Source: BBC
Altrincham have completed the signing of former striker Colin Little on a pay-as-you-play deal.
The 37-year-old began his career at the club as a junior and was top scorer in five seasons at Moss Lane.
The striker left the Robins in the summer to take up a coaching role at Manchester United whilst playing part-time for FC United of Manchester.
Little will continue his coaching duties and will only be available for Altrincham's home fixtures.
On the deal Little told the club website: "My working life at United can make playing difficult but this new arrangement with Altrincham means that I can do both.
"Alty respect my position so it's a win-win situation for me. It will be great to go back to a club that's so close to my heart".
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Top spot Town seek cup glory
Source: Matlock Mercury
Published on Tue Sep 14 10:57:22 BST 2010
Two wins in 48 hours have put Matlock Town on top of the league as they embark on their FA Cup adventure at home to fellow Evo-Stik Premiership side Worksop Town on Saturday.
Matlock went into Sunday’s match against FC United of Manchester in 11th place, but an amazing 5-1 win catapulted them to fourth.
Then a stern challenge from struggling Frickley Athletic at home on Tuesday night was overcome with a 1-0 win, which puts Town on top due to a goal difference.
Boss Mark Atkins said his team merited its lofty league position, but wanted to keep players’ and fans’ feet on the ground.
He said: “We approach each game as it comes round and there’s a long way to go. The season’s only six games old.
“The lads deserve it, but we must not sit back for we need to pick up a lot more points. Everybody though should be proud of the team, they’re giving everything they’ve got.”
Atkins believed the scoreline at FC United had flattered his side.
“The sending off of the United player with half an hour gone changed the game, but we defended very well and looked solid while we created some good chances.
“Any 5-1 win has to be classed as excellent, but a 2-1 or 3-1 win would probably have been a more fair reflection on the game.”
The manager reckoned that the motivation shown by his side paved the way for victory over Frickley.
“Games against Frickley are always difficult, they always give 100 per cent and are difficult to play against. We played some good football at times but it was our desire which dragged us through and the will to battle is vital in this league.”
Worksop arrive at Matlock on Saturday just outside of the play-off places after a 3-0 defeat at North Ferriby on Tuesday night.
Atkins has done his homework on the Tigers, who include former Matlock winger Jamie Jackson.
“When the draw came out you hope for a lesser team at home.
“That didn’t happen, but to be home is all you can ask for in the circumstances. We’ve got to be positive and get through this tie.
“Worksop have been spending money, they’ve got a good squad, they’re a force to be reckoned with and it’ll be a tough game.
“But I’ve seen them on a couple of occasions this season and we’re more than capable of getting a result.”
If Saturday’s tie ends all square, the replay is set for Worksop’s temporary home at Cannon Park in Retford at 7.45pm on Wednesday.
Injuries – including a potentially-serious one to goalkeeper Adam Sollitt – are hitting Atkins’ squad.
There was as much joy from the news that Sollitt had been discharged from hospital a couple of hours after Sunday’s match as there was with the 5-1 victory – which came thanks to braces from Ross Hannah and Dene Cropper, plus a James Knowles strike.
Knowles also bagged the winner against Frickley on Tuesday.
Atkins said: “Luckily Soll had just mild concussion. He seems okay now, but we’ll just have to see how things go ahead of Saturday.”
Striker Colin Marrison will be out for a fortnight with a leg injury.
Mark Haran’s dislocated shoulder, which he put back in against Mickleover, is still sore, but Atkins hopes his assistant manager will recover in time to face Worksop.
Midfielder Kris Bowler missed the Frickley game, but should be fit for the FA Cup tie.
Published on Tue Sep 14 10:57:22 BST 2010
Two wins in 48 hours have put Matlock Town on top of the league as they embark on their FA Cup adventure at home to fellow Evo-Stik Premiership side Worksop Town on Saturday.
Matlock went into Sunday’s match against FC United of Manchester in 11th place, but an amazing 5-1 win catapulted them to fourth.
Then a stern challenge from struggling Frickley Athletic at home on Tuesday night was overcome with a 1-0 win, which puts Town on top due to a goal difference.
Boss Mark Atkins said his team merited its lofty league position, but wanted to keep players’ and fans’ feet on the ground.
He said: “We approach each game as it comes round and there’s a long way to go. The season’s only six games old.
“The lads deserve it, but we must not sit back for we need to pick up a lot more points. Everybody though should be proud of the team, they’re giving everything they’ve got.”
Atkins believed the scoreline at FC United had flattered his side.
“The sending off of the United player with half an hour gone changed the game, but we defended very well and looked solid while we created some good chances.
“Any 5-1 win has to be classed as excellent, but a 2-1 or 3-1 win would probably have been a more fair reflection on the game.”
The manager reckoned that the motivation shown by his side paved the way for victory over Frickley.
“Games against Frickley are always difficult, they always give 100 per cent and are difficult to play against. We played some good football at times but it was our desire which dragged us through and the will to battle is vital in this league.”
Worksop arrive at Matlock on Saturday just outside of the play-off places after a 3-0 defeat at North Ferriby on Tuesday night.
