Source: M.E.N.
Stuart Brennan
30/ 4/2007
FC UNITED pogo'd out of the North West Counties League to the strains of punk music and amid wild celebrations at Gigg Lane.
But manager Karl Marginson will tonight gather his players and warn them that there is still one more big game to play this season, the League Challenge Cup final against Curzon Ashton - who have also been promoted along with Nantwich Town - on Thursday night.
The Rebels beat Formby 5-0 to round off their league season, and with George Best's sister Barbara McNarry watching from the stands, it was appropriate that Ulsterman Rory Patterson should be the star, crashing in a hat-trick to take his tally for the season to 39.
Rhodri Giggs kicked the party off by opening the scoring and in the midst of Patterson's treble, Formby defender Chris Pauls also put through his own net.
The beer and champagne flowed after that as North West Counties League chairman Dave Tomlinson handed over the trophy, and the first team was joined on the pitch by the Reserves who have won their league in their first season and on Wednesday play Padiham in the reserves' cup final.
Marginson, who brought himself on for a swansong appearance with 20 minutes to go, was the party-pooper, reminding his players that they are back in training tonight for the all-ticket final at Tameside Stadium.
"It's been an incredible league season, and we have broken a couple of records along the way by amassing 112 points and scoring 157 goals, and that's all down to the players," said Marginson.
"I told the players in the dressing room before the game how proud I was to be associated with them, and that they have all earned the right to be here when we move up to the UniBond first division next season.
Grateful
"What a day it has been - United go five points clear, we pick up the trophy and Leeds have gone down! Now we want to make it a great week with a result at AC Milan on Wednesday and us lifting the cup the following night."
As punk band Sick Nurse set the tone for the celebrations from the back of an Army truck, Tomlinson said they would be sad to see FC go.
He said "They have brought a lot of finance to the majority of our clubs."
"They have brought a high profile to the league, for which we are always grateful, and they have also shown a lot of clubs what you can do in terms of organisation - they are one of the best-organised clubs around. Because they have such a large following, they have an awful lot of people with different skills which shows in their use of information technology, their programme and their matchday organisation.
"When they first appeared, a lot of clubs had misgivings. I think a lot of them thought `Hang on, we are getting somebody here with a lot of money and there are only two promoted from the second division'.
"But we didn't get a lot of critics. Generally clubs accepted the fact that they would benefit. I wasn't sure that they would find it as easy as they have, but Karl Marginson has done a remarkable job in finding the players and getting them together as a good squad.
"They will be missed. Whether their crowds stay as high as they are, I don't know, but our clubs are grateful for what they have had, wish them all the best and hope they go from strength to strength.
"If ever they come back to us, they will be welcome."
Monday, April 30, 2007
Five-star FC enjoy trophy celebrations
Source: This is Lancashire
By Liam Chronnell
RORY Patterson smashed his second hat-trick in four days as champions FC United lifted the Division One trophy on the final day of the season to spark wild celebrations at Gigg Lane.
The Double-chasing Reds, who take on Curzon Ashton in the League Challenge Cup final on Thursday night, blasted five past Formby without reply in front of 3,847 delighted fans.
The victory means the breakaway club, who sealed promotion to the UniBond League earlier this month, topped the table by 13 points, having struck an incredible 157 goals and conceded just 36 in 42 league matches.
Rhodri Giggs fired the hosts in front before Patterson's 23-minute salvo either side of half-time, with a Formby own goal in between, ensured the prolific Rebels extended their unbeaten run to 25 games in a match where manager Karl Marginson came out of retirement to make a cameo appearance as a late substitute.
There were also five-star displays from the two Atherton clubs as they signed off in style.
Collieries clinched seventh spot - their best-ever finish - after a blistering 5-1 victory against Ramsbottom United, one place below them in the table.
Nick Dyson handed the Alder House club, who had never finished higher than twelfth before, the lead, though the visitors drew level from the penalty spot.
However, Czech hitman Vita Bina grabbed a stunning double in three minutes before the interval, and Seydou Bamber's second-half brace, made it a superb seven wins out of eight in April for Phil Brown's team.
