Chester FC: Midfield battle key to beating FC United of Manchester, says Neil Young

 Source: Chester Chronicle

 NEIL Young believes winning the midfield battle will be key to Chester FC beating FC United of Manchester for the second time this season.

The Blues stopped the Red Rebels from dictating the tempo in August’s meeting between the fan-owned clubs – and Young will ask his team to do the same at Gigg Lane on Saturday (3pm).

The Chester boss said: “FC United are one of the best passing sides in the division so we’ve got to make sure we don’t allow them to play.

“Their three midfielders like to get on the ball and dictate the play so it’s up to us to get about them early doors, get a foothold in the game and then go for the win I fully believe we can get.”

FC United have made a underwhelming start to the season, losing five of their first 14 matches.

But Young still regards them as rivals for promotion and victory over Frickley Athletic on Tuesday extended their unbeaten league run to four matches.

Young, who sent chief scout Alex Hay to watch Karl Marginson’s men in action at Frickley, said: “It’s the biggest game in the league as we are the two biggest clubs in terms of our fan bases.

“I’m sure both sets of supporters would like to win the game – we’ve just got to make sure it’s us as we want to take advantage of the fact that some of the teams are not playing as they’re in the FA Cup.”

The Blues stretched their winning run to eight matches on Saturday with a last-gasp victory over Chasetown.

Their form is made more impressive given Young has only 14 fully fit senior players, including back-up goalkeeper Adam Judge, to choose from.

Former FC United winger Jerome Wright, Christian Smith and Ashley Williams remain sidelined – although all three should be back within a month – while Matty McGinn is struggling with a sore calf. The left-back was likely to be a substitute at best for last night’s trip to Buxton, which was played after The Chronicle went to press.

Oct 13 2011 by Paul Wheelock, Chester Chronicle