Source: M.E.N.
FC United manager Karl Marginson is demanding more of the spirit which carried the Rebels to victory on Boxing Day as they seek to end 2006 on a high note.
Marginson's men see out the old year with the visit of Newcastle Town and are eager to build on a dramatic 3-2 win over Ramsbottom which saw them cut Salford City's lead in the North West Counties League first division to three points.
FC came from two goals down to beat Rammy and, in doing so, answered the critics who claimed their season was in danger of collapsing after a run of four games without a win.
Victory over Newcastle will take the Rebels back to the summit on goal difference should Salford, who have played four games more than them, lose their derby clash at Flixton.
But fans might appreciate a more routine success than Tuesday's heart-stopping triumph or, indeed, FC United's 3-2 win at Newcastle in October, which was secured by Simon Carden's injury-time strike after front man Rory Patterson had been forced to take over in goal from the injured Sam Ashton.
Said Marginson: "The boys showed tremendous character on Boxing Day and, hopefully, it's a sign that our bad run is now behind us.
"But it's vital we now don't allow our standards to slip once again. We'll undo all the good work we did against Ramsbottom if we fail to deliver tomorrow."
Friday, December 29, 2006
Rebel Reds on brink of goal milestone
Source: thisislancashire.co.uk
By Liam Chronnell
FC UNITED will be aiming to join the 100 club when they entertain lowly Newcastle Town at Gigg Lane tomorrow.
The prolific Reds have struck 97 goals in all competitions this season and three more would take them past the century mark in their 29th game of the campaign.
But manager Karl Marginson will put goalscoring feats to the back of his mind as he concentrates on closing the gap on new Division One leaders Salford City.
United trail the table-toppers, who have played four games more, by three points but, with Salford facing a tough trip to Flixton, the breakaway club will be eyeing a return to the summit before the New Year festivities begin.
Atherton Collieries' new signing David Campbell will make his home debut against third-placed Nantwich Town.
Colls boss Phil Brown, who hopes to make a further addition to the squad before tomorrow's clash, will also welcome back defender Nick Dyson, but will be without the suspended Barry Massey, who serves the final match of his three-game ban.
Atherton LR will hope to build on their hard-fought point in the Boxing Day derby with Colls. Struggling Rovers, three points above the drop zone in 18th, travel to Squires Gate - one place and eight points above the Crilly Park club.
Daisy Hill boss Tommy Moore will be desperate for some Christmas cheer when his young side entertain Bootle in Division Two. Hill are stuck in the bottom two and will need to turn things around quickly if they are to avoid a relegation battle in 2007.
By Liam Chronnell
FC UNITED will be aiming to join the 100 club when they entertain lowly Newcastle Town at Gigg Lane tomorrow.
The prolific Reds have struck 97 goals in all competitions this season and three more would take them past the century mark in their 29th game of the campaign.
But manager Karl Marginson will put goalscoring feats to the back of his mind as he concentrates on closing the gap on new Division One leaders Salford City.
United trail the table-toppers, who have played four games more, by three points but, with Salford facing a tough trip to Flixton, the breakaway club will be eyeing a return to the summit before the New Year festivities begin.
Atherton Collieries' new signing David Campbell will make his home debut against third-placed Nantwich Town.
Colls boss Phil Brown, who hopes to make a further addition to the squad before tomorrow's clash, will also welcome back defender Nick Dyson, but will be without the suspended Barry Massey, who serves the final match of his three-game ban.
Atherton LR will hope to build on their hard-fought point in the Boxing Day derby with Colls. Struggling Rovers, three points above the drop zone in 18th, travel to Squires Gate - one place and eight points above the Crilly Park club.
Daisy Hill boss Tommy Moore will be desperate for some Christmas cheer when his young side entertain Bootle in Division Two. Hill are stuck in the bottom two and will need to turn things around quickly if they are to avoid a relegation battle in 2007.
TEAMtalk
Edited from TEAMtalk.com
...
But, in marching through the back-slapping hordes, what Ferguson has also managed to do is retain his focus on the future and what he believes to be the best interests of Manchester United.
There are some, even among those who have not defected to FC United, who feel Ferguson has not always acted this way.
Although the truth is slightly different, it is argued by a sizeable minority the unseemly arguments with John Magnier over the ownership of Rock of Gibraltar created the vacuum that allowed Malcolm Glazer's £790million takeover, the merits of which are still the subject of hot debate.
In decrying FC United and those who formed it, Ferguson is accused of abandoning his socialist principles on the altar of self-preservation.
In keeping with the man, such allegations are swiftly dismissed, those who make them consigned the dustbin.
For Ferguson, throughout his life, has always had a clear sense of right and wrong and whether you are with him or not.
