FC United entertain Ashton United for a place in the play-off final

FC United take on Ashton United at Gigg Lane tonight where the winners will gain a place in the Evo-Stik play-off final on Saturday and the losers will be left wondering what might have been.

Unlike in previous years, manager Karl Marginson has no fresh injury concerns or suspensions heading into the play-offs.

Despite the disappointment of not being able to catch champions Chorley after finishing just one point behind The Magpies, Margy says that the morale is high in the camp as everyone knows that promotion to the Conference North is still in our own hands – win two home games and we go up.

He said: "We did everything we could but credit to Chorley they withstood the pressure and held on to win the title. Now, we’ve got two more cup finals. The lads have played 13 or 14 already. We’ve seen everything that can be thrown at us and we’re good enough to deal with it."

First up, it’s a local derby against Ashton. The second placed Reds finished 16 points above The Robins, who edged out one time league leaders Skelmersdale to claim fifth place.

We also have a decent record against our opponents, having played them 16 times, winning nine, losing six and drawing one. The good news is that our home record against The Robins is almost impeccable with six victories and just one defeat.

The only home defeat came four years and one week ago when Phil Marsh put FC United ahead but then Ashton scored three times before Ben Deegan pulled one back. Most recently, just two weeks ago on Easter Monday, we came back from 2-0 down to beat our visitors 3-2 with a last minute Greg Daniels winner.

But as everyone knows, records and previous results go out of the window as tonight is a one off game where Ashton will also be playing their hearts out for a shot at sneaking into the Conference North.

Please note - the tie will be played to a conclusion with extra time and penalties to decide a winner if required.

FC United versus Ashton United for a place in Saturday’s play-off final is tonight at Gigg Lane with kick-off at 7.45pm. Get yourself to that football ground and cheer the lads on to victory and one step closer to the Conference North.