Atherton LR, much improved under new boss Roy Sweeney, also ended a mixed season with a fantastic performance as they ran out 5-1 winners at bottom club Stone Dominoes.
The impressive display means Rovers, who have undergone a remarkable turnaround since the former assistant manager took over from Mark Cox last month, finished in 16th spot after flirting with relegation after Christmas.
Ian Berry proved the matchwinner with a 26-minute first-half hat-trick - only LR's second of the season - while Stuart Wellstead and captain Rick Arnold chipped in with goals after the break.
There was, at last, some good news for Daisy Hill in Division Two as they shocked third-placed Padiham 3-2 thanks to a brilliant Simon Farrell treble. The New Sirs striker struck three times in 23 minutes at the start of the second half to blow away the home side and give Tommy Moore's young side, stuck in the bottom two for long periods, plenty of hope for better things in the future.
By Liam Chronnell
RORY Patterson smashed his second hat-trick in four days as champions FC United lifted the Division One trophy on the final day of the season to spark wild celebrations at Gigg Lane.
The Double-chasing Reds, who take on Curzon Ashton in the League Challenge Cup final on Thursday night, blasted five past Formby without reply in front of 3,847 delighted fans.
The victory means the breakaway club, who sealed promotion to the UniBond League earlier this month, topped the table by 13 points, having struck an incredible 157 goals and conceded just 36 in 42 league matches.
Rhodri Giggs fired the hosts in front before Patterson's 23-minute salvo either side of half-time, with a Formby own goal in between, ensured the prolific Rebels extended their unbeaten run to 25 games in a match where manager Karl Marginson came out of retirement to make a cameo appearance as a late substitute.
There were also five-star displays from the two Atherton clubs as they signed off in style.
Collieries clinched seventh spot - their best-ever finish - after a blistering 5-1 victory against Ramsbottom United, one place below them in the table.
Nick Dyson handed the Alder House club, who had never finished higher than twelfth before, the lead, though the visitors drew level from the penalty spot.
However, Czech hitman Vita Bina grabbed a stunning double in three minutes before the interval, and Seydou Bamber's second-half brace, made it a superb seven wins out of eight in April for Phil Brown's team.
Atherton LR, much improved under new boss Roy Sweeney, also ended a mixed season with a fantastic performance as they ran out 5-1 winners at bottom club Stone Dominoes.
The impressive display means Rovers, who have undergone a remarkable turnaround since the former assistant manager took over from Mark Cox last month, finished in 16th spot after flirting with relegation after Christmas.
Ian Berry proved the matchwinner with a 26-minute first-half hat-trick - only LR's second of the season - while Stuart Wellstead and captain Rick Arnold chipped in with goals after the break.
There was, at last, some good news for Daisy Hill in Division Two as they shocked third-placed Padiham 3-2 thanks to a brilliant Simon Farrell treble. The New Sirs striker struck three times in 23 minutes at the start of the second half to blow away the home side and give Tommy Moore's young side, stuck in the bottom two for long periods, plenty of hope for better things in the future.
Saturday, April 28, 2007
FC United honour for legend Best
Source: M.E.N.
mike keegan
28/ 4/2007
GEORGE Best will be honoured by fans of breakaway club FC United today.
The legendary player's sister, Barbara McNarry, will be at Gigg Lane in Bury to pick up a cheque for £3,000, raised by fans of the club for a charity set up in her brother's memory.
Speaking to the M.E.N. just over a year after the memorial service for the United legend, Barbara revealed she was `desperate' to keep George's Manchester connections alive.
"He loved this place," she said. "He was a man who mixed with queens, kings, presidents and prime minister but he was always more at home in a Manchester pub playing cribbage with the ordinary man from the street"
She said Best's heart was always at Old Trafford: "Belfast was his home. But he never got Manchester out of his system. He lived in London for a long time but was always coming back here. I think he thought Mancunians were very similar characters to those from his home. And he loved United - they were always his team."