And for Ferguson just now, top of the Premiership at the end of 2006, the wrong thing to do would be to wallow in past glories.
...
...
But, in marching through the back-slapping hordes, what Ferguson has also managed to do is retain his focus on the future and what he believes to be the best interests of Manchester United.
There are some, even among those who have not defected to FC United, who feel Ferguson has not always acted this way.
Although the truth is slightly different, it is argued by a sizeable minority the unseemly arguments with John Magnier over the ownership of Rock of Gibraltar created the vacuum that allowed Malcolm Glazer's £790million takeover, the merits of which are still the subject of hot debate.
In decrying FC United and those who formed it, Ferguson is accused of abandoning his socialist principles on the altar of self-preservation.
In keeping with the man, such allegations are swiftly dismissed, those who make them consigned the dustbin.
For Ferguson, throughout his life, has always had a clear sense of right and wrong and whether you are with him or not.
And for Ferguson just now, top of the Premiership at the end of 2006, the wrong thing to do would be to wallow in past glories.
...
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
FC back on track
Source: M.E.N.
FC UNITED ended their `mini-blip' with a last-gasp 3-2 win over Ramsbottom at Gigg Lane.
The Reds' four-game run without a win looked set to continue as Ramsbottom took an early lead through Carl Thomas before adding a second just after the break with an unfortunate own goal from Rob Nugent.
But the Rebels fought back, with captain Dave Chadwick heading home from a corner before substitute Rory Patterson won a penalty which Alex Mortimer converted.
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Then, two minutes from time, the 2,924 crowd got the late Christmas present they wanted with a Nicky Platt winner.
FC play Newcastle Town on Saturday at Gigg Lane (3pm).
FC UNITED ended their `mini-blip' with a last-gasp 3-2 win over Ramsbottom at Gigg Lane.
The Reds' four-game run without a win looked set to continue as Ramsbottom took an early lead through Carl Thomas before adding a second just after the break with an unfortunate own goal from Rob Nugent.
But the Rebels fought back, with captain Dave Chadwick heading home from a corner before substitute Rory Patterson won a penalty which Alex Mortimer converted.
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Then, two minutes from time, the 2,924 crowd got the late Christmas present they wanted with a Nicky Platt winner.
FC play Newcastle Town on Saturday at Gigg Lane (3pm).
Late fightback puts FC boys back on track
Edited from: thisislancashire.co.uk
By Neil Bonnar
FC UNITED received a huge North West Counties League Division One title confidence booster when they came back from 2-0 down with 17 minutes remaining to beat Ramsbottom United 3-2 in front of 2,924 at Gigg Lane.
And with leaders, Salford City, being held to a 3-3 home draw by Maine Road, the rebel Reds are back on track to clinch a second successive championship triumph.
They are now just three points behind Salford with four games in hand and assistant manager, Phil Power, paid tribute to the players for battling their way back to winning ways.
"We looked dead and buried at one point," he said. "We had numerous chances but it looked like we couldn't buy a goal. But then, as soon as one went in, it lifted the confidence and we got the roar going and never looked back. We haven't been playing as well as we can and we've been on a bad run of results but that win has put us back on track again."
Carl Lomax gave Rambottom an early lead and two United players got in each other's way to help double the lead with an own goal two minutes after half time.
Dave Chadwick pulled one back on 73 minutes and Alex Mortimer levelled the scores from the spot before Nicky Platt won it two minutes from time.
By Neil Bonnar
FC UNITED received a huge North West Counties League Division One title confidence booster when they came back from 2-0 down with 17 minutes remaining to beat Ramsbottom United 3-2 in front of 2,924 at Gigg Lane.
And with leaders, Salford City, being held to a 3-3 home draw by Maine Road, the rebel Reds are back on track to clinch a second successive championship triumph.
They are now just three points behind Salford with four games in hand and assistant manager, Phil Power, paid tribute to the players for battling their way back to winning ways.
"We looked dead and buried at one point," he said. "We had numerous chances but it looked like we couldn't buy a goal. But then, as soon as one went in, it lifted the confidence and we got the roar going and never looked back. We haven't been playing as well as we can and we've been on a bad run of results but that win has put us back on track again."
Carl Lomax gave Rambottom an early lead and two United players got in each other's way to help double the lead with an own goal two minutes after half time.
Dave Chadwick pulled one back on 73 minutes and Alex Mortimer levelled the scores from the spot before Nicky Platt won it two minutes from time.
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
Frustrated Rebel Reds slip up again
Edited from: thisislancashire.co.uk
By Liam Chronnell
FC United's dip in form continues as they were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw at Flixton at Valley Road.
The Rebel Reds are five points adrift of leaders Salford City after going four games without a win.
