younger Lincoln-based supporters.
Prosecutor Matthew Coles told the court that 16-year-old was asked by police what he believed members of the public would have thought of his behaviour.
"He said people would have been scared and they would think 'scum'," said Mr Coles.
Mr Coles said Norton was at the non-league game at Ashby Avenue before walking into town with his mates.
The court heard Norton admitted he had a short temper and reacted after watching a friend get jumped on by one of the older football fans.
The two teenagers will appear at Lincoln Youth Court on Thursday, March 18, for sentencing.
Norton was fined £200 for his actions. No football banning orders were applied for by the prosecution.
In separate matters, Norton also pleaded guilty to one theft offence on January 18 and a breach of a previous court order. He was jailed for six months after District Judge Richard Blake enacted two suspended sentences imposed for earlier offences.
Friday, March 12, 2010
Richard Ord: Durham City can upset FC United
Source: Newcastle Evening Chronicle
Mar 12 2010
Evening Chronicle
FORMER Sunderland and QPR star Richard Ord believes his Durham City side can produce the shock of the season in the Premier Division tomorrow.
Without a point from 28 games, Ord takes his young guns into the lions’ den which is Gigg Lane, the home of rebel fans’ club FC United of Manchester.
FC United average crowds of 2,000, but Ord believes his inexperienced side will rise to the occasion rather than be overawed.
He said: “I fancy us to pick up our first point, and it would be great to do so in front of the biggest crowd most of the players will have played in front of.
“FC United are a big club who are moving through the leagues, but we gave them a good run for their money at the Esh Stadium.
“We also did well for a large part of the game against promotion-chasing Boston United last week, and we will head for Bury with nothing to lose."
City could field an unchanged side for the first time this season, though Robbie Betson will come in at right-back if he signs from Seaham Red Star.
That would allow the versatile Max Stoker to add a physical presence up front, but a bid to sign the Purewal brothers from Bishop Auckland has fallen through.
Recent signing Kesandu Okike, the former Gateshead striker, is sidelined with a back injury as Durham search for their first clean sheet of the season.
FC United lost for the first time in 2010 when they went down 3-0 at Buxton last weekend and are currently 11th in the table, having won a modest six of their 13 league games at home.
Durham director of football Austin Carney said: “Playing FC United at Gigg Lane is what we are in the UniBond League for.”
Mar 12 2010
Evening Chronicle
FORMER Sunderland and QPR star Richard Ord believes his Durham City side can produce the shock of the season in the Premier Division tomorrow.
Without a point from 28 games, Ord takes his young guns into the lions’ den which is Gigg Lane, the home of rebel fans’ club FC United of Manchester.
FC United average crowds of 2,000, but Ord believes his inexperienced side will rise to the occasion rather than be overawed.
He said: “I fancy us to pick up our first point, and it would be great to do so in front of the biggest crowd most of the players will have played in front of.
“FC United are a big club who are moving through the leagues, but we gave them a good run for their money at the Esh Stadium.
“We also did well for a large part of the game against promotion-chasing Boston United last week, and we will head for Bury with nothing to lose."
City could field an unchanged side for the first time this season, though Robbie Betson will come in at right-back if he signs from Seaham Red Star.
That would allow the versatile Max Stoker to add a physical presence up front, but a bid to sign the Purewal brothers from Bishop Auckland has fallen through.
Recent signing Kesandu Okike, the former Gateshead striker, is sidelined with a back injury as Durham search for their first clean sheet of the season.
FC United lost for the first time in 2010 when they went down 3-0 at Buxton last weekend and are currently 11th in the table, having won a modest six of their 13 league games at home.
Durham director of football Austin Carney said: “Playing FC United at Gigg Lane is what we are in the UniBond League for.”
Thursday, March 11, 2010
FC aiming to bounce back
Source: Bury Times
7:10am Thursday 11th March 2010
By Liam Chronnell »
FC United will aim to return to winning ways against basement boys Durham City at Gigg Lane on Saturday.
The Rebels suffered their first defeat in 2010 as their eight-game unbeaten run came to a shuddering halt at Buxton in the UniBond Premier League.
And Karl Marginson’s side know they must take three points against Durham if they are to keep alive their slim play-off hopes in the first of three games in eight days which will go a long way to deciding their fate.