Barbara, 55, added that she was `always' thinking about her brother. "It's hard not to," she said. "We drive past an airport that's named after him every day.
"I find the whole thing astonishing - we have George Best Airport and £5 notes with his face on them in Northern Ireland. He was that popular and I don't think he ever realised it."
The money raised by FC United fans will go to the George Best Foundation, set up by his family last year.
The current total stands at £400,000 and will be spent on research into liver disease and alcoholism and on encouraging youngsters to play football.
FC United was set up two years ago by supporters disillusioned with the Glazer takeover. The cheque will be handed over as FC are crowned North West Counties Division One champions - the club's second league title in two seasons.
Manager Karl Marginson said: "It promises to be a great day. Last year's celebrations, when we had more than 6,000 here, will live long in the memory and I'm sure today will be equally special."
A spokeman from the club said: "The response from supporters has been magnificent. It just goes to show what George meant to us all."
mike keegan
28/ 4/2007
GEORGE Best will be honoured by fans of breakaway club FC United today.
The legendary player's sister, Barbara McNarry, will be at Gigg Lane in Bury to pick up a cheque for £3,000, raised by fans of the club for a charity set up in her brother's memory.
Speaking to the M.E.N. just over a year after the memorial service for the United legend, Barbara revealed she was `desperate' to keep George's Manchester connections alive.
"He loved this place," she said. "He was a man who mixed with queens, kings, presidents and prime minister but he was always more at home in a Manchester pub playing cribbage with the ordinary man from the street"
She said Best's heart was always at Old Trafford: "Belfast was his home. But he never got Manchester out of his system. He lived in London for a long time but was always coming back here. I think he thought Mancunians were very similar characters to those from his home. And he loved United - they were always his team."
Barbara, 55, added that she was `always' thinking about her brother. "It's hard not to," she said. "We drive past an airport that's named after him every day.
"I find the whole thing astonishing - we have George Best Airport and £5 notes with his face on them in Northern Ireland. He was that popular and I don't think he ever realised it."
The money raised by FC United fans will go to the George Best Foundation, set up by his family last year.
The current total stands at £400,000 and will be spent on research into liver disease and alcoholism and on encouraging youngsters to play football.
FC United was set up two years ago by supporters disillusioned with the Glazer takeover. The cheque will be handed over as FC are crowned North West Counties Division One champions - the club's second league title in two seasons.
Manager Karl Marginson said: "It promises to be a great day. Last year's celebrations, when we had more than 6,000 here, will live long in the memory and I'm sure today will be equally special."
A spokeman from the club said: "The response from supporters has been magnificent. It just goes to show what George meant to us all."
Friday, April 27, 2007
Karl's final flourish
Source: M.E.N.
Stuart Brennan
27/ 4/2007
KARL Marginson will come out of football retirement to play in FC United's final league game of the season against lowly Formby on Saturday (3pm).
The Rebels' boss, who has guided his team to a second successive promotion and into next Thursday's League Challenge Cup final, wants a last hurrah and is threatening to bring himself on as a sub for the last 10 minutes.
The 36-year-old van driver has not played since he suffered a knee injury turning out for Flixton two years ago.
Two months later he was appointed FC manager and, despite registering as a player last season, did not play for the club.
"It might be a bit selfish, but I want to finish my career on a high, and it's something I have been mulling over," said Marginson, a former Rotherham and Macclesfield striker.
"I am sure I will get some stick from our fans, but they will shut up when I belt one in the top corner!"
The match will also mark the retirement of assistant manager Darren Lyons and defender Dave Brown.
The club intends to turn the match into a celebration and has invited George Best's sister Barbara McNarry to be a special guest - she will accept a cheque for £3,000 raised for her brother's charity Foundation.
And Marginson wants his players to cap a fantastic league season with a win over lowly Formby - last season they had to pick up the Division Two trophy after losing to Great Harwood Town 1-0 in front of over 6,000 fans.
Marginson will be without Rob Nugent who will rest a knee injury and the suspended Stuart Rudd.
