FC United host Guiseley for relegation six pointer

FC United host Guiseley this Saturday at Broadhurst Park in a relegation six pointer that we most certainly need to win in order to gain some momentum going into the final stretch.

A win for the second from bottom Reds would see us pull the gap back to five points between us and our opponents, who are fourth from bottom. However, a win for The Lions would leave FC United at least 10 points from safety with 11 games left.

Football is often decided by fine margins and a slice of luck. It’s fair to say that over the last four games, which have seen four defeats each by a one goal margin, the luck certainly hasn’t gone our way.

However, we must keep fighting and approach every game as an opportunity to get three priceless points on the board, especially as the teams around us having games in hand.

Last Saturday saw another late defeat, this time as Altrincham scored the winner in the 83rd minute with both goals for the away coming courtesy of deflections.

FC United we were later denied a penalty in the latter stages of injury time, despite huge appeals from everyone associated with The Reds. Dale Wintham gave us hope by grabbing the equaliser but yet again it just wasn’t meant to be. Football can be a cruel mistress.

That defeat at home to Altrincham marks the 10th defeat at Broadhurst in the league season having played 15 games at home this season. Our only home league win this season was against Curzon Ashton on the 8th December. Sadly, that kind of form leads to relegation.

With the final stages of the season approaching, we need to turn this around dramatically, especially at Broadhurst Park where we have six games remaining. So far, the Reds have picked up only seven points from a possible 45 at home, which is the second worst record in the league.

Our West Yorkshire opponents have picked up 15 points away from home this season, from a possible 42 on offer. Their last away win came on New Year’s Day against Bradford Park Avenue, coincidentally the same side which FC United last picked up a win against. Former Barnsley forward Kayode Odejayi was on the scoresheet in a 2-1 win for The Lions.

Guiseley come into this game, having only picked up three points from their last five games with their last game ending up in a 1-1 draw against AFC Telford United.

In the previous game between the two sides earlier on this season, the game finished 3-0 to Guiseley with goals from Will Hatfield and a brace from Rowan Liburd.

FC United of Manchester versus Guiseley is this Saturday at the supporter friendly and traditional kick-off time of three o’clock. The bars at the ground are open from midday, so get there early and help create an atmosphere that spurs the players onto a much needed victory. Bring on United…