But they will have to do it without on-loan striker Kyle Wilson who was recalled by Macclesfield Town before Saturday’s 3-0 defeat at Buxton.
The Bucks took the lead through Kieran Lugsden on 17 minutes and Lee Morris doubled their advantage nine minutes later. Mark Reed sealed the win seven minutes from time, leaving FC in 10th place — eight points away from the play-off places.
After Durham on Saturday, United travel to Matlock Town on Tuesday before entertaining Hucknall Town the following Saturday.
7:10am Thursday 11th March 2010
By Liam Chronnell »
FC United will aim to return to winning ways against basement boys Durham City at Gigg Lane on Saturday.
The Rebels suffered their first defeat in 2010 as their eight-game unbeaten run came to a shuddering halt at Buxton in the UniBond Premier League.
And Karl Marginson’s side know they must take three points against Durham if they are to keep alive their slim play-off hopes in the first of three games in eight days which will go a long way to deciding their fate.
But they will have to do it without on-loan striker Kyle Wilson who was recalled by Macclesfield Town before Saturday’s 3-0 defeat at Buxton.
The Bucks took the lead through Kieran Lugsden on 17 minutes and Lee Morris doubled their advantage nine minutes later. Mark Reed sealed the win seven minutes from time, leaving FC in 10th place — eight points away from the play-off places.
After Durham on Saturday, United travel to Matlock Town on Tuesday before entertaining Hucknall Town the following Saturday.
Marginson looking for Rebels reaction
Source: Manchester Evening News
Sam Williamson
March 11, 2010
Karl Marginson wants his FC United side to get back on track by beating rock-bottom Durham at Gigg Lane on Saturday (3pm).
The Rebels’ play-off push suffered a setback with a 3-0 defeat at Buxton last Saturday, but Marginson believes they can return to winning ways against the struggling Citizens.
“The making of a good team is how you bounce back from a defeat,” said the manager.
“Our performance wasn’t good at Buxton, but that was our first defeat of 2010 so we have to focus on the positives.
“We’ve got a good set of lads and they’ll be ready for Durham - we’re all looking forward to the game.”
Durham, who are yet to pick up a point this season, have conceded 137 goals in their 28 league games but FC could only labour to an unconvincing 2-1 victory at the Arnott Stadium in January.
“Their manager described us as ‘not the best’ last time so that’s a bit of added incentive for the players,” said Marginson.
“It won’t be an easy game, but we want to teach them a lesson and show them what we’re all about by sending them back up north with nothing.”
Marginson also confirmed that there are no plans to bring in a replacement for striker Kyle Wilson who returned to Macclesfield last week.
“We’re always on the lookout for players who can improve our squad but there’s nothing in the pipeline at the moment,” he said.
Sam Williamson
March 11, 2010
Karl Marginson wants his FC United side to get back on track by beating rock-bottom Durham at Gigg Lane on Saturday (3pm).
The Rebels’ play-off push suffered a setback with a 3-0 defeat at Buxton last Saturday, but Marginson believes they can return to winning ways against the struggling Citizens.
“The making of a good team is how you bounce back from a defeat,” said the manager.
“Our performance wasn’t good at Buxton, but that was our first defeat of 2010 so we have to focus on the positives.
“We’ve got a good set of lads and they’ll be ready for Durham - we’re all looking forward to the game.”
Durham, who are yet to pick up a point this season, have conceded 137 goals in their 28 league games but FC could only labour to an unconvincing 2-1 victory at the Arnott Stadium in January.
“Their manager described us as ‘not the best’ last time so that’s a bit of added incentive for the players,” said Marginson.
“It won’t be an easy game, but we want to teach them a lesson and show them what we’re all about by sending them back up north with nothing.”
Marginson also confirmed that there are no plans to bring in a replacement for striker Kyle Wilson who returned to Macclesfield last week.
“We’re always on the lookout for players who can improve our squad but there’s nothing in the pipeline at the moment,” he said.
Monday, March 08, 2010
Rebels get a reality check at Buxton
Source: The Bolton News
9:10am Monday 8th March 2010
By Nick Jackson »
FC United’s surge toward the UniBond Premier League play-offs came to an abrupt end with a crushing 3-0 defeat at Buxton.
The Silverlands club took the lead on 17 minutes through Kieran Lugsden and Lee Morris doubled their advantage nine minutes later.
