http://www.fc-utd.co.uk/RSS.php FC United of Manchester Latest News en-GB Sat, 31 Jul 2010 15:34:17 CEST Sat, 31 Jul 2010 15:34:17 CEST http://www.fc-utd.co.uk http://www.fc-utd.co.uk/story.php?story_id=2993
Andy Walsh will be in attendance to give an update on progress towards Ten Acres Lane.

All welcome.]]> Fri, 30 Jul 2010 20:35:24 +0200 http://www.fc-utd.co.uk/story.php?story_id=2992
In the last couple of weeks, United have seen a number of new trialists including Jordan Hadfield, Karl Munroe, Richard Battersby, Matthew Tierney and Grzegorz Mania whilst there has also been a return to the club by Steve Torpey and most recently, Tunji Moses.

Hadfield is a 22-year-old central midfielder who has just been released by Conference Premier side Kettering Town. He has previously spent four years with Macclesfield and the Silkmen’s former manager Paul Ince took him on loan to Milton Keynes Dons for the 2007/08 season. Hadfield is a Salfordian and since being released by Kettering he’s returned to the north of England, where he’s had a number of trials this summer.

Munroe is another former Macclesfield player having made more than 100 appearances for the club between 2000-2004. The 30-year-old defender, who is happy at centre or right-back, also has a two year spell and 80+ appearances for Altrincham under his belt. Soule says: “I’ve known Karl for a long time. He’s been out of the game for a while, so we’ll have to see if he can get his sharpness back but he’s a very capable lad.”

“Richard Battersby has been around the non-league,” says Soule and he’s not wrong. The 31-year-old right-back, who’s also comfortable in midfield, has most recently been plying his trade with Saturday’s opponents. He’s also played for Altrincham, Northwich Victoria, Radcliffe Borough and Salford City.

Tierney is a 17-year-old attacking midfielder who has recently been released by Manchester City. The youngster made his debut last Saturday against Telford and unfortunately got injured but Soule says: “He’s got a lot of potential. We’ll get him back fit soon and we’ll see how he goes.”

Mania is a 22-year-old striker who has been playing semi-professionally in Division Two of his native Poland with Czarni Żagań. Soule says: “He’s a big centre-forward and he’s looking for a career over here. His agent got in touch with us and we said we’d take a look at him. If a player fits into our plans and they are good enough, they’ll play.”

Soule also explained the situation with Torpey and Moses. He said: “Stevie has made himself available to us and he’s been training hard. He needs to get himself fit and to get himself back up to the levels he knows he’s capable of. If we didn’t feel there was a chance of a player signing for us then we wouldn’t be wasting our time giving them games, so we’ll carry on talking to him and see where we go from here.

"Tunji is in a similar situation. He’s made himself available again and wants to come back so now he’s got to show us that he’s got the dedication and he’s willing to work hard.”
]]> Sat, 31 Jul 2010 11:48:42 +0200 http://www.fc-utd.co.uk/story.php?story_id=2991 Stalybridge Celtic v FC United of Manchester, Saturday 31st July 2010, Kick Off 3pm

This game is to be played at Bower Fold, Mottram Road, Stalybridge, SK15 2RT

This game will be pay on the gate. Admission prices are as follows:

£6 adults
£3 concessions

There will be no programme on sale for this friendly.

Travel

By Car:

M6 Northbound - 30 minutes from leaving the M6.

Leave the M6 at junction 19 (Northwich). At the roundabout at the end of the slip road turn right (exit 3 of 4) to join the A556 towards Altrincham. Stay on the A556 for 5 miles to a roundabout with the M56. Turn right at the roundabout (exit 3 of 4) onto the M56. Stay on the M56 for 6 1/2 miles to junction 3 (M60 signposted Sheffield, M67) Stay on the M60 for 7 miles to junction 24 (M67, Denton) At the roundabout turn right (exit 4 of 5) to join the M67. Stay on the M67 to the very end, Junction 4. At the roundabout turn left (exit 1 of 4) onto the A57 (Hyde Road). After 1/2 a mile you will reach a set of traffic lights (signposted Stalybridge). Turn left onto B6174 (Stalybridge Road). Almost immediately, there is a mini roundabout. Turn left (exit 1 of 5) onto Roe Cross Road (A6018). Follow this road for 1 3/4 miles passing the Roe Cross Inn on the right and through the cutting (the road is now called Mottram Road). When you pass the Dog and Partridge on the right, you will be almost there. Bower Fold is on the left opposite a sharp right turn next to the Hare and Hounds pub.

