Reds ready without Rudd

Last season’s top scorer Stuart Rudd is the only player unavailable as FC United look to kick off their first ever campaign in the UniBond Division One North with a win away at Lancaster City.

Rudd is expected to be out for another two to three weeks with a broken wrist but his normal strike partner, Rory Patterson will be available for selection before he may have to serve a suspension for being sent off for violent conduct during a pre-season friendly against Trafford.

There could be first competitive starts for midfielders Dale Whitehead and Chris Baguley, who was in Oldham Athletic’s squad last season, as well as former Bolton Wanderers trainee striker Anthony Hargreaves. Popular right-back, Matty Taylor could also be back in action after overcoming some problems but will have to prove his fitness after missing the entire pre-season campaign.

Manager Karl Marginson was in a relaxed mood prior to the season kicking off in earnest, enjoying a family day out at Flamingo Land, but sounded eager to get back to football. He said: "I’m really looking forward to seeing all of our new signings. Chris is a good young lad who can add to our midfield, I’ve been really impressed with Dale and I’ve know all about Tony for a long time. He drifts into positions that centre-backs can’t deal with.

"I know we’ve got the quality to do well in this league and we’ve added to that over the summer, so, with a bit of luck, I’m confident we can go all the way again this year."