FC United aiming to get back on track as we host Grantham Town

FC United’s incredible 14 game unbeaten run came to an end at Gigg Lane on Saturday so now we must get our quest for promotion back on track by beating Grantham Town at Bower Fold on Tuesday night.

The result leaves us six points behind the Evo-Stik Premier Division leaders, Chorley with a game in hand and four matches to go.

Manager Karl Marginson admits that everyone was disappointed with Saturday’s 2-1 defeat to Buxton but knows that his players have to stick to their task of winning each of our last four games. He said: “We have to do our bit and let other results look after themselves. That’s all we can do. Chorley have three games to go and if they slip up then we have to make sure that we are in a position to take advantage.???

The Magpies need seven more points from a possible nine to be crowned champions as they travel to Whitby on Saturday, entertain Marine on Easter Monday and play Buxton away on the last Saturday of the season. Due to Chorley also having a superior goal difference by 14, they need to win just twice to all but win the league.

However, if Chorley do drop points in two games, the Reds will be able pip them to the post. If Chorley win two matches by one goal and lose the other by one goal then United would need to win each of our remaining games by an average of four clear goals. In summary, the title race isn’t over yet but it is now Chorley’s to lose.

Even if FC United are unable to catch The Magpies, Margy is keen that his players finish the league season in style rather than stumbling over the line. He explained: “If we do go into the play-off then we want to be in good form. At this stage of the season, it’s important to have that winning habit and we want to take that into every game we play.???

If the title is beyond the Reds, then the next aim will be finishing second and having home advantage in the play-offs, even though our away record this season is better. In that sense, it’s important that we keep winning because we are only just ahead of Fylde on goal difference and Worksop by three points.

Margy said: “We’ve shown this season and in the past that we’re not afraid to take on teams on their own patch. But being able to host the play-offs at home will be good for supporters. We’d be able to avoid any ticketing issues and it would ensure a big crowd, which really does give the players an extra boost.???

Back to Tuesday’s match, FC United meet Grantham for the fourth ever time. The Reds have won all of the previous encounters 4-2, 1-0 and most recently, 5-1. The Gingerbreads are currently 16th and only have pride to play for, having avoided relegation at the weekend by beating Rushall Olympic.

FC United versus Grantham Town is this Tuesday at Bower Fold with kick-off at 7.45pm. It’s pay on the gate as usual with ticket prices voted for by our members - £8 adults, £5 concessions and £2 under-18s. Get yourself to that football ground.