Stuart Brennan
27/ 4/2007
KARL Marginson will come out of football retirement to play in FC United's final league game of the season against lowly Formby on Saturday (3pm).
The Rebels' boss, who has guided his team to a second successive promotion and into next Thursday's League Challenge Cup final, wants a last hurrah and is threatening to bring himself on as a sub for the last 10 minutes.
The 36-year-old van driver has not played since he suffered a knee injury turning out for Flixton two years ago.
Two months later he was appointed FC manager and, despite registering as a player last season, did not play for the club.
"It might be a bit selfish, but I want to finish my career on a high, and it's something I have been mulling over," said Marginson, a former Rotherham and Macclesfield striker.
"I am sure I will get some stick from our fans, but they will shut up when I belt one in the top corner!"
The match will also mark the retirement of assistant manager Darren Lyons and defender Dave Brown.
The club intends to turn the match into a celebration and has invited George Best's sister Barbara McNarry to be a special guest - she will accept a cheque for £3,000 raised for her brother's charity Foundation.
And Marginson wants his players to cap a fantastic league season with a win over lowly Formby - last season they had to pick up the Division Two trophy after losing to Great Harwood Town 1-0 in front of over 6,000 fans.
Marginson will be without Rob Nugent who will rest a knee injury and the suspended Stuart Rudd.
Rebels goal star suffers ban blow
Source: Bolton News
By Liam Chronnell
FC United goal-machine Stuart Rudd will miss the League Challenge Cup final after his appeal against his sending off was rejected.
The 44-goal striker was handed a three-game ban after being sent off for the first time in his career against Ramsbottom United on April 7.
The champions appealed against Rudd's red card but the decision was upheld and the former Skelmersdale hitman will miss Thursday's final against Curzon Ashton, as well as tomorrow's final league game against second-bottom Formby and the first match of next season.
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"I am absolutely gutted," said Rudd. "It's the first time I've ever been sent off and I'm missing two of the most important games of my career.
Full-back Alex Mortimer is also suspended for the home clash, after which the Rebels, unbeaten in 24 games, will be presented with the North West Counties Division One trophy.
Seventh-placed Atherton Collieries will be looking to end their best-ever campaign on a high note when they entertain Ramsbottom United - one place and three points below them in the table.
The Alder House club, who have never finished higher than 12th before, are already 13 points better off than their previous highest points haul of 54, and Colls boss Phil Brown will be keen to sign off an excellent year with victory.
Atherton LR take on bottom club Stone Dominoes in their final league encounter while, in Division Two, Daisy Hill will be desperate to end a difficult season with a win.
Though safe from relegation due to the restructuring of the league, manager Tommy Moore is desperate for his young side to finish out of the bottom two. However, the New Sirs outfit will have their work cut out to claim three points at promotion-chasing Padiham.
By Liam Chronnell
FC United goal-machine Stuart Rudd will miss the League Challenge Cup final after his appeal against his sending off was rejected.
The 44-goal striker was handed a three-game ban after being sent off for the first time in his career against Ramsbottom United on April 7.
The champions appealed against Rudd's red card but the decision was upheld and the former Skelmersdale hitman will miss Thursday's final against Curzon Ashton, as well as tomorrow's final league game against second-bottom Formby and the first match of next season.
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"I am absolutely gutted," said Rudd. "It's the first time I've ever been sent off and I'm missing two of the most important games of my career.
Full-back Alex Mortimer is also suspended for the home clash, after which the Rebels, unbeaten in 24 games, will be presented with the North West Counties Division One trophy.
Seventh-placed Atherton Collieries will be looking to end their best-ever campaign on a high note when they entertain Ramsbottom United - one place and three points below them in the table.
The Alder House club, who have never finished higher than 12th before, are already 13 points better off than their previous highest points haul of 54, and Colls boss Phil Brown will be keen to sign off an excellent year with victory.
Atherton LR take on bottom club Stone Dominoes in their final league encounter while, in Division Two, Daisy Hill will be desperate to end a difficult season with a win.
