Margy positive despite double blow ahead of Ferriby clash

FC United manager Karl Marginson is relishing the chance to take on league leaders North Ferriby United at Bower Fold this Sunday even though the Reds must do so without influential midfielders Jerome Wright and Matthew Tierney.

Third-placed United go into the match 10 points behind their Humberside rivals with four games in hand, meaning that a win this weekend for either side would provide a huge boost towards their title aspirations. The Reds are enjoying a run of nine consecutive league victories but Ferriby will provide incredibly tough opposition having won seven of their last eight away matches in the Evo-Stik Premier Division.

Margy will be forced to use this strength in depth that his squad offers for this fixture. Astley Mulholland, Rhodri Giggs and recent signing Matthew Walwyn will all be hoping to start on the left wing, which has been vacated due to Wright sustaining a gashed shin in last Saturday’s 1-0 victory over Ilkeston. Meanwhile, Matthew Tierney, who has started four out of the last five league matches, has to serve a one game ban after receiving two yellow cards during our 4-2 win at Frickley Athletic, meaning Dave Birch will be hopeful of getting the nod in the starting XI.

Margy said: “North Ferriby are top of the league for a reason. You don’t get there by accident. People can talk all they want about games in hand - they don’t matter, only points do. I was asked this week if we would rather be playing such a crucial game at Gigg Lane, where we have done so well this term but I don’t think it makes a difference.

"As long as we have you lot behind us and cheering at the tops of your voices, then we feel like we are very much at home, wherever we play.???

FC United of Manchester versus North Ferriby United is three o’clock this Sunday at Bower Fold, Stalybridge. It’s pay on the gate as usual with prices at £8 for adults, £5 concessions and £2 for under-18s. Get yourself to that football ground and cheer the lads on in what could be a crucial clash in the race for promotion.