Match preview for FC United's trip to Bamber Bridge in the Pitching In Northern Premier League Premier Division.
After this season's Fenix Trophy campaign got off to a winning start in midweek, FC United head North West tomorrow as we take on Bamber Bridge in the Pitching In Northern Premier League.
FC United boss, Mark Beesley on Tuesday’s game, new additions: “I was pleased with the performance on Tuesday night. Regardless of the opposition, it was important for us to score a few goals and play with a bit of freedom, which had probably been missing over the last few games.
“It was good to see the three new lads slot straight in. I’ve worked with Gez previously and I think he showed some of what he’ll bring to the team. Luca, as he’d probably admit, was a bit rusty but still played well and got a goal. Conor obviously didn’t have to do much but you can hear how vocal he is, which I think is going to be really important for our organisation.”
Bamber Bridge are currently 14th in the Northern Premier League, having won four and drawn three of their opening 13 games. Brig finished just the one point below FC in the league last season, while finishing runners-up to Colne in the Lancashire FA Challenge Trophy.
Manager, Jamie Milligan is a familiar face to the FC faithful; the former Everton, Blackpool and Fleetwood midfielder ended his playing career with a brief stint at Broadhurst Park, also taking up the role of assistant manager to Neil Reynolds. Milligan made three appearances for the Reds in November 2018 before leaving the club at the turn of the new year.
Brig’s attacking output has been spearheaded by on-loan Altrincham forward Lucas Weaver. The striker joined Alty in the summer off the back of a sensational 2023/24 campaign in which he scored 42 goals in 43 appearances for Colne, netting a brace against Bamber Bridge in the Lancashire FA Challenge Trophy final. Weaver has six goals to his name this season, with his last goal coming in Tuesday evening’s 5-1 defeat by Stockton Town.
Beesley on Bamber Bridge: “It’s always a tough place to go. Jamie is a really good coach, and they’re capable of playing different styles which always makes it difficult for you. They’ll be disappointed with the result they had in midweek against Stockton, so we know we have to watch out for the backlash from them after that.”
Last season’s trip to the SFC Stadium served up a thrilling game as FC and Bamber Bridge shared the points in a 3-3 draw in late November. First half strikes from Max Woodcock and Charlie Munro gave the visitors the advantage, however a second half resurgence from Brig saw the spoils shared. The reverse fixture in mid-April saw United claim an important 3-0 (Munro, Bennett, Gilboy) win in Moston.
FC have made six competitive trips to Bamber Bridge dating back to the 2007/08 Northern Premier Division 1 North campaign, failing to win on each of these occasions (3D, 3L). On the contrary, the Reds' home record against tomorrow’s hosts is dominant, winning six out of seven games against the team just south of Preston.