Match Preview : Matlock Town 26th February

FC United of Manchester (6^th) vs Matlock Town (3^rd)

Broadhurst Park | Saturday, 26 February | 15:00 PM

 Full match details can be found by clicking here

The Teams

This Saturday will see a mouthwatering clash as both teams have been impressive this season, earning both clubs a place in the top six, but recent form for both has meant that this game takes on extra signficance, with eight points separating the teams, and the visitors with three games in hand over the Reds,  a positive result for FC would go a long way to keeping the playoff charge going while Matlock will be keen not to lose any more ground in the final run in having slipped from top spot. It will be a battle of two contrasting styles of football, with FC looking to maintain possession and patterns of play to create danger, while the visitors will be looking to get the forward into the air at every opportunity, and trying to outmuscle the Reds.

The Table

FC United of Manchester are currently 10 points behind the newly appointed league leaders South Shields, who have also played three games less than the Reds. We are currently in sixth place, but it’s far from secure, as the teams below are just a few points behind with more games in hand. Matlock Town are in a good position for the play-offs and also fighting for the league title in third place. Despite only winning one of their last five games, it will be a tough game for the home side, but one that could define our season as the games tick down.

FC United of Manchester

After a superb run of form, we've managed just the one point from the last nine and we will be looking to build upon our last game – a rousing 2-2 draw against Scarborough Athletic, after a dangerous Regan Linney fired in a late equaliser at the Flamingo Land Stadium. Thankfully, our home form has been excellent this season, placing us third in the home form table – a promising statistic for the home fans. Also promising is our firepower as only Buxton with 60 goals have scored more than FCUM’s tally of 54., and the Reds now have 23 different goalscorers in 2021-22 which is a club record.

Dan Lavercombe’s next appearance will be his 50th for FCUM. He is 5th in goalkeeper appearances behind Sam Ashton (231), Dave Carnell (157), James Spencer (101) and Lloyd Allinson (70).
 

Matlock Town

On the other hand, the visitors find themselves in second place for the away game form table, winning 9 away games this season, drawn two and lost four of fifteen away League games in 2021-22:. Matlock, however, have only won once in their last five games – and we will be looking to add to their woes. Their last game was a 3-1 loss to league leaders, South Shields, which could prove to be very harmful to their promotion dreams. The Gladiators have won once in eight visits, 5-1 in September 2010 at Bower Fold, FCUM’s joint-heaviest home defeat.

Head-To-Head

The last game between the two sides was a real suckerpunch for FC as we failed to take our chances and the home that day side scored a last-minute winner to steal the points from FC. Hopefully tomorrow we will see FC on the winning side of the battle, the lads will certainly be looking forward to a good game before we take a pause from league action for a fortnight as we welcome AKS ZLY in the Fenix Trophy next.