Atkins has done his homework on the Tigers, who include former Matlock winger Jamie Jackson.
“When the draw came out you hope for a lesser team at home.
“That didn’t happen, but to be home is all you can ask for in the circumstances. We’ve got to be positive and get through this tie.
“Worksop have been spending money, they’ve got a good squad, they’re a force to be reckoned with and it’ll be a tough game.
“But I’ve seen them on a couple of occasions this season and we’re more than capable of getting a result.”
If Saturday’s tie ends all square, the replay is set for Worksop’s temporary home at Cannon Park in Retford at 7.45pm on Wednesday.
Injuries – including a potentially-serious one to goalkeeper Adam Sollitt – are hitting Atkins’ squad.
There was as much joy from the news that Sollitt had been discharged from hospital a couple of hours after Sunday’s match as there was with the 5-1 victory – which came thanks to braces from Ross Hannah and Dene Cropper, plus a James Knowles strike.
Knowles also bagged the winner against Frickley on Tuesday.
Atkins said: “Luckily Soll had just mild concussion. He seems okay now, but we’ll just have to see how things go ahead of Saturday.”
Striker Colin Marrison will be out for a fortnight with a leg injury.
Mark Haran’s dislocated shoulder, which he put back in against Mickleover, is still sore, but Atkins hopes his assistant manager will recover in time to face Worksop.
Midfielder Kris Bowler missed the Frickley game, but should be fit for the FA Cup tie.
Saturday, September 11, 2010
FC United’s Ten Acres Love Story Comes Of Age
Source: Twohundred Percent
On Wednesday night, FC United of Manchester lost 4-1 to Bradford Park Avenue in the Northern Premier League. It was a bitterly disappointing result against a team with whom they have built up something of a rivalry over the last couple of years, but as most that support FC United are concerned it’s all about the long game and this is a game that they are still well-placed to win. A couple of years ago, Bradford’s owner Bob Blackburn announced ambitious (to the point of absurd) plans for his club to move from their distinctly unsatisfactory Horsfall Stadium to a new, 20,000 capacity stadium. Nothing ever came of those plans, but FC United have been getting on with the job of doing what Blackburn has been unable thus far to manage for his club – identifying a site for a new ground and getting the plans in place to actually build it.
The plans were revealed to club members several weeks ago but were made public at the end of last week, and very impressive they are as well. The new ground will be built at Ten Acres Lane in Newton Heath, the original birthplace of Manchester United. The 5,000 capacity ground will be true to their commitment to their local community, and will also function as what the club hopes will be a “multi-function community space”. Mas que un football ground, if you like. The plan has the backing of the local council, and the club has stated that one of the most important functions of it is that “the site needs to work for 365 days a year and not just for the thirty odd days that we play matches”.
Recognition of this as an extra revenue stream is something that many clubs often seem to overlook. An average football ground of any size only really comes to life on match days and. although in recent years clubs have made strides towards trying to maximise their revenue on non-match days, there are still a large number of grounds that sit empty for twelve or thirteen days out of fourteen throughout the winter and get used even less during the summer. It obvious to anybody looking in from the outside that operating a “profit” of any sort is as far from the raison d’être of FC United of Manchester as it is possible to be, but increased revenue will obviously increase the club’s stability and if it can be tied to benefiting the local community then it is difficult to see how anyone will lose out once it is finished and open.
In the case of Ten Acres Lane, it seems likely that getting the ground built in the first place might prove to be the biggest hurdle that has to be overcome. It is expected to cost £5m, of which the club estimates it can find £1.5m in grants, which leaves £3.5m left to find. It has had a “Ground Development Fund” open for a couple of years, and this has already raised just short of £300,000, but the club itself estimates that it needs £500,000 in order to actually be able to undertake to start building work. No-one, of course, will benefit if the club over-stretches itself but what we know about FC United of Manchester is that none of those in charge of the running of the club are going to do anything that will seriously impact upon the clubs existence. They are in safe hands in the form of the club’s Trust Board.
With £3.5m to find, the obvious thing to do would be to seek lending from financial institutions, but the club believes that there is a viable alternative to this in the form of Community Shares. These will be offered by the club for a minimum amount of £200 and it is hoped that they will offer investors a small return, but financial gain isn’t the aim of the exercise. The aim is to find the money without getting sucked into the interest charges and administration costs of a “traditional” financial deal – to find another way of getting this built without sacrificing the soul of the club to the discredited world of finance. No extra voting rights will come to those that join the scheme – the club will remain one member, one vote – and, in this respect, nothing at the club will change. The opportunity to demonstrate that it can be done, however, is a massive one.
We have noted on this site before that FC United are financially hamstrung by the cost of their groundshare at Bury’s Gigg Lane, which is a constant drain on their finances and means that, no matter how impressive their attendance figures continue to look, their club is unable to spend the money that many might expect that they could afford on players. The opportunity to break out of this particular straitjacket could go on to see them fulfil their potential as a club. The next stage is to go on to the planning process, and it is hoped that they could be in their new ground in around three years’ time. What we can say for certain is that if there is any club that can make this happen it is this one and that if they can provide a template for another way of making this sort of project happen, their decisions and initiative will have benefited the whole of football. We look forward to visiting them at their new home when it is ready.
