Marginson's magic night

Source: The FA

By Wally Downes - Friday, 05 November, 2010

FC United boss reflects on famous Cup victory.
Rochdale 2-3 FC United Of Manchester
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7.45pm, Friday 5 November 2010
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FC United manager Karl Marginson was ecstatic with his team’s FA Cup First Round win on Friday night.

United defeated Rochdale 3-2 with a goal in the dying seconds and Marginson, who has been at the club since its formation five years ago, was full of superlatives.

“I am speechless," he said. "I was just about to put five men in midfield when I heard there was five minutes left and then we scored the winner.”

Although the winning goal from Michael Naughton came courtesy of an error from Rochdale 'keeper Josh Lillis, the two strikes that gave United their 2-0 lead from Nicky Platt and Jake Cotterill were worthy match winners.

“I don’t know if we are as fit as them, they certainly made us work very hard. I don’t know if we deserved it but our two goals were good enough to win any game," he added.

“It’s The FA Cup and they might not deserve to lose, but that is the way it goes.”

Marginson managed to mention a few of his players for individual praise, including his goalscorers, although he was surprised by the scorer of the Northern Premier side’s second.

“Barry Deegen was everywhere, and at non-League level you need that work ethic and industriousness," he proclaimed.

“It was great to see Jerome Wright running through and Nicky Platt showed great composure with his finish for the first.

“Jack Cotterill usually has the worst shot at the club, so I was amazed with his goal, I’m not joking! He usually gets plenty of ribbing from the rest of the players so I am well pleased for him. He deserved it though because he worked his socks off all night.”

Marginson showed courage before the game in using two attacking central midfielders and it paid off in spades but he is unwilling to take all the credit for himself.

“We are here and whatever happens, that’s what it’s all about. I am so happy for the crowd. They are like that every week. It's 90 per cent of them singing for the entire 90 minutes.

“We just tried to do our best. We are organised and the board are amazing. I just try to get the best team out, but it’s the fans that keep this club going

“I said before the game that if they play to their best and we play to our best then they will beat us, but The FA Cup does throw up these results.”