Mark Reed seeled the win seven minutes from time, leaving the Rebel Reds in 10th place, eight points away from the play-off places.
Leigh Genesis, meanwhile, capitalised on their 5-1 thrashing of Chorley with an excellent 2-0 win at Trafford.
In-form striker Jordan Stepien — who notched a hat-trick against Chorley — had his shooting boots on again when he broke the deadlock with 31 minutes remaining.
He provided the two-goal cushion from the penalty spot in the last minute.
Genesis’s UniBond Division One rivals Radcliffe Borough, in 10th place, are two places and seven points behind Leigh but have played three games less and they did their late-season charge no harm with a 2-1 win at Warrington Town, who were also pushing towards the play-offs.
Gerry Luczka’s men had in-form duo Ben Wharton and Adam Roscoe — who have notched 15 and 13 goals respectively so far this season — to thank for their win, although Warrington’s Chris Gahgan might have scored a second equaliser from the penalty spot, but he skewed the last-gasp kick wide.
Radcliffe look to continue their climb up the table tomorrow night when they face Mossley at Stainton Park.
9:10am Monday 8th March 2010
By Nick Jackson »
FC United’s surge toward the UniBond Premier League play-offs came to an abrupt end with a crushing 3-0 defeat at Buxton.
The Silverlands club took the lead on 17 minutes through Kieran Lugsden and Lee Morris doubled their advantage nine minutes later.
Mark Reed seeled the win seven minutes from time, leaving the Rebel Reds in 10th place, eight points away from the play-off places.
Leigh Genesis, meanwhile, capitalised on their 5-1 thrashing of Chorley with an excellent 2-0 win at Trafford.
In-form striker Jordan Stepien — who notched a hat-trick against Chorley — had his shooting boots on again when he broke the deadlock with 31 minutes remaining.
He provided the two-goal cushion from the penalty spot in the last minute.
Genesis’s UniBond Division One rivals Radcliffe Borough, in 10th place, are two places and seven points behind Leigh but have played three games less and they did their late-season charge no harm with a 2-1 win at Warrington Town, who were also pushing towards the play-offs.
Gerry Luczka’s men had in-form duo Ben Wharton and Adam Roscoe — who have notched 15 and 13 goals respectively so far this season — to thank for their win, although Warrington’s Chris Gahgan might have scored a second equaliser from the penalty spot, but he skewed the last-gasp kick wide.
Radcliffe look to continue their climb up the table tomorrow night when they face Mossley at Stainton Park.
Saturday, March 06, 2010
Rebels lose at Buxton
Source: Manchester Evening News
Sam Williams
March 06, 2010
FC United slipped to their first defeat of 2010 with a 3-0 loss at Buxton.
The Rebels lacked a cutting edge up-front following Kyle Wilson’s recall to Macclesfield and never looked like extending their unbeaten run to nine games.
“It was a disappointing performance from us today, but Buxton have been in tremendous form recently and credit to them because they ran out worthy winners,” said FC boss Karl Marginson.
“The pitch wasn’t the best but it’s the same for both teams and they adapted to the conditions well whereas we didn’t.”
Midfielder Kieran Lugsden opened the scoring for the home side with a 17th minute tap-in.
FC nearly drew level minutes later as Joe Yoffe’s effort was cleared off the line, but Buxton doubled their advantage in the 26th minute when Lee Morris rounded off a flowing team-move with a sensational volley.
And the Rebels’ misery was compounded five minutes from time when Mark Reed finished superbly for the hosts’ third goal of the afternoon.
Sam Williams
March 06, 2010
FC United slipped to their first defeat of 2010 with a 3-0 loss at Buxton.
The Rebels lacked a cutting edge up-front following Kyle Wilson’s recall to Macclesfield and never looked like extending their unbeaten run to nine games.
“It was a disappointing performance from us today, but Buxton have been in tremendous form recently and credit to them because they ran out worthy winners,” said FC boss Karl Marginson.
“The pitch wasn’t the best but it’s the same for both teams and they adapted to the conditions well whereas we didn’t.”
Midfielder Kieran Lugsden opened the scoring for the home side with a 17th minute tap-in.
FC nearly drew level minutes later as Joe Yoffe’s effort was cleared off the line, but Buxton doubled their advantage in the 26th minute when Lee Morris rounded off a flowing team-move with a sensational volley.