Though safe from relegation due to the restructuring of the league, manager Tommy Moore is desperate for his young side to finish out of the bottom two. However, the New Sirs outfit will have their work cut out to claim three points at promotion-chasing Padiham.
Thursday, April 26, 2007
FC United’s fun day for youngsters
Source: M.E.N.
By Staff Reporter
Comment
SPORTS-mad youngsters can enjoy some family fun in the sun on a day of festivities at Gigg Lane on Saturday - and it won't cost a penny.
FC United of Manchester, which plays at the home of Bury Football Club, have invited young people from 400 schools, clubs and organisations across Manchester - including dozens in Bury - to take part in Youth United Day.
There is free entry for under 18s, who can join in with activities including music, arts and theatre and also get to watch FC United play in their final home game of a successful season against Formby.
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The breakaway Reds have already won the North West Counties League Division One and are on course for the double, having reached the final of the League Challenge Trophy.
The club's matches regularly attract crowds of around 2,500. The season finale last year, when United won the Division Two championship, attracted 6,023 and organisers are hoping this year's event will be just as successful.
Co-organiser Vinny Thompson said: "As part of the club's continuing community development programme, we want to give as many youngsters as possible a chance to experience a big-game atmosphere at an affordable price.
"It will be a day of celebration in recognition of our back-to-back championships and will be a fun event for young people from Bury and Greater Manchester to be involved in."
He added: "The atmosphere is second to none and attracts families and especially young people, who make up a significant proportion of our membership. Youth United Day is a way of encouraging other families and their friends to come and experience this for themselves."
Entry to the match, which starts at 3pm, costs £7 for adults and £5 for concessions.
The day of fun starts at 12.30pm when youngsters can take part in a series of workshops at Holy Cross College in Manchester Road. Activities will include a banner-making class, a rap and rhyme' music session and a theatre workshop.
For more information, contact Mr Thompson on (0161) 236 1070.
By Staff Reporter
Comment
SPORTS-mad youngsters can enjoy some family fun in the sun on a day of festivities at Gigg Lane on Saturday - and it won't cost a penny.
FC United of Manchester, which plays at the home of Bury Football Club, have invited young people from 400 schools, clubs and organisations across Manchester - including dozens in Bury - to take part in Youth United Day.
There is free entry for under 18s, who can join in with activities including music, arts and theatre and also get to watch FC United play in their final home game of a successful season against Formby.
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The breakaway Reds have already won the North West Counties League Division One and are on course for the double, having reached the final of the League Challenge Trophy.
The club's matches regularly attract crowds of around 2,500. The season finale last year, when United won the Division Two championship, attracted 6,023 and organisers are hoping this year's event will be just as successful.
Co-organiser Vinny Thompson said: "As part of the club's continuing community development programme, we want to give as many youngsters as possible a chance to experience a big-game atmosphere at an affordable price.
"It will be a day of celebration in recognition of our back-to-back championships and will be a fun event for young people from Bury and Greater Manchester to be involved in."
He added: "The atmosphere is second to none and attracts families and especially young people, who make up a significant proportion of our membership. Youth United Day is a way of encouraging other families and their friends to come and experience this for themselves."
Entry to the match, which starts at 3pm, costs £7 for adults and £5 for concessions.
The day of fun starts at 12.30pm when youngsters can take part in a series of workshops at Holy Cross College in Manchester Road. Activities will include a banner-making class, a rap and rhyme' music session and a theatre workshop.
For more information, contact Mr Thompson on (0161) 236 1070.
Tribute to George Best
Source: thisislancashire.co.uk
By Staff Reporter
Comment
FC UNITED fans are set to pay tribute to their hero George Best on Saturday when a very special guest visits Gigg Lane.
Reds fans will welcome Best's sister Barbara McNarry and her husband Norman to the club's final league match of the season against Formby The couple are due to make the half-time Fair Share draw out on the pitch and will also accept a donation of more than £3,000 from the club's Supporters Network.
