Match preview ahead of tomorrow's trip to face Stockton Town in the Pitching In Northern Premier League (3pm KO).
FC United manager, Mark Beesley on Workington draw, the current state of the squad: “I have to say I am disappointed with the result at the weekend. We worked ever so hard to get ahead, yet gave away a poor penalty at the end.
“Overall I thought we played some good stuff at times, but I think what we have to do now is start putting two good halves together, rather than relying on one or the other as we have done recently.
“We’re essentially limited to a 15 man squad at the moment. It’s a difficult time of the year in terms of making changes to the squad, but if we can get more bodies through the door then that would be great for us.”
A never-before-faced opponent for FC, Stockton Town were promoted to the Northern Premier League this season after winning the Division One East playoffs last term. Currently in his tenth season in charge at the club, manager Michael Dunwell has guided the Anchors up four tiers from the Wearside League, reaching the FA Vase final in 2018.
Stockton are currently sat just outside the playoff places in fifth, with nine wins and a draw to show for their start to the campaign. Despite losing their previous two league matches, a 3-1 win over National League North side Scarborough Athletic secured the Anchors’ place in the third round of the FA Trophy where they will host Oldham Athletic.
Tomorrow’s hosts will be without top scorer Michael Sweet (12 goals all competitions); the former Gateshead striker scored a brace in last Saturday’s victory over Scarborough.
Amongst Stockton's other attacking options is former FC man Michael Fowler. Fowler made 12 appearances for the club in the 2020/21 season, scoring three goals during his spell at Broadhurst Park.
Beesley on Stockton: “We’re expecting a really tough game, we think Stockton are a really good side. They had a brilliant result against Scarborough last Saturday so they won’t be low on confidence.”
Venue: MAP Group UK Stadium, Bishopton Rd W, Stockton-on-Tees TS19 0QD
Kick-off: 3pm
Note: Stockton are trialling a designated area for home fans at the game, however this does not mean the ground will be segregated.