And the Rebels’ misery was compounded five minutes from time when Mark Reed finished superbly for the hosts’ third goal of the afternoon.
Friday, March 05, 2010
Richard Ord’s City facing two huge matches
Source: Newcastle Evening Chronicle
Mar 5 2010
Evening Chronicle
DURHAM CITY, still searching for their first point of the season, face a tough double over the next two weekends.
Richard Ord’s side host former Football League club Boston United tomorrow having lost 10-0 in Lincolnshire on January 23rd.
Next Saturday sees the return game against FC United of Manchester at Bury’s Gigg Lane stadium.
Both Boston and FC United have hit their straps of late with Boston looking for a fifth straight win and a fourth consecutive league double.
FC United, meanwhile, have taken 13 points out of 15 since they won 2-1 at Durham earlier this year and attract 2,000 strong crowds for their home games.
Durham’s Director of Football Austin Carney said: “Boston and FC United are two big games as they are well supported clubs whose aim is to play at a higher level.
“We were obviously well beaten at Boston but only lost narrowly against FC United and these are games we look forward to.
“It is the second time Boston have made the trip to Durham as the first occasion in October saw the game postponed due to high winds.”
Durham introduced a trio of new signings in a 2-0 defeat at fifth top Guiseley last week; striker Kesandu Okike and Dan and Adie Sanders from Easington.
Boston recall regular experienced goalkeeper Tom Evans, who spent nine years at Scunthorpe United, but midfielder Gareth Davies is suspended and Mark Camm injured.
While Durham’s rookies are rock bottom on -6 points the Pilgrims have moved up to third after last week’s 7-0 win over Ossett Town.
Boston, who play title rivals Retford United on Tuesday, have scored 16 goals in their last four games and 60 in total in the league – a record bettered only by leaders Bradford PA.
Mar 5 2010
Evening Chronicle
DURHAM CITY, still searching for their first point of the season, face a tough double over the next two weekends.
Richard Ord’s side host former Football League club Boston United tomorrow having lost 10-0 in Lincolnshire on January 23rd.
Next Saturday sees the return game against FC United of Manchester at Bury’s Gigg Lane stadium.
Both Boston and FC United have hit their straps of late with Boston looking for a fifth straight win and a fourth consecutive league double.
FC United, meanwhile, have taken 13 points out of 15 since they won 2-1 at Durham earlier this year and attract 2,000 strong crowds for their home games.
Durham’s Director of Football Austin Carney said: “Boston and FC United are two big games as they are well supported clubs whose aim is to play at a higher level.
“We were obviously well beaten at Boston but only lost narrowly against FC United and these are games we look forward to.
“It is the second time Boston have made the trip to Durham as the first occasion in October saw the game postponed due to high winds.”
Durham introduced a trio of new signings in a 2-0 defeat at fifth top Guiseley last week; striker Kesandu Okike and Dan and Adie Sanders from Easington.
Boston recall regular experienced goalkeeper Tom Evans, who spent nine years at Scunthorpe United, but midfielder Gareth Davies is suspended and Mark Camm injured.
While Durham’s rookies are rock bottom on -6 points the Pilgrims have moved up to third after last week’s 7-0 win over Ossett Town.
Boston, who play title rivals Retford United on Tuesday, have scored 16 goals in their last four games and 60 in total in the league – a record bettered only by leaders Bradford PA.
Thursday, March 04, 2010
Rebels snatch late win
Source: Manchester Evening News
http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/fc_united/s/1194603_rebels_snatch_late_win
March 04, 2010
An injury-time winner from Ben Deegan gave FC United a vital 2-1 win over Ossett Town at Gigg Lane on Wednesday night.
Jerome Wright opened the scoring in the 10th minute, but Andrew Catton seemed to have snatched a point for the visitors with an equaliser on 76 minutes.
However, Deegan struck two minutes into added time to lift the Rebels up to eighth in the Unibond Premier League table.
http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/fc_united/s/1194603_rebels_snatch_late_win
March 04, 2010
An injury-time winner from Ben Deegan gave FC United a vital 2-1 win over Ossett Town at Gigg Lane on Wednesday night.
Jerome Wright opened the scoring in the 10th minute, but Andrew Catton seemed to have snatched a point for the visitors with an equaliser on 76 minutes.
However, Deegan struck two minutes into added time to lift the Rebels up to eighth in the Unibond Premier League table.
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