Margy eyes first round proper

FC United manager Karl Marginson has set his sights on a seaside trip to Torquay as his team seek progression in the FA Trophy this weekend. Tony Howard provides this preview"¦

The Reds take on Boston United in the final qualifying round at Gigg Lane on Sunday, November 23, before the competition goes national as it is opened up to non-league clubs from across the country.

Manager Karl Marginson says his squad are relishing the opportunity to lock horns against Conference sides in the first round proper and he wouldn’t mind a nice break in the town made famous by Basil Fawlty.

But first FC must beat a side who already inflicted defeat on them earlier this season. Boston enjoyed a 1-0 win against United at Gigg Lane in September, so the reds will have to be on their mettle to keep their Wembley dream alive.

Margy said: "The players will be loving the chance to pit their wits against opponents higher up the football ladder and will be keen to show they can cut it at that level.

"If we get through to the first round proper the fans will be desperate to get a plum tie and I’d love us to draw a southern team to give everyone a day out.

"Somewhere like Torquay would be nice. I’ve always fancied it and we might bump into Basil while we’re there. Failing that somewhere like Cornwall would be good for the fans to have a weekend away.

"There’s also former league sides like Oxford United, who would bring back a few memories for United fans - I seem to remember them beating us in the eighties when I was going to Old Trafford.
"But first things first, we’ve got to overcome a tough Boston side who have already beaten us this season.

"They’ve slipped down the league since and I’ve been told that win was their best performance of the season by a mile.

"We’ve improved a lot since then though so we fancy our chances.

"They’ve parted company with their manager this week, so the players may be fighting for their futures, so we’ll have to be on our best to overcome them. If we do we’ve got a good chance of going all the way.

"Wembley is a realistic dream for us - Burscough won the Trophy from our league in 2003 and Droylsden, who we’ve beaten before, have shown in the FA Cup this year that anything is possible.

"A decent cup run is something the fans really want and we have failed in that respect in the FA competitions so far."

Kick off is at 3pm and admission will be payment at the gate, £7.50 for adults, £5 for over-60s and £2 under-18s.