FC United boosted by signings ahead of Mickleover visit

FC United have been boosted by five new additions to the first team squad as the race for a play-off place kicks-up a gear and there is also good news with eight current players committing to the club for next season.

With six games to go in the Evo-Stik Premier Division, FC United are in the all important fifth place – the final play-off spot but they must keep on winning to stay ahead of the chasing pack, starting with Mickleover Sports at Bower Fold this Saturday.

With this in mind, manager Karal Marginson has bolstered his squad by asking youth team players Connor Naughton and Richard Smith to make the step up into the first team squad whilst recalling former FC United midfielder Cedric Krou from Trafford FC.

Looking to avoid a repeat of last season, where striker Ben Deegan twice had to play in goal, Margy has also gained the services of experienced shot-stopper Jon Worsnop, most recently of Worksop Town, and young goalkeeper Adam Halton from Ashton Athletic.

Margy was pleased to gain a hard fought draw at Whitby on Wednesday but he knows the Reds will need to take all three points in most of their last six games. He said: “James Spencer pulled off at least two world class saves to keep us level against Whitby, so I think a point was fair for both teams. We got a point closer to gaining a play-off spot and that is the important thing.

“If there’s not much to discuss about Wednesday’s match, the same definitely can’t be said for the game last Saturday’s match against Worksop. I thought the players dealt with going down to nine men impeccably and were a real credit to this football club. The spirit and effort shown by those players on the pitch was absolutely fantastic and everyone should be very proud.

“Saturday will be another tough game. Just like Whitby, Mickleover are in the relegation battle and will be desperate to come here and earn three points. All kinds of factors come into play now as we enter the real nitty gritty of the run in and I know we can count on your support to help get us in to those play-off places.???

FC United do not expect to have any players missing through injury, whilst Michael Norton and Dean Stott will be available before serving three match bans which start on Easter Saturday. Matthew Wolfenden was sent off against Worksop last weekend but the referee admitted it was a case of mistaken identity. Stott was the player who had committed the offence and he will therefore serve the suspension.

Meanwhile, Margy was pleased to confirm that the following eight players have committed to next season:

James Spencer
Kyle Jacobs
Adam Jones
Lee Neville
Nicky Platt
Carlos Roca
Astley Mulholland
Michael Norton.

Margy said: “It’s fantastic that these players have committed their future for another year. They are very good players, they really get what the club is about and they want to be part of it for another year at least. I haven’t had chance to speak to all of the other players yet but I’m confident many more of them will want to do the same.???

Despite the present positions in the league table, FC United will not underestimate their opponents on Saturday, especially because honours are currently completely even between the two sides. United drew 0-0 with the Derbyshire outfit at Gigg Lane last season five months after a poor 2-0 defeat at the Mickleover Sports Stadium. However, Mulholland bagged a brace in November this season to make it one win each, one draw and two goals apiece. The Reds will obviously be looking to unbalance that record at the weekend.

FC United versus Mickleover Sports is this Saturday at Bower Fold, home of Stalybridge Celtic with a traditional three o’clock kick-off. It’s pay on the gate with the usual prices; £2 for under-18s, £5 for concessions and £8 for adults. It’s a league match – so don’t forget your season tickets when you get yourself to that football ground to cheer on your club in the race for promotion.