FC United hoping for a game (and a win) at Marine

FC United are hoping that the wet weather will subside long enough for us to play our first game in 10 days, somewhat ironically against Marine, as we bid to get back up the Evo-Stik Premier Division table.

News from Merseyside is mixed, the pitch is currently playable but heavy rain is forecast for parts of Friday night, Saturday morning and afternoon as the almost apocalyptic downpours look set to continue. As such, a pitch inspection will take place at 10am and supporters are urged to check this website or our twitter feed before travelling.

If we do get to play, it will be only our fourth league game of 2014 as four postponements have made for a difficult January. Hopefully, February will bring better luck and weather and the tenth placed Reds will climb back up to the play-off places, which is where we were at the end of 2013.

The positives for FC United are that a trio of injured players have had longer to rest due to the postponements against Nantwich Town and Witton Albion this week. Top-scorer Tom Greaves should be back after suffering from a groin strain whilst Matthew Wolfenden (ankle) and Dave Birch (hamstring) will be closer to recovering.

Another positive is that FC United have an exceptional record against our hosts. We’ve played the Crosby club 11 times since 2008 and, although most encounters have been very closely fought, the Reds have won eight, drawn two and lost just one. The two sides met back in October, where a second half header by Greg Daniels edged FC United to 1-0 victory at Bower Fold.

Marine, who are currently 12th, have also suffered from postponements so far this year, although they did manage a run out last Saturday, losing 2-1 at AFC Fylde. Whilst the Reds have been on the rise, losing just two of our last 16 matches, the Whites have had a winter of discontent – winning just three games in the same period.

Marine manager Phil Brazier has bemoaned his side’s lack of cutting edge whilst also praising FC United’s approach to football and tipping us for the play-offs. He told the Crosby Herald: "FC United are probably one of the best footballing sides in the league alongside Skemersdale. They have a good philosophy which they stick to and don’t revert to the long ball game as many sides in this league do. That has to be applauded in my eyes because everyone wants to see good football and you don’t always get that at this level.

"Karl Marginson always gets his side in and around those play-off spots so I’m sure they will be up there again come the end of the season.???

And Margy admits trips to Merseyside with FC United are extra special. He said: “We’ve had some very good contests with Marine over the years and it’s one the players and supporters enjoy. Throw in the Manchester and Liverpool rivalry for good measure and it’s always the sort of game I wish I was playing in. Let’s hope the weather is kind to us.???

Marine versus FC United of Manchester is this Saturday at College Road, Crosby at the supporter-friendly and traditional kick-off time of three o’clock. It’s pay on the gate as usual. Check the website after 10am tomorrow for the result of the pitch inspection and then, hopefully, get yourself to that football ground.