Reds need to put on their Sunday best

Manager Karl Marginson has told his players that they will need to play their very best football to dump Stalybridge Celtic out of the FA Cup on Sunday at Gigg Lane.

Margy expects to have a fully fit squad for the match which means several selection dilemmas. Starting with the team that annihilated Nantwich 4-0 on Wednesday night is being strongly considered and that would mean youngster Jake Cottrell keeping his place in the centre of midfield after impressing during his first competitive start.

But the boss may decide that the third qualifying-round derby against tough opponents from the Conference North needs as much experience in the side as possible, which could see Simon Carden being recalled. Dave Neville is however unavailable despite his return to the club from Witton Albion due to being cup-tied.

Phil Marsh is expected to start up front after hitting an impressive hat-trick against the Dabbers. The signs are that Carlos Roca and Jerome Wright, who have both been in form and getting on the score sheet this season, will start off as wingers in a four man midfield.

Jamie Mack is knocking on the fist team door after coming off the bench to score the fourth on Wednesday and Abdirashid Ibrahim is champing at the bit to make his first start after making his competitive debut in the match at Ewen Fields.

Margy knows that this is the toughest game his side have faced in its short history but he knows they are good enough to get themselves through to the next round. He said: "Bridge are a quality side with some quality players. If we’re to win, we know we’re going to have to be at the top of our game and hope they’re not quite at theirs."

"It’ll be a tough game but we’ve got the players to have a good go at them and with the crowd behind us we’ve got every chance of causing a minor upset. I just want the players to do themselves justice, that’s all I can ask for."??

FC United versus Stalybridge Celtic is this Sunday at 3pm and it’s pay on the gate as usual.