FC United aiming to bounce back in style as we host Stamford

FC United are aiming to get back to winning ways and take a huge step towards clinching the Evo-Stik Premier Division title as the Reds host Stamford at Bower Fold on Saturday afternoon.

The Reds’ 21-game and five-month long unbeaten run in the league came to an end on Tuesday night with a narrow 1-0 defeat at Skelmersdale United but manager Karl Marginson says that his players are raring to go and eager to bounce back in style on Saturday.

Margy, who has no fresh injury concerns, said: “I thought we were unlucky. On another day we could have won that match by five or six. We felt hard done by because they had one shot on goal and scored from it. The lad took it really well but it came from a free-kick that probably shouldn’t have been awarded. Having said that, we should have dealt with it.

“What we’ve seen in the last two games is teams that have set out to stifle us, which we’ve seen many times before. What we have to do is get the break through and then the game will open up and we can take full advantage.???

Margy admits that he won’t decide his starting XI until he inspects the pitch at Bower Fold tomorrow. He said: “I’ve got five different teams in my head to be honest. That is testament to the strength in depth we have with this squad. I’ll have a look at the surface tomorrow and I’ll make my decision after that.???

FC United played The Daniels in the reverse fixture at the Borderville Stadium just four weeks ago. The match ended in a 1-1 stalemate but the Reds will count themselves unfortunate that they didn’t gain all three points as they had a blatant penalty turned down when Shelton Payne was floored in the box and the same player also had a goal controversially disallowed for a debatable handball. The FC United faithful will be hoping for better luck and some 50-50 decisions to go to the team in red tomorrow.

Since then, the Daniels have slipped into the relegation zone, having won just once in their last 12 games and lost five. However, FC United will be wise not to read too much into current form as Skelmersdale pulled out all the stops to win their first match in five games on Tuesday night and, due to being midtable, they were only playing for pride. The Daniels desperately need a win to avoid the drop, so will no doubt try to frustrate the Reds and hit them on the break.

Whilst FC United entertain Stamford, our nearest rivals Workington face a tricky match at fourth-placed Ilkeston and Ashton United travel to Whitby. Both clubs know that if FC United win on Saturday they also need three points to stay in the title race.

FC United of Manchester versus Stamford is this Saturday at Bower Fold at the supporter friendly and traditional kick-off time of three o’clock. It’s pay on the gate as usual with prices voted for by our members - £8 for adults, £5 for concessions and £2 for under-18s.

Supporters are encouraged to get to the ground early to help ease any congestion at the turnstiles. Get yourself to that football ground and cheer on the lads as they aim to seal the title. Bring on United…