More information on the Community Shares initiative is available here.
Further information on the new ground, along with artists impressions of it, is available here.
On Wednesday night, FC United of Manchester lost 4-1 to Bradford Park Avenue in the Northern Premier League. It was a bitterly disappointing result against a team with whom they have built up something of a rivalry over the last couple of years, but as most that support FC United are concerned it’s all about the long game and this is a game that they are still well-placed to win. A couple of years ago, Bradford’s owner Bob Blackburn announced ambitious (to the point of absurd) plans for his club to move from their distinctly unsatisfactory Horsfall Stadium to a new, 20,000 capacity stadium. Nothing ever came of those plans, but FC United have been getting on with the job of doing what Blackburn has been unable thus far to manage for his club – identifying a site for a new ground and getting the plans in place to actually build it.
The plans were revealed to club members several weeks ago but were made public at the end of last week, and very impressive they are as well. The new ground will be built at Ten Acres Lane in Newton Heath, the original birthplace of Manchester United. The 5,000 capacity ground will be true to their commitment to their local community, and will also function as what the club hopes will be a “multi-function community space”. Mas que un football ground, if you like. The plan has the backing of the local council, and the club has stated that one of the most important functions of it is that “the site needs to work for 365 days a year and not just for the thirty odd days that we play matches”.
Recognition of this as an extra revenue stream is something that many clubs often seem to overlook. An average football ground of any size only really comes to life on match days and. although in recent years clubs have made strides towards trying to maximise their revenue on non-match days, there are still a large number of grounds that sit empty for twelve or thirteen days out of fourteen throughout the winter and get used even less during the summer. It obvious to anybody looking in from the outside that operating a “profit” of any sort is as far from the raison d’être of FC United of Manchester as it is possible to be, but increased revenue will obviously increase the club’s stability and if it can be tied to benefiting the local community then it is difficult to see how anyone will lose out once it is finished and open.
In the case of Ten Acres Lane, it seems likely that getting the ground built in the first place might prove to be the biggest hurdle that has to be overcome. It is expected to cost £5m, of which the club estimates it can find £1.5m in grants, which leaves £3.5m left to find. It has had a “Ground Development Fund” open for a couple of years, and this has already raised just short of £300,000, but the club itself estimates that it needs £500,000 in order to actually be able to undertake to start building work. No-one, of course, will benefit if the club over-stretches itself but what we know about FC United of Manchester is that none of those in charge of the running of the club are going to do anything that will seriously impact upon the clubs existence. They are in safe hands in the form of the club’s Trust Board.
With £3.5m to find, the obvious thing to do would be to seek lending from financial institutions, but the club believes that there is a viable alternative to this in the form of Community Shares. These will be offered by the club for a minimum amount of £200 and it is hoped that they will offer investors a small return, but financial gain isn’t the aim of the exercise. The aim is to find the money without getting sucked into the interest charges and administration costs of a “traditional” financial deal – to find another way of getting this built without sacrificing the soul of the club to the discredited world of finance. No extra voting rights will come to those that join the scheme – the club will remain one member, one vote – and, in this respect, nothing at the club will change. The opportunity to demonstrate that it can be done, however, is a massive one.
We have noted on this site before that FC United are financially hamstrung by the cost of their groundshare at Bury’s Gigg Lane, which is a constant drain on their finances and means that, no matter how impressive their attendance figures continue to look, their club is unable to spend the money that many might expect that they could afford on players. The opportunity to break out of this particular straitjacket could go on to see them fulfil their potential as a club. The next stage is to go on to the planning process, and it is hoped that they could be in their new ground in around three years’ time. What we can say for certain is that if there is any club that can make this happen it is this one and that if they can provide a template for another way of making this sort of project happen, their decisions and initiative will have benefited the whole of football. We look forward to visiting them at their new home when it is ready.
More information on the Community Shares initiative is available here.
Further information on the new ground, along with artists impressions of it, is available here.
Friday, September 10, 2010
FC United submits Newton Heath plans
Source: Place North West
10 Sep 2010, 09:29
Michael Hunt
FC United of Manchester, the supporter-owned club set up in 2005 when the Glazer family took control of MUFC, is submitting its proposals for a new ground and community sports development to be built in Newton Heath, east Manchester, today.
Andy Walsh, club general manager, told Place: "We're submitting the planning application to Manchester City Council which includes plans for a 5,000-capacity stadium of which 750 will be seated and the rest standing.
"We've carried out consultations during the design stages and 1,000 people attended an open day to put forward their views. We're satisfied we're going to meet all requirements."
FC United plans to develop a football ground and proposes new and renovated community sports facilities and a multi-function community space on the existing site of the Ten Acres Lane sports centre, which is owned by Manchester City Council and actually covers 6.3 acres.
Walsh said progress is going well with fundraising to deliver the £3.5m development and is hopeful of gaining £1.5m through grant funding. FC United is targeting £2m to be raised through cash donations and a community share scheme.