Rory Patterson's superb 25th-minute volley had put FC in front but his strike was cancelled out by Anthony Hargeaves 10 minutes later.
The Gigg Lane club, who have four games in hand on Salford, will hope to return to winning ways at home to Ramsbottom United today.
By Liam Chronnell
FC United's dip in form continues as they were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw at Flixton at Valley Road.
The Rebel Reds are five points adrift of leaders Salford City after going four games without a win.
Rory Patterson's superb 25th-minute volley had put FC in front but his strike was cancelled out by Anthony Hargeaves 10 minutes later.
The Gigg Lane club, who have four games in hand on Salford, will hope to return to winning ways at home to Ramsbottom United today.
Saturday, December 23, 2006
Rebel Reds look for quick turnaround
Edited from: thisislancashire.co.uk
By Liam Chronnell
FC UNITED will hope to bounce back from their slump when they travel to rivals Flixton in Division One.
The breakaway club are suffering a mini-crisis by their own high standards and are looking to get back on the victory trail after failing to win their last three games - including their FA Vase exit against Quorn.
To make matters worse the one-time runaway leaders were knocked off top spot for the first time this season by Salford City, though the Reds have four games in hand.
But they will have to return to winning ways without new signing Jerome Wright. The winger starts a three-game ban after being sent off in his last outing for former club Maine Road.
By Liam Chronnell
FC UNITED will hope to bounce back from their slump when they travel to rivals Flixton in Division One.
The breakaway club are suffering a mini-crisis by their own high standards and are looking to get back on the victory trail after failing to win their last three games - including their FA Vase exit against Quorn.
To make matters worse the one-time runaway leaders were knocked off top spot for the first time this season by Salford City, though the Reds have four games in hand.
But they will have to return to winning ways without new signing Jerome Wright. The winger starts a three-game ban after being sent off in his last outing for former club Maine Road.
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
Why Salford have gone to the dogs!
Source: M.E.N. No online content.
SALFORD City have managed to knock long-time leaders FC United off the top of the North West Counties League first division - now they're going to the dogs.
The Moor Lane club's chairman, Darren Quick, is so delighted by their success in replacing the Rebels at the league's summit that he has bought a greyhound and named it Salford City!
SALFORD City have managed to knock long-time leaders FC United off the top of the North West Counties League first division - now they're going to the dogs.
The Moor Lane club's chairman, Darren Quick, is so delighted by their success in replacing the Rebels at the league's summit that he has bought a greyhound and named it Salford City!
Football fans in big Christmas warm-up
Source: thisislancashire.co.uk. Also published in Bolton News.
By Jenny Minard
THOUSANDS of football fans are set to provide Christmas cheer for those who need it most by donating their old winter woollies to the homeless and needy.
Supporters of FC United of Manchester - the rebel club established by disenfranchised Manchester United supporters in response to the hostile Glazer takeover in 2005 - are hosting an 'Extra Big Coat Day' before their Boxing Day fixture against Ramsbottom at Gigg Lane, Bury.
Volunteers from the Salvation Army will be on hand hours before the 3pm kick-off to take coats, hats, gloves and sleeping bags to distribution centres across the county.
Lisa Flynn, a member of the FC United Supporters' Network, said: "The idea of an 'Extra Big Coat Day' follows on from last winter. FC United were in their infancy and some suggested that our support would dwindle at the onset of colder weather. In response, the supporters decided to turn up to the game in big coats.
"Now we're asking all fans - many who will have got new coats or jackets for Christmas - to dig out last year's coats and donate them to those who really need them."
The Salvation Army's David Lees commented: "We are very pleased to assist in this collection. Winter is a particularly tough time for the homeless and I'm sure they will welcome the help these supporters are providing.
"Once the coats and other items have been collected, we will take them to our Central Manchester Homeless Centre before being distributed to other centres allowing those that need them to access them directly."
The Salvation Army will be outside the reception area of the Gigg Lane football stadium from 12 noon on Boxing Day.
For more information on the event, or for further details on the FC United Supporters' Network, telephone 07895 099 333, email contact@fcumsn.co.uk or visit the website at www.fcumsupporters.org.
By Jenny Minard
THOUSANDS of football fans are set to provide Christmas cheer for those who need it most by donating their old winter woollies to the homeless and needy.
Supporters of FC United of Manchester - the rebel club established by disenfranchised Manchester United supporters in response to the hostile Glazer takeover in 2005 - are hosting an 'Extra Big Coat Day' before their Boxing Day fixture against Ramsbottom at Gigg Lane, Bury.
Volunteers from the Salvation Army will be on hand hours before the 3pm kick-off to take coats, hats, gloves and sleeping bags to distribution centres across the county.
