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Christmas cracker awaits as FC United travel to Northwich

FC United get back to Evo-Stik Premier Division action this Saturday following two cup games in the last week and they face a tricky tie to take on third placed Northwich Victoria at the Victoria Stadium.

The Reds, who have lost just once in the last 12 games, should have a fully fit squad with no players suspended, although both fullbacks Kyle Jacobs and Lee Neville will have to serve bans in the coming weeks for red cards against Guiseley and Burscough respectively.

The Vics will also be in confident mood, they have just knocked Conference side Fleetwood out of the FA Trophy and have won three out of four matches since their home defeat to fourth placed Chorley last month.

It’s the last fixture before Christmas and both teams will want to go into the festive period with the perfect present of three points. However, they will also know that there are no gifts in the Evo-Stik Premier Division and the win will have to be fought for and earned.

United have played the Vics at the Victoria Stadium twice previously and despite putting in good performances, they came away empty handed on both occasions.

The first tie was when the sides met for the first ever time in the fourth qualifying round of the FA Cup in 2009, the Vics ran out 3-1 winners despite a close game and then last season Northwich shaded a narrow 1-0 victory in the league when United failed to take their chances and make their possession count.

Hopefully, the thought of finally putting one over their opponents on their own patch will give Karl Marginson’s side extra motivation on Saturday. United will fancy their chances because, as well as being on a good run of form, they are officially the highest scorers away from home in the Evo-Stik Premier Division with 24 goals in 11 games and they have the fourth best points record on their travels with 20 points from those games. However, it should be noted that the Vics have the fourth best home record in the division with only two defeats.

Northwich come into the game fresh from having three-points deducted for fielding an ineligible player at Kendal Town earlier in the season, so they will be hoping to make up some lost ground as soon as possible as they bid to get back into the Conference North at the second attempt following being demoted in Summer 2010 due to financial issues.

Michael Roddy and Tom Smyth serve one-match suspensions, but Tom Field and Dominic Collins are both back from bans to take their places. Sean Kinsella is available again after shaking off a knee injury while newcomer Louis Horne, signed on non-contract terms after leaving Buxton, is in the squad too.

Northwich Victoria versus FC United of Manchester is this Saturday 17 December at the Victoria Stadium with a 3pm kick-off. Tickets are available at the ground.



First Posted ~ 22:37 Sun 18 Dec 2011
News ID ~ 3949
Last Updated ~ 00:47 Tue 16 Feb 2021