Walsh added: "Our target for fundraising is £500,000 and we are fast approaching £300,000 which we expect to reach in the next few days. The community share offer document is due to go out later this month."
"The planning committee will discuss our application at its meeting on 25 November."
Urban regeneration company New East Manchester and Manchester City Council have been working with FC United for the past two years to develop the plans.
In July, FC United selected a design team consisting of Preston and Manchester-based Frank Whittle Partnerships, as project managers, West Didsbury-based Ludlam Associates, as planning consultants, and Handforth-based Taylor Young, as architects, to take proposals to the planning stage.
The rest of the design team includes structural engineers Ian Scott-Hughes, highways consultants AECOM, M&E consultants Beverly Clifton Morris, and environmental consultants TEP.
FC United is being provided with legal support and advice from Cobbetts LLP and RSM Tenon act as the club's financial advisors.
FC United hopes the development will be completed within the next two to three years if planning is approved and funding is secured and subject to consultation. The club said appointment of building contractors will follow the planning application stage.
FC United finished in eighth position in the Northern Premier League Premier Division last season, which is six divisions below the more lucrative Premier League.
The club currently plays home matches at Bury's Gigg Lane.
10 Sep 2010, 09:29
Michael Hunt
FC United of Manchester, the supporter-owned club set up in 2005 when the Glazer family took control of MUFC, is submitting its proposals for a new ground and community sports development to be built in Newton Heath, east Manchester, today.
Andy Walsh, club general manager, told Place: "We're submitting the planning application to Manchester City Council which includes plans for a 5,000-capacity stadium of which 750 will be seated and the rest standing.
"We've carried out consultations during the design stages and 1,000 people attended an open day to put forward their views. We're satisfied we're going to meet all requirements."
FC United plans to develop a football ground and proposes new and renovated community sports facilities and a multi-function community space on the existing site of the Ten Acres Lane sports centre, which is owned by Manchester City Council and actually covers 6.3 acres.
Walsh said progress is going well with fundraising to deliver the £3.5m development and is hopeful of gaining £1.5m through grant funding. FC United is targeting £2m to be raised through cash donations and a community share scheme.
Walsh added: "Our target for fundraising is £500,000 and we are fast approaching £300,000 which we expect to reach in the next few days. The community share offer document is due to go out later this month."
"The planning committee will discuss our application at its meeting on 25 November."
Urban regeneration company New East Manchester and Manchester City Council have been working with FC United for the past two years to develop the plans.
In July, FC United selected a design team consisting of Preston and Manchester-based Frank Whittle Partnerships, as project managers, West Didsbury-based Ludlam Associates, as planning consultants, and Handforth-based Taylor Young, as architects, to take proposals to the planning stage.
The rest of the design team includes structural engineers Ian Scott-Hughes, highways consultants AECOM, M&E consultants Beverly Clifton Morris, and environmental consultants TEP.
FC United is being provided with legal support and advice from Cobbetts LLP and RSM Tenon act as the club's financial advisors.
FC United hopes the development will be completed within the next two to three years if planning is approved and funding is secured and subject to consultation. The club said appointment of building contractors will follow the planning application stage.
FC United finished in eighth position in the Northern Premier League Premier Division last season, which is six divisions below the more lucrative Premier League.
The club currently plays home matches at Bury's Gigg Lane.
Thursday, September 09, 2010
Rebels downed
Source: Manchester Evening News
September 09, 2010
Jerome Wright was sent off for violent conduct after only 29 minutes as FC United crashed to a 5-1 defeat at Bower Field against Matlock.
By that stage the Rebel Reds were already a goal down to Ross Hannah’s strike in the third minute.
But 10-man FC held the home side to that scoreline until the interval.
And then hauled themselves back into the game with an equaliser from Micky Norton on the hour mark.
The home side suffered a double blow with the equaliser as keeper Adam Solitt suffered a nasty injury trying to save the goal and had to be taken to hospital.
And the game was delayed for half and hour while he received treatment.
The hiatus obviously affected the visitors and after the resumption when sub James Knowles put the home side back in front.
Nick Platt almost pulled one back for the Reds after a good cross from Scott McManus.
Then Chris Ovington had a goal disallowed and Kyle Jacobs forced a save from the keeper.
But Cropper (2) and Knowles added three more goals in the last 10 minutes to complete the rout.
A last gasp equaliser earned Radcliffe Borough their first point of the season in a 1-1 draw against local rivals Salford City in a somewhat quiet game.
Salford went in front in the 39th minute when ex-Boro striker Steve Foster scored with a header from a precise cross.
And Boro’s best chance came from new signing Matty Ward, who ran 70 yards before last defender Jamie Baguley halted his progress.
In the second half Foster nearly scored a second against his former club but Martyn Forrest cleared the ball off the line.
And the game really picked up pace in the final 10 minutes with shots flying in from all angles.
In the last minute of play Borough struck after Ally Brown went down the right wing only to mishit the ball.
But in a mad scramble between attackers and defenders it was Boro's stand-in captain Mark Jones who deflected the ball into the Salford net.
However Boro's injury worries continue as Tom Brooks joined the wounded list along with Howson, Wharton, Roberts and Kelly.