The cash, which raised during a memorabilia auction and through collections and badge sales, will go to the George Best Foundation, which was funds research into liver disease and alcoholism and encourages young people to adopt a healthy lifestyle through participation in football.
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One of items up for grabs in the auction was a rare George Best £5 note, which raised more than £180 alone.
FC United supporter Mike Sherrard, of Boothstown, who organised the fundraising activities, said he is looking forward to the visit. "It will be an honour for Barbara to visit Gigg Lane.
"Obviously, FC United came from the history of Manchester United and many of our supporters will have fond memories of George. He is part of my earliest footballing memory and I always had his poster up on my wall when I was a kid. I thought it was important for our supporters to do something in tribute to him when he died and this has been a perfect way of doing so. I would like to say a huge thank you to all the people who have donated money, who took part in the auction or who bought the badges. To raise so much money is fantastic and everyone involved should feel proud."
By Staff Reporter
Comment
FC UNITED fans are set to pay tribute to their hero George Best on Saturday when a very special guest visits Gigg Lane.
Reds fans will welcome Best's sister Barbara McNarry and her husband Norman to the club's final league match of the season against Formby The couple are due to make the half-time Fair Share draw out on the pitch and will also accept a donation of more than £3,000 from the club's Supporters Network.
The cash, which raised during a memorabilia auction and through collections and badge sales, will go to the George Best Foundation, which was funds research into liver disease and alcoholism and encourages young people to adopt a healthy lifestyle through participation in football.
advertisement
One of items up for grabs in the auction was a rare George Best £5 note, which raised more than £180 alone.
FC United supporter Mike Sherrard, of Boothstown, who organised the fundraising activities, said he is looking forward to the visit. "It will be an honour for Barbara to visit Gigg Lane.
"Obviously, FC United came from the history of Manchester United and many of our supporters will have fond memories of George. He is part of my earliest footballing memory and I always had his poster up on my wall when I was a kid. I thought it was important for our supporters to do something in tribute to him when he died and this has been a perfect way of doing so. I would like to say a huge thank you to all the people who have donated money, who took part in the auction or who bought the badges. To raise so much money is fantastic and everyone involved should feel proud."
Giggs slays City!
Source: Salford Advertiser
FC United 4 Salford City 2:
A POOR start to the second half and a hat-trick from ex-Salford player Rhodri Giggs put paid to City’s hopes of gaining automatic promotion.
Salford made a bright start to Saturday’s North West Counties League first division game at Gigg Lane and shocked the vociferous home support in the 12th minute when a defence splitting pass from Jamie Bagguley sent Nick Robinson through on goal and he calmly slotted the ball past FC keeper Sam Ashton.
FC’s equaliser on 35 minutes was tinged with controversy. From a corner, Giggs dispatched a sweet volley past City keeper Andy Moore from 20 yards out but Salford’s players claimed the goal should have been disallowed for a foul on Dale Whitehead.
The concussed Whitehead failed to reappear after the interval and, as in recent games, City failed to get back into their stride.
Within two minutes, FC’s Nicky Platt hit a first time shot from the edge of the penalty box which seemed to go through Moore’s body and into the net to put the league champions in front.
Then with no apparent danger, Robinson lost possession deep in his own half and, following a neat one-two with Wright, Giggs hit his second goal of the game.
Robinson almost redeemed himself within a minute at the other end but he was thwarted by a good save.
Further chances fell the way of United before City got their act together. The introduction of substitute Tommy Turner put more vigour and commitment into the side and it was Turner who threw the Moor Lane team a lifeline with 20 minutes remaining when he waltzed through the home defence and rattled in unstoppable shot.
Salford pushed forward in search of an equaliser only to be hit by a late sucker punch from Giggs, who had been difficult to contain all afternoon.
City host Nantwich Town in their final game of the season on Saturday, April 28, kick-off 3pm.
They need something from the game to finish in fourth spot.
FC United 4 Salford City 2:
A POOR start to the second half and a hat-trick from ex-Salford player Rhodri Giggs put paid to City’s hopes of gaining automatic promotion.