Lisa Flynn, a member of the FC United Supporters' Network, said: "The idea of an 'Extra Big Coat Day' follows on from last winter. FC United were in their infancy and some suggested that our support would dwindle at the onset of colder weather. In response, the supporters decided to turn up to the game in big coats.
"Now we're asking all fans - many who will have got new coats or jackets for Christmas - to dig out last year's coats and donate them to those who really need them."
The Salvation Army's David Lees commented: "We are very pleased to assist in this collection. Winter is a particularly tough time for the homeless and I'm sure they will welcome the help these supporters are providing.
"Once the coats and other items have been collected, we will take them to our Central Manchester Homeless Centre before being distributed to other centres allowing those that need them to access them directly."
The Salvation Army will be outside the reception area of the Gigg Lane football stadium from 12 noon on Boxing Day.
For more information on the event, or for further details on the FC United Supporters' Network, telephone 07895 099 333, email contact@fcumsn.co.uk or visit the website at www.fcumsupporters.org.
Monday, December 18, 2006
Lions chief rules out FC alliance
Source: M.E.N.
Neil Barker
SWINTON Lions rugby league club chairman John Kidd today ruled out a ground-share scheme at Agecroft with local football club FC United.
Swinton bosses were approached by FC United and held informal talks on the possibility of the two clubs ground-sharing should Swinton set up home at a new stadium in Agecroft.
Lions chairman John Kidd today revealed FC United have contacted him to say they will not be pursuing the matter.
Kidd told MEN Sport: "We held informal discussions with people from FC United at their request regarding the possibility of them playing at Agecroft.
"FC United have since got back in touch with us to say they have no further plans to pursue this particular venture.
"I can't see it happening now but we were happy to talk with them. Regarding the new development at Agecroft, I hope to know in the next three or four months when a possible start date can be set."
Intention
Jules Spencer, the spokesman for FC United, said: "It's always been our intention to have our own ground. We are keeping our options open but there is nothing concrete happening at the moment.
"Our deal with Bury to use Gigg Lane lasts for two more seasons after this one. Preferably, we would want a stadium within Manchester itself.
"That process could last five years as was the experience for Salford Reds. We are working hard to provide what our supporters want."
Meanwhile, Swinton chairman Kidd says his immediate concern is making sure the Lions build on last season's success in the National League.
Swinton will play a pre-season friendly against Salford at Sedgley Park on February 4, the week before the official season starts with an opening match in the Northern Rail Cup.
Swinton will travel to Hilton Park for a Boxing Day clash with Leigh. They have also fixed up a New Year clash with Widnes.
Meanwhile, neighbours Salford Reds are in full training ahead of a new Super League season and will again finalise plans in Jacksonville, Florida.
Football director Steve Simms says: "We have always reaped the benefits from warm weather training - a great deal of work was done in the US last year on our defensive structures and we will again be working thoroughly in readiness for what is a very important season."
Neil Barker
SWINTON Lions rugby league club chairman John Kidd today ruled out a ground-share scheme at Agecroft with local football club FC United.
Swinton bosses were approached by FC United and held informal talks on the possibility of the two clubs ground-sharing should Swinton set up home at a new stadium in Agecroft.
Lions chairman John Kidd today revealed FC United have contacted him to say they will not be pursuing the matter.
Kidd told MEN Sport: "We held informal discussions with people from FC United at their request regarding the possibility of them playing at Agecroft.
"FC United have since got back in touch with us to say they have no further plans to pursue this particular venture.
"I can't see it happening now but we were happy to talk with them. Regarding the new development at Agecroft, I hope to know in the next three or four months when a possible start date can be set."
Intention
Jules Spencer, the spokesman for FC United, said: "It's always been our intention to have our own ground. We are keeping our options open but there is nothing concrete happening at the moment.
"Our deal with Bury to use Gigg Lane lasts for two more seasons after this one. Preferably, we would want a stadium within Manchester itself.
"That process could last five years as was the experience for Salford Reds. We are working hard to provide what our supporters want."
Meanwhile, Swinton chairman Kidd says his immediate concern is making sure the Lions build on last season's success in the National League.
Swinton will play a pre-season friendly against Salford at Sedgley Park on February 4, the week before the official season starts with an opening match in the Northern Rail Cup.
Swinton will travel to Hilton Park for a Boxing Day clash with Leigh. They have also fixed up a New Year clash with Widnes.
Meanwhile, neighbours Salford Reds are in full training ahead of a new Super League season and will again finalise plans in Jacksonville, Florida.
Football director Steve Simms says: "We have always reaped the benefits from warm weather training - a great deal of work was done in the US last year on our defensive structures and we will again be working thoroughly in readiness for what is a very important season."
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