On the plus side both Dan Sherlock and Griff Jones came off the bench to near the end to boost Gerry Luczka's resources.
September 09, 2010
Jerome Wright was sent off for violent conduct after only 29 minutes as FC United crashed to a 5-1 defeat at Bower Field against Matlock.
By that stage the Rebel Reds were already a goal down to Ross Hannah’s strike in the third minute.
But 10-man FC held the home side to that scoreline until the interval.
And then hauled themselves back into the game with an equaliser from Micky Norton on the hour mark.
The home side suffered a double blow with the equaliser as keeper Adam Solitt suffered a nasty injury trying to save the goal and had to be taken to hospital.
And the game was delayed for half and hour while he received treatment.
The hiatus obviously affected the visitors and after the resumption when sub James Knowles put the home side back in front.
Nick Platt almost pulled one back for the Reds after a good cross from Scott McManus.
Then Chris Ovington had a goal disallowed and Kyle Jacobs forced a save from the keeper.
But Cropper (2) and Knowles added three more goals in the last 10 minutes to complete the rout.
A last gasp equaliser earned Radcliffe Borough their first point of the season in a 1-1 draw against local rivals Salford City in a somewhat quiet game.
Salford went in front in the 39th minute when ex-Boro striker Steve Foster scored with a header from a precise cross.
And Boro’s best chance came from new signing Matty Ward, who ran 70 yards before last defender Jamie Baguley halted his progress.
In the second half Foster nearly scored a second against his former club but Martyn Forrest cleared the ball off the line.
And the game really picked up pace in the final 10 minutes with shots flying in from all angles.
In the last minute of play Borough struck after Ally Brown went down the right wing only to mishit the ball.
But in a mad scramble between attackers and defenders it was Boro's stand-in captain Mark Jones who deflected the ball into the Salford net.
However Boro's injury worries continue as Tom Brooks joined the wounded list along with Howson, Wharton, Roberts and Kelly.
On the plus side both Dan Sherlock and Griff Jones came off the bench to near the end to boost Gerry Luczka's resources.
Greaves hat-trick decisive to delight of packed Horsfall
Source: Bradford Telegraph and Argus
11:13pm Wednesday 8th September 2010
* By Ian Whitin
Bradford Park Avenue 4, FC United of Manchester 1
Striker Tom Greaves was a hat-trick hero as Bradford Park Avenue earned a significant win against rivals FC United of Manchester in front of an almost 1,000-strong crowd at Horsfall Stadium.
Avenue have endured a stuttering start to their season in the renamed Evo-Stik Premier Division but turned out their best performance of the campaign against a side who were riding high in the table.
They even had to come from a goal down to get the victory as one of their former players threatened to spoil the day. A defensive error by Nathan Hay provided an opening for Chris Ovington and the former Leeds United youth player slotted in.
Just over a minute later the home side got a cross into the United area and as keeper Sam Ashton collided with one of his own men, Dominic Riordan fired the loose ball in.
The game was held up for eight minutes while Ashton received treatment. He had almost lost consciousness but recovered to play the rest of the game.
Greaves beat him with a lob but a covering defender just cleared the effort off the line, while a later James Knowles header nestled in the back of Ashton’s net but the strike was ruled out for a foul by the Avenue man.
Those two close calls ensured the first half ended all square but the hosts finished strongly and from Greaves putting them back in front with quarter of an hour remaining, they coasted to an emphatic victory.
Greaves stabbed a low Danny Facey centre into the roof of the net for his first and chased down a defender before stealing possession and shooting in his second.
The hat-trick came in the last few minutes, following a flick on from substitute Marc Smith, to put the gloss on the win.
Meanwhile, there was a second successive draw for Farsley AFC in the Kool Sport Northern Counties East League Premier Division as they were held 1-1 at basement outfit Hall Road Rangers.
Farsley had not had a stalemate this season until Saturday’s 2-2 at Armthorpe Welfare but they were frustrated again despite having the better of the game.
The home side set themselves up not to be beaten and became even harder to break down after they had taken a first-half lead. Mark Jackson headed Farsley’s late equaliser, converting a Roy Stamer free-kick.
It was a similar story for ECCLESHILL UNITED in Division One of the NCE League.
The Eagles were early-season leaders and appear to be up against brick walls, even away from home, because of that.
Marcus Edwards got their only goal in the 1-1 draw at Shirebrook Town.
11:13pm Wednesday 8th September 2010
* By Ian Whitin
Bradford Park Avenue 4, FC United of Manchester 1
Striker Tom Greaves was a hat-trick hero as Bradford Park Avenue earned a significant win against rivals FC United of Manchester in front of an almost 1,000-strong crowd at Horsfall Stadium.
Avenue have endured a stuttering start to their season in the renamed Evo-Stik Premier Division but turned out their best performance of the campaign against a side who were riding high in the table.
They even had to come from a goal down to get the victory as one of their former players threatened to spoil the day. A defensive error by Nathan Hay provided an opening for Chris Ovington and the former Leeds United youth player slotted in.
Just over a minute later the home side got a cross into the United area and as keeper Sam Ashton collided with one of his own men, Dominic Riordan fired the loose ball in.
