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On the march with Margy's army

FC United begins its fourth foray into the FA Cup sponsored by E.ON on Saturday against Radcliffe Borough at Gigg Lane as the Reds bid to get to the first round proper for the first ever time.

United almost got there last season but after three victories, including one against Stalybridge Celtic of the Conference North on their own patch, they were ruthlessly dumped out 3-0 by Northwich Victoria in the fourth qualifying round.

The double-header against Celtic saw United draw 3-3 at Gigg Lane with goals from Carlos Roca, Phil Marsh and David Chadwick before turning their neighbours over 1-0 in the replay with a Jerome Wright screamer deciding the tie.

United have a good record against Saturday’s Evo-Stik Division One North opponents which reads - three wins, two draws and just one defeat. The Reds knocked Boro out of the FA Trophy last season and they also won the Presidents Cup at their expense in April 2008.

Radcliffe have been struggling so far this season and are second to bottom in the league. Their only win was the surprise 2-1 defeat of Lancaster City in the extra-preliminary round of the FA Cup to set up Saturday’s fixture.

Although United have to limit their expectations in the FA Cup, manager Karl Marginson is in no doubt of the importance of the competition and Saturday’s match. He said: "It’s a great competition because it gives players the chance to pit themselves against teams higher up the leagues but it’s also important to us as a club for other reasons.

"As Manchester United fans, we love a good cup run and I know the supporters enjoy the trips away. Our trip to Fleetwood a few years back stands out as well as last year’s matches at Sheffield, Ferriby and Northwich as days when we showed what great fans we’ve got.

"The FA Cup also provides us with the opportunity to win much needed money for the club which will help us get to Ten Acres Lane more quickly. The publicity of a good cup run can also help with that.

"And last but by no means least; Saturday gives us the opportunity to get back into that winning habit and start playing with confidence again. No disrespect to Radcliffe but we’re at home so we should be favourites to win the match. If supporters get behinds us, as they always do, there’s no reason why we can’t get to the first round proper and beyond this year."??

United are hoping to welcome Ben Deegan back to the fold for Saturday’s match following the forward’s four match absence with an ankle injury and Jerome Wright will be available for selection before he has to start a three game suspension. The Reds will probably be without Sam Ashton after the goalkeeper suffered a head injury against Bradford on Wednesday night. Zach Hibbert is on to standby to take the number one shirt.

In the event of a draw the replay will be held at Radcliffe’s Stainton Park on Tuesday 14th September with kick-off 7:45pm. Admission prices for the replay will be £7 adults, £5 concessions and £2 under 16s.

This Saturday’s match is a 3pm kick-off with ticket prices £8 adults, £5 concessions, £2 under-18s and it’s pay on the gate. Get your scarlet ribbons at the ready.



First Posted ~ 18:37 Thu 9 Sep 2010
News ID ~ 3086
Last Updated ~ 01:52 Tue 16 Feb 2021