FC United trip should hold no fears for Hucknall

 Source: This is Nottingham

 HUCKNALL Town should relish rather than fear their trip to FC United of Manchester, coach Jamie Brough insisted today.

The Red Rebels reached the FA Cup second round this season where they took League One Brighton to a replay after knocking out League Two Rochdale.

Karl Marginson's men have been less impressive in the league, having won nine and lost ten of their 19 games.

But they can always bank on a healthy following of fans at their adopted Gigg Lane home, with tomorrow sure to be no different.

Brough expects FC to be a tough proposition now they no longer have their cup distraction, but believes Hucknall will have learned from playing in front of a big crowd against FC Halifax earlier in the campaign.

"It's going to be similar to the Halifax game, where they will have big backing, there will be good facilities and a nice big pitch," said Brough. "But I think everyone who is involved in football aspires to play in front of decent crowds and wants to step up to the next level – if you don't then you shouldn't be involved.

"This gives us a taste of what that would be like and I would hope we can rise to the occasion.

"I love playing at Watnall Road in front of our own fans, but it is nice when you go away to play in games like this.

"FC United did very well in the cup and it will have made them a small fortune.

"But it is a challenge for them to raise their game playing Hucknall Town after Brighton and Rochdale.

"They have probably under-achieved in the league, which is what can happen, but I'm sure their manager will be given time after their cup exploits."

Hucknall were beaten 2-0 at home by Northwich Victoria at the weekend, but bounced back with a 2-0 victory over Worksop Town in the third round of the League Challenge Cup on Tuesday night.

Brough says the contrasting results show the need for Hucknall to maintain a strong work ethic.

He added: "The two goals we conceded against Northwich were because we switched off.

"Fair play to Northwich because they worked harder than us over the 90 minutes and deserved their win.

"But we played some of the best possession football we have played in a long time against a good Worksop side – that was made possible because we worked exceptionally hard.

"Just like in life, those who work harder tend to get further."

Hucknall were landed with a £5,000 bill for their broken floodlights, whose failure caused the abandonment of their home clash with Buxton.

The system is up and running again now, but the club still need to pay off the amount after taking out a loan.

Abound £700 was raised with a bucket collection against Northwich, but the club are seeking further donations.

"I don't know the ins and outs of what was wrong, I think it was something to do with the cabling," said Brough.

"But we have got 28 days to repay what we owe, so any contributions would be gratefully received."

The club have added former Ilkeston central midfielder Josh Burge, 21, to their ranks following his release by Boston United.

But the player, most recently at Rainworth, may have to wait for his opportunity, with Brough saying: "He would have started against Worksop in midweek but was unavailable.

"With the other lads doing well, Josh may not get straight in the side, but he has a good attitude and I'm sure he'll flight for his place."

Grant Brindley is expected the return from a thigh injury.