The game was held up for eight minutes while Ashton received treatment. He had almost lost consciousness but recovered to play the rest of the game.
Greaves beat him with a lob but a covering defender just cleared the effort off the line, while a later James Knowles header nestled in the back of Ashton’s net but the strike was ruled out for a foul by the Avenue man.
Those two close calls ensured the first half ended all square but the hosts finished strongly and from Greaves putting them back in front with quarter of an hour remaining, they coasted to an emphatic victory.
Greaves stabbed a low Danny Facey centre into the roof of the net for his first and chased down a defender before stealing possession and shooting in his second.
The hat-trick came in the last few minutes, following a flick on from substitute Marc Smith, to put the gloss on the win.
Meanwhile, there was a second successive draw for Farsley AFC in the Kool Sport Northern Counties East League Premier Division as they were held 1-1 at basement outfit Hall Road Rangers.
Farsley had not had a stalemate this season until Saturday’s 2-2 at Armthorpe Welfare but they were frustrated again despite having the better of the game.
The home side set themselves up not to be beaten and became even harder to break down after they had taken a first-half lead. Mark Jackson headed Farsley’s late equaliser, converting a Roy Stamer free-kick.
It was a similar story for ECCLESHILL UNITED in Division One of the NCE League.
The Eagles were early-season leaders and appear to be up against brick walls, even away from home, because of that.
Marcus Edwards got their only goal in the 1-1 draw at Shirebrook Town.
Friday, September 03, 2010
Manchester football fans launch share issue for new stadium
Source: Social Enterprise
2 September 2010 by Gemma Hampson
A co-operative football club will this month launch a £1.5m community share issue in its bid to build a new stadium.
FC United of Manchester was created in 2005 by thousands of disenchanted Manchester United fans who felt alienated and priced out of Premiership football.
It is now looking to raise the cash to build a community stadium at Ten Acres Lane, Newton Heath, which is expected to cost £3.5m.
FC United is one of only ten community share projects supported by Co-operatives UK and the government through its Community Share Scheme. The scheme aims to help raise finance from communities to support expansion and development and is an alternative to bank borrowing.
The club is working to ensure that the shares are eligible for the Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) tax relief, allowing investors to offset up to 20 per cent of any purchase over £500 against income tax liability. Find out more about EIS here or, for subscribers, here.
Only club members, who pay an annual membership fee of £12, will be able to buy community shares. Members have a say in the running of the club and no additional voting rights come with the shares.
More details can be found at www.fc-utd.co.uk.
2 September 2010 by Gemma Hampson
A co-operative football club will this month launch a £1.5m community share issue in its bid to build a new stadium.
FC United of Manchester was created in 2005 by thousands of disenchanted Manchester United fans who felt alienated and priced out of Premiership football.
It is now looking to raise the cash to build a community stadium at Ten Acres Lane, Newton Heath, which is expected to cost £3.5m.
FC United is one of only ten community share projects supported by Co-operatives UK and the government through its Community Share Scheme. The scheme aims to help raise finance from communities to support expansion and development and is an alternative to bank borrowing.
The club is working to ensure that the shares are eligible for the Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) tax relief, allowing investors to offset up to 20 per cent of any purchase over £500 against income tax liability. Find out more about EIS here or, for subscribers, here.
Only club members, who pay an annual membership fee of £12, will be able to buy community shares. Members have a say in the running of the club and no additional voting rights come with the shares.
More details can be found at www.fc-utd.co.uk.
Thursday, September 02, 2010
Margy’s warning becomes reality
Source: Manchester Evening News
September 02, 2010
FC United boss Karl Marginson warned his rampant Rebels against complacency after their first three wins on the spin had taken them top of the Evo-Stik League's Premier Division.
And Marginson's warning was not misplaced as the Rebels dropped to a 1-0 defeat at Ashton United on Bank Holiday Monday that knocked them off the top.
The Reds conceded the only goal of the game two minutes before the interval when striker Lee Steele chipped in from the edge of the box.
In a game of few chances the visitors were restricted to a a few speculative efforts as they battled for at least a share of the spoils.
But Ashton's defence, which has yet to concede a goal this season, refused to be breeched.
The Rebel Reds started the second half well with Jerome Wight clipping a volley over the bar after just a couple of minutes.
And an effort from Scott McManus also cleared the crossbar in the next attack.
A skilful run by Roca created space for him to cross for Wright to head down for Norton but his effort was parried by the resolute defence.
FC nearly levelled on the hour mark when Platt fired in a fierce drive but Ashton keeper Smith superbly flicked the ball over the bar.
The Rebels brought on recently re-signed Steve Torpey and his introduction almost worked the oracle when he crossed for McManus but his header was off target.
Ashton sub David Owens then almost extended the home side's lead but he was denied by Hibbert as he tried to take the ball around the keeper.
And that was the final threat as the home side collected the three points and replaced the Rebels at the top of the tree in the Evo-Stik League's Premier Division.
The loss drops FC United to third and they will be looking to bounce back to winning ways when they host Matlock Town on Sunday at Stalybridge Celtic’s Bower Fold.
