‘We are not playing Manchester United’ warns Marine FC boss Kevin Lynch

 Source: Crosby Herald

 KEVIN LYNCH admits Marine are still searching for a win over FC United of Manchester because they have built the rivalry into something it is not.

The Mariners boss says their downfall against The Rebels has often been in believing the match has to assume similar bitterness to that of Manchester United against Liverpool.

In seven attempts since FC United were promoted into Step Three of the non-league system, Marine have failed to pick up a victory and on many occasions the games have been ill-tempered affairs, both on and off the pitch.

Each time Lynch has led Marine into a match with the Gigg Lane outfit, he has called for cool heads in the heat of battle but this time he felt the need to remind his players they are facing FC United and not the Premier League club from which they broke away.

The manager is excited about Saturday's game at the Arriva Stadium but more for it being a clash of promotion challengers rather than Scousers against Mancunians.

“We haven't beat them yet but there has got to be a first time and hopefully that can be Saturday," said Lynch.

"I think we used to believe we were playing Man United and when you do that and have that mindset, you are already two goals down.

"We have to remember that FC United are just a team in our league that are challenging for honours like we are.

"Certainly the last few times we've played them have been draws which hopefully shows we are getting to grips with the fixture and realising that it's just another game.

"Recently I have seen us play in front of the big crowds and relish the challenge.

"I'm expecting a good football game with two teams that will certainly play the right way.

"There is huge interest in terms of fan base and should be a good advert for the league.

"You will also see both teams looking to win the game because we are both attack minded. I'm looking forward to the game and no player needs any extra motivation because of the sort of game it is.

"But it is not because of the rivalry which exists between Manchester United and either Liverpool or Everton. It is because of where we both are in the league."

Sixth placed Marine hold a five point advantage over FC United in the Evo-Stik Premier Division standings following last weekend's round of results.

As the Manchester side required a last minute equaliser at home to Frickley Athletic, the Whites picked up a point at high-flying Hednesford Town.

Lynch left Keys Park knowing his side had opportunities to win the game but was nevertheless happy to have taken four points from the Staffordshire side this season.

“On paper and everything else, it is a good point," he said.

"To get four points over the course of the season leaves me pretty satisfied although we had the better chances on Saturday.

"But if you had given me a point before the game then I would've taken it."