M6 Southbound - 25 minutes from leaving the M6.

Leave the M6 at junction 20A (North Wales, Runcorn) Join the M56 towards Stockport. Stay on the M56 for 11 miles to junction 3 (M60 signposted Sheffield, M67) Stay on the M60 for 7 miles to junction 24 (M67, Denton) At the roundabout turn right (exit 4 of 5) to join the M67. Stay on the M67 to the very end, Junction 4. At the roundabout turn left (exit 1 of 4) onto the A57 (Hyde Road). After 1/2 a mile you will reach a set of traffic lights (signposted Stalybridge). Turn left onto B6174 (Stalybridge Road). Almost immediately, there is a mini roundabout. Turn left (exit 1 of 5) onto Roe Cross Road (A6018). Follow this road for 1 3/4 miles passing the Roe Cross Inn on the right and through the cutting (the road is now called Mottram Road) When you pass the Dog and Partridge on the right, you will be almost there. Bower Fold is on the left opposite a sharp right turn next to the Hare and Hounds pub.

M1 - 40 minutes from leaving the M1.

Leave M1 at junction 35a (Manchester) At the roundabout at the end of the slip road, join the A616 towards Manchester After 1 mile you will reach a roundabout with the A616. Go straight across on the roundabout (exit 3 of 5) to join the A616. After 9 miles you will reach the Flouch Roundabout with the A628. Turn left on the roundaout (exit 1 of 4) to join the A628 (Woodhead Road). After 13 1/2 miles you will reach a set of traffic lights (signposted left to Glossop) go straight across. After these lights move into the right hand lane. At the next set of lights, turn right onto Back Moor (signposted Stalybridge). After a few hundred yards, you will reach a mini roundabout. Bear right (exit 2 of 5) onto Roe Cross Road (A6018). Follow this road for 1 3/4 miles passing the Roe Cross Inn on the right and through the cutting (the road is now called Mottram Road) When you pass the Dog and Partridge on the right, you will be almost there. Bower Fold is on the left opposite a sharp right turn next to the Hare and Hounds pub.

M62 - 20 minutes from leaving the M62.

Leave the M62 at Junction 18 to join the M60. The M60 junction has its own lane. Join the M60 heading South towards Oldham, Ashton and Stockport. Stay on the M60 for 8 miles to junction 24 (M67, Denton) At the roundabout at the end of the slip road, turn left (exit 2 of 5) to join the M67. Stay on the M67 to the very end, Junction 4. At the roundabout turn left (exit 1 of 4) onto the A57 (Hyde Road). After 1/2 a mile you will reach a set of traffic lights (signposted Stalybridge). Turn left onto B6174 (Stalybridge Road). Almost immediately, there is a mini roundabout. Turn left (exit 1 of 5) onto Roe Cross Road (A6018). Follow this road for 1 3/4 miles passing the Roe Cross Inn on the right and through the cutting (the road is now called Mottram Road) When you pass the Dog and Partridge on the right, you will be almost there. Bower Fold is on the left opposite a sharp right turn next to the Hare and Hounds pub.

M60 - 10 minutes from leaving the M60.

Leave the M60 at junction 24 (M67, Denton) At the roundabout join the M67. Stay on the M67 to the very end, Junction 4. At the roundabout turn left (exit 1 of 4) onto the A57 (Hyde Road). After 1/2 a mile you will reach a set of traffic lights (signposted Stalybridge). Turn left onto B6174 (Stalybridge Road). Almost immediately, there is a mini roundabout. Turn left (exit 1 of 5) onto Roe Cross Road (A6018). Follow this road for 1 3/4 miles passing the Roe Cross Inn on the right and through the cutting (the road is now called Mottram Road) When you pass the Dog and Partridge on the right, you will be almost there. Bower Fold is on the left opposite a sharp right turn next to the Hare and Hounds pub. If the car park is full (it usually is), parking can be found on the streets on the right of Mottram Road.

Parking:

If the car park is full parking can be found on the streets on the right of Mottram Road.

By Train:

Stalybridge train station is on the main Trans-Pennine line between Manchester and Leeds/York.

Either go from Leeds station, or from Piccadilly Station in Manchester.

The trains to Stalybridge are regular from these two stations.

Once in Stalybridge station exit by the front entrance.

Bus (10 - 15 minute journey):

Straight across the road is a bus-stop, or a little further down the road on the right, is one of the bus-stations. From either place, take the 217, 236 or 237 buses; all three of which go past Bower Fold. The bus-journey will be about ten to fifteen minutes.