Marginson’s men reached the summit by extending their winning start to three games with new boy Colin Little climbing off the subs' bench to score twice in the 5-1 Gigg Lane romp over Retford United.
Goals from Martin Parker, Carlos Roca, and Jake Cottrell had already put FC firmly in command before ex-Altrincham star Little’s stunning two-goal cameo – the second an inch-perfect 35-yard lob – set the seal on a rousing victory.
But, despite being pleased by the Rebels' win, Marginson, pictured, urged his players to keep their feet firmly on the ground.
The FC boss warned: "It's been a good start, but we’ve done nothing yet. The lads have got to keep their standards up throughout the season."
September 02, 2010
FC United boss Karl Marginson warned his rampant Rebels against complacency after their first three wins on the spin had taken them top of the Evo-Stik League's Premier Division.
And Marginson's warning was not misplaced as the Rebels dropped to a 1-0 defeat at Ashton United on Bank Holiday Monday that knocked them off the top.
The Reds conceded the only goal of the game two minutes before the interval when striker Lee Steele chipped in from the edge of the box.
In a game of few chances the visitors were restricted to a a few speculative efforts as they battled for at least a share of the spoils.
But Ashton's defence, which has yet to concede a goal this season, refused to be breeched.
The Rebel Reds started the second half well with Jerome Wight clipping a volley over the bar after just a couple of minutes.
And an effort from Scott McManus also cleared the crossbar in the next attack.
A skilful run by Roca created space for him to cross for Wright to head down for Norton but his effort was parried by the resolute defence.
FC nearly levelled on the hour mark when Platt fired in a fierce drive but Ashton keeper Smith superbly flicked the ball over the bar.
The Rebels brought on recently re-signed Steve Torpey and his introduction almost worked the oracle when he crossed for McManus but his header was off target.
Ashton sub David Owens then almost extended the home side's lead but he was denied by Hibbert as he tried to take the ball around the keeper.
And that was the final threat as the home side collected the three points and replaced the Rebels at the top of the tree in the Evo-Stik League's Premier Division.
The loss drops FC United to third and they will be looking to bounce back to winning ways when they host Matlock Town on Sunday at Stalybridge Celtic’s Bower Fold.
Marginson’s men reached the summit by extending their winning start to three games with new boy Colin Little climbing off the subs' bench to score twice in the 5-1 Gigg Lane romp over Retford United.
Goals from Martin Parker, Carlos Roca, and Jake Cottrell had already put FC firmly in command before ex-Altrincham star Little’s stunning two-goal cameo – the second an inch-perfect 35-yard lob – set the seal on a rousing victory.
But, despite being pleased by the Rebels' win, Marginson, pictured, urged his players to keep their feet firmly on the ground.
The FC boss warned: "It's been a good start, but we’ve done nothing yet. The lads have got to keep their standards up throughout the season."
Still work to do
Source: Manchester Evening News
by Gavin Browne
September 02, 2010
Ashton United manager Danny Johnson says nobody at Hurst Cross will be getting carried away by their impressive start to the new Evo-Stik Premier Division campaign.
Monday’s 1-0 win against FC United of Manchester made it three victories and a draw for the Robins so far, putting them on top of the table with five goals scored and none conceded.
Such a start might have seemed unlikely after a difficult summer for all concerned with the Robins, but Johnson was eager to say a start is all it is.
He said: "We’ve done OK and everything’s gone to plan so far which is nice.
"The lads have worked really hard but we won’t be getting carried away, especially after the last three years when we’ve been top in September and things like that.
"The thing is we’re stronger this time around and we’re a bit better equipped to go the whole season then we perhaps have been in the past.
"The target is still a top-eight finish and I think we can achieve that this season."
Although Ashton’s start to the season might have raised a few eyebrows outside of Hurst Cross, the early report is ‘good but could do better’.
Ever the perfectionist, Johnson has already identified the areas that could be improved upon.
"It’s not been as good as I’d have liked," he said.
"There’s still a lot of things to do when we have the ball because I feel that we’ve been wasteful when we’ve had possession.
"We’ve got plenty of work to on the training ground so far as that’s concerned but our defenders have defended resolutely and Terry Smith hasn’t really had to face any serious chances from inside the box.
"We’ll continue to work hard but I think we’ve got a strong group of lads who are coming together even though there’s still a long way to go."
by Gavin Browne
September 02, 2010
Ashton United manager Danny Johnson says nobody at Hurst Cross will be getting carried away by their impressive start to the new Evo-Stik Premier Division campaign.
Monday’s 1-0 win against FC United of Manchester made it three victories and a draw for the Robins so far, putting them on top of the table with five goals scored and none conceded.
Such a start might have seemed unlikely after a difficult summer for all concerned with the Robins, but Johnson was eager to say a start is all it is.
He said: "We’ve done OK and everything’s gone to plan so far which is nice.
"The lads have worked really hard but we won’t be getting carried away, especially after the last three years when we’ve been top in September and things like that.
"The thing is we’re stronger this time around and we’re a bit better equipped to go the whole season then we perhaps have been in the past.