Salford made a bright start to Saturday’s North West Counties League first division game at Gigg Lane and shocked the vociferous home support in the 12th minute when a defence splitting pass from Jamie Bagguley sent Nick Robinson through on goal and he calmly slotted the ball past FC keeper Sam Ashton.
FC’s equaliser on 35 minutes was tinged with controversy. From a corner, Giggs dispatched a sweet volley past City keeper Andy Moore from 20 yards out but Salford’s players claimed the goal should have been disallowed for a foul on Dale Whitehead.
The concussed Whitehead failed to reappear after the interval and, as in recent games, City failed to get back into their stride.
Within two minutes, FC’s Nicky Platt hit a first time shot from the edge of the penalty box which seemed to go through Moore’s body and into the net to put the league champions in front.
Then with no apparent danger, Robinson lost possession deep in his own half and, following a neat one-two with Wright, Giggs hit his second goal of the game.
Robinson almost redeemed himself within a minute at the other end but he was thwarted by a good save.
Further chances fell the way of United before City got their act together. The introduction of substitute Tommy Turner put more vigour and commitment into the side and it was Turner who threw the Moor Lane team a lifeline with 20 minutes remaining when he waltzed through the home defence and rattled in unstoppable shot.
Salford pushed forward in search of an equaliser only to be hit by a late sucker punch from Giggs, who had been difficult to contain all afternoon.
City host Nantwich Town in their final game of the season on Saturday, April 28, kick-off 3pm.
They need something from the game to finish in fourth spot.
FC United 4 Trafford 4
Source: M.E.N.
David Ornstein
26/ 4/2007
WHAT should have been a routine victory for FC United ended in disappointment last night as the rebels let slip a three-goal lead to draw 4-4 with Trafford FC in their penultimate game of the North West Counties League season.
The Rebels were crowned champions a week ago, winning promotion to the UniBond League a year ahead of schedule, but the ease with which they lostconcentration here warrants cause for concern ahead of the League Challenge Cup final against Curzon Ashton on May 3.
Just five minutes were on the clock when Stuart Rudd opened the scoring with a penalty - the former Wigan youth player's 45th goal in 48 appearances this season.
FC wasted countless opportunities to extend their lead before Rory Patterson smashed into an empty net shortly after half-time.
Formality
That brought up FC's 150th league goal of the season and a record 36th league win in a season looked to be a formality.
Liam Ralph pulled one back for the visitors but two more goals for Patterson should have rubber stamped the three points.
Substitute Mark Fitton gave Trafford hope before John Bluck's free-kick caused tension to sweep around Gigg Lane.
With just five minutes remaining Billy McCartney completed the comeback from the penalty spot to send the pocket of Trafford supporters delirious but the FC crowd home praying this was a minor blip in an otherwise magnificent season.
David Ornstein
26/ 4/2007
WHAT should have been a routine victory for FC United ended in disappointment last night as the rebels let slip a three-goal lead to draw 4-4 with Trafford FC in their penultimate game of the North West Counties League season.
The Rebels were crowned champions a week ago, winning promotion to the UniBond League a year ahead of schedule, but the ease with which they lostconcentration here warrants cause for concern ahead of the League Challenge Cup final against Curzon Ashton on May 3.
Just five minutes were on the clock when Stuart Rudd opened the scoring with a penalty - the former Wigan youth player's 45th goal in 48 appearances this season.
FC wasted countless opportunities to extend their lead before Rory Patterson smashed into an empty net shortly after half-time.
Formality
That brought up FC's 150th league goal of the season and a record 36th league win in a season looked to be a formality.
Liam Ralph pulled one back for the visitors but two more goals for Patterson should have rubber stamped the three points.
Substitute Mark Fitton gave Trafford hope before John Bluck's free-kick caused tension to sweep around Gigg Lane.
With just five minutes remaining Billy McCartney completed the comeback from the penalty spot to send the pocket of Trafford supporters delirious but the FC crowd home praying this was a minor blip in an otherwise magnificent season.
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