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FC United host Ashton United for promotion six pointer this Tuesday

FC United are aiming to leapfrog third place Ashton United in an Evo-Stik Premier Division promotion six pointer at the Tameside Stadium on Tuesday night.

The fifth place Reds could move up to second place and five points off top with seven games in hand with a convincing win tonight. However, a tough task awaits as the Robins have lost just one match in their last 10 league outings. The last team to beat them was FC United, 2-0 at Hurst Cross on 3rd January.

Since then, Ashton have won five consecutive games putting them into the mix for the promotion race once again. Last season, the Robins knocked FC United out of the play-offs with goals in stoppage time at the end of the normal 90 minutes and again at the end of extra time before going on to lose on penalties in the final against Fylde. The Reds will no doubt be fired up to avoid another slip up like that.

A run of seven League wins on the bounce has put the destiny of the title in our own hands. However, results against teams such as Ashton will have a major impact on the final outcome. If FC United manage a win tonight we will definitely overtake Workington and Ashton. If we can win by three or more we will move into second place above Ilkeston on goal difference. A draw or a defeat would see us remain in fifth place. A win of any kind for Ashton would see them edge into second and become real title contenders.

Manager Karl Marginson is likely to just be without forward Matt Walwyn, who expects to be unavailable until next week with a hamstring strain. But, other than that and long term injuries, Margy should have a full squad to choose from.

Top-scorer with 18 goals, Tom Greaves will almost definitely return to the starting XI after being used sparingly as a substitute in the recent victories over Barwell and Marine. If so, Margy will probably have to decide which of his other forwards will make way - Greg Daniels, Shelton Payne or Matthew Wolfenden.

The Robins have scored 14 goals in their last seven fixtures with Dale Johnson and Martin Pilkington carrying the main threat. Whilst FC United boast the best defence in the league, Margy will be mindful that his team has leaked four goals in our last three outings. However, even when going a goal or two behind in recent weeks to the likes of Chorley, Nantwich, and Marine, the Reds have responded.

Margy said: “We have beaten Ashton already this season, so we have the psychological edge, but they can also point to their win against us in last year’s play-off semi-final. We have moved on hugely since that disappointment and are a completely different squad now, especially mentally.

"Our attitude and togetherness is the best I have seen in my time in football. That will stand us in good stead for whatever the remainder of the season throws at us."

FC United of Manchester versus Ashton United is tonight at the Tameside Stadium with kick-off at 7.45pm. It’s pay on the gate as usual with prices voted for by our members - £8 for adults, £5 concessions and £2 for under-18s. Get yourself to that football ground.


First Posted ~ 15:16 Tue 17 Feb 2015
News ID ~ 6024
Last Updated ~ 00:47 Tue 16 Feb 2021