"The target is still a top-eight finish and I think we can achieve that this season."
Although Ashton’s start to the season might have raised a few eyebrows outside of Hurst Cross, the early report is ‘good but could do better’.
Ever the perfectionist, Johnson has already identified the areas that could be improved upon.
"It’s not been as good as I’d have liked," he said.
"There’s still a lot of things to do when we have the ball because I feel that we’ve been wasteful when we’ve had possession.
"We’ve got plenty of work to on the training ground so far as that’s concerned but our defenders have defended resolutely and Terry Smith hasn’t really had to face any serious chances from inside the box.
"We’ll continue to work hard but I think we’ve got a strong group of lads who are coming together even though there’s still a long way to go."
Badgers well beaten as tough start continues in Evo-Stik Premier Division
Source: This is Retford
THE Badgers were well beaten as FC United notched up an impressive 5-1 victory at Gigg Lane on Saturday.
Retford were without a point and took on an FC United with a 100 per cent record.
Retford were without Ryan Ford (injured), but welcomed new signing Niall O'Brien following his move from Worksop Town.
The Badgers were a goal down after two minutes.
Carlos Roca's run won the hosts a corner and when the ball was floated in, Martin Parker rose to give his side the lead.
Another strong break for FC United saw Jerome Wright's shot taking a nasty deflection that led to another corner. This time Dan White was able to clear.
On the half hour, FC United extended heir lead, Roca doing well to get through the defence and fire past Richard Jeffries.
FC United's third goal came on 38 minutes when a poor clearance by Jeffries fell to the feet of Jake Cottrell just inside the Retford half.
As the Retford keeper was off his line, the FC United midfielder fired the ball straight back towards goal over Jeffries.
In the second half, Jeffries was once again called on when Norton looked certain to score.
He unleashed his shot but Jeffries was down to put the ball away for another FC United corner.
Retford looked to have more purpose in the second half and Danny Mayman did well to get into a shooting position, but Ashton was determined to keep a clean sheet.
Norton again caused a stir in the Retford box, meeting a cross to hit wide at the near post, but then the fourth goal came, substitute Colin Little beating Jeffries with a well-worked goal on 66 minutes.
Two quick corners for Retford saw Steve Owens, on as a substitute for Steve McDonnell, rise and power a header towards goal that crashed off the crossbar.
He did get his reward on 71 minutes, when a mistake by Ashton saw the FC United keeper way out of his area, he failed to deal with the clearance letting Owens through into the box.
Ashton did well to recover as Owens was pushed to the right hand side of the box, but the Retford striker did well under pressure to keep control and slot the ball into an empty net.
The final goal of the game came with five minutes remaining, and it was Little who secured his brace.
The striker showed a neat first touch to control the ball, flicking it over his head before turning to fire on target giving Jeffries no chance from distance.
The game finally ended in front of a noisy 1785 crowd, but it was enough to keep up FC United's 100 per cent record, and consign Retford to another defeat, leaving them bottom of the table.
THE Badgers were well beaten as FC United notched up an impressive 5-1 victory at Gigg Lane on Saturday.
Retford were without a point and took on an FC United with a 100 per cent record.
Retford were without Ryan Ford (injured), but welcomed new signing Niall O'Brien following his move from Worksop Town.
The Badgers were a goal down after two minutes.
Carlos Roca's run won the hosts a corner and when the ball was floated in, Martin Parker rose to give his side the lead.
Another strong break for FC United saw Jerome Wright's shot taking a nasty deflection that led to another corner. This time Dan White was able to clear.
On the half hour, FC United extended heir lead, Roca doing well to get through the defence and fire past Richard Jeffries.
FC United's third goal came on 38 minutes when a poor clearance by Jeffries fell to the feet of Jake Cottrell just inside the Retford half.
As the Retford keeper was off his line, the FC United midfielder fired the ball straight back towards goal over Jeffries.
In the second half, Jeffries was once again called on when Norton looked certain to score.
He unleashed his shot but Jeffries was down to put the ball away for another FC United corner.
Retford looked to have more purpose in the second half and Danny Mayman did well to get into a shooting position, but Ashton was determined to keep a clean sheet.
Norton again caused a stir in the Retford box, meeting a cross to hit wide at the near post, but then the fourth goal came, substitute Colin Little beating Jeffries with a well-worked goal on 66 minutes.
Two quick corners for Retford saw Steve Owens, on as a substitute for Steve McDonnell, rise and power a header towards goal that crashed off the crossbar.
He did get his reward on 71 minutes, when a mistake by Ashton saw the FC United keeper way out of his area, he failed to deal with the clearance letting Owens through into the box.
Ashton did well to recover as Owens was pushed to the right hand side of the box, but the Retford striker did well under pressure to keep control and slot the ball into an empty net.
The final goal of the game came with five minutes remaining, and it was Little who secured his brace.
The striker showed a neat first touch to control the ball, flicking it over his head before turning to fire on target giving Jeffries no chance from distance.
The game finally ended in front of a noisy 1785 crowd, but it was enough to keep up FC United's 100 per cent record, and consign Retford to another defeat, leaving them bottom of the table.
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