The bus-stop is directly opposite Bower Fold.

For the return journey, there is a bus-stop on the same side as Bower Fold, take any of the previously mentioned buses, this time going to the Station.

Walking (30 minutes):

On leaving the station, turn right and walk under the railway bridge.

You will pass a series of pubs and wine bars, a newsagents, a couple of curry houses and kebab shops before reaching the White House inn opposite the bus station. Continue along this road (Market Street) with the Cosmo Bingo on your left. As you reach Melbourne Street, with the Halifax on your right, and an off-licence on the left, turn right onto Melbourne Street, and cross the bridge into the town centre. Go right to the end of Melbourne Street, marveling at the new canal as you cross over it. Turn left at the top by the Society Rooms (a Weatherspoons) onto Grosvner Street. By the Stop and Rest, turn right, and cross Acres Lane at the Pelican Crossing to the Pineapple. Turn left and stroll along Acres Lane to the traffic lights at the end.

At the traffic lights, turn right onto Mottram Road. Walk up Mottram road for 10 minutes, and Bower Fold is on the right.






]]> Thu, 29 Jul 2010 12:37:05 +0200 http://www.fc-utd.co.uk/story.php?story_id=2990
Another excellent evening of entertainment was had by all, with three more electric contributions offered from the unsigned music scene of Manchester. The money raised on the night takes the total money raised overall for the Development Fund from this summer’s FCUM Radio Summer Proms to £810.

Over the summer, FCUM Radio has been proud to host three evenings of unsigned musical gloriousness live from Manchester’s Retro Bar on Sackville Street. We have really loved the fact that we have showcased nine excellent and truly unique acts, whilst at the same time managed to raise some money for the FC United of Manchester Development Fund.

Below is a list of acts who donated their time, material and enthusiasm for no charge whatsoever over the summer of 2010, all for the good cause of building FC United’s new home at Ten Acres Lane in Newton Heath.

Night One – Wednesday 26th May

Kamal Arafa - www.myspace.com/kamalarafa

Dr Butler’s Hatstand Medicine Band - www.myspace.com/drbutlershatstandmedicineband

The Pyjama Party - www.myspace.com/pyjamapartygo

Night Two – Tuesday 29th June

Dan Melrose - www.myspace.com/danmelrose

Dead Celebs - www.facebook.com/deadcelebs

San Juan Boundary Dispute - www.myspace.com/sanjuanboundarydispute

Night Three – Wednesday 28th July

The DN5 - www.myspace.com/thedn5

Hard Luck Child - www.myspace.com/hardluckblues

Euchrid Eucrow - www.myspace.com/euchrideucrowband

FCUM Radio would like to thank everyone who has made The FCUM Radio Summer Proms 2010 such a success. From the bands to the DJs and of course The Retro Bar themselves for donating the room and the sound engineer for free. But most importantly of all, thanks to everyone who have been in attendance and donated so generously during the summer. We sincerely hope you have all enjoyed The Proms and hope you all enjoy the rest of your pre season.



]]> Thu, 29 Jul 2010 12:26:58 +0200 http://www.fc-utd.co.uk/story.php?story_id=2989
The man with the great habit of popping up with a cool head in the right place at the right time gave the official website a quick interview about all things FC and how he’s the only one who’ll go for a pint with Margy after training.

How does it feel to reach 200 appearances for the club?
It feels great to have played 200 games for FC. I was glad to beat Sam Ashton as he has been telling me I would be dropped all season and he’d beat me to it!

Do you think you’ll do another 200?
Not unless the club wants to buy me a couple of new knees!

What do you think of your song?
It’s nice to have a song but I still can’t get used to people singing it to me.

What is your favourite FC moment?
It’s got to be scoring five in one game. (In the 10-2 win over Castleton Gabriels in December 2005)

What was your funniest FC moment?
Margy going mad at half-time once and throwing all the water bottles at the wall but missing and hitting Sam Ashton instead.

How did last season feel in comparison to previous seasons?
Really poor, it’s hard when you get used to having success.

After all the time you’ve spent at FC who is, in your opinion, the most talented player to come through the doors (past or present)?
I hate to say it but Rory Paterson.

It’s more than likely that you’ll end up as our most capped player by the time you call it a day as you’re still young enough and still going strong, why do you think you have stayed at the club for so long?
For the first couple of seasons it was probably for the amount of goals I scored. Now I think it’s because no-one else goes for a pint with Margy after training!

What do you think is a realistic aim for next season?
It’ll be interesting to see who’s still here and who comes in but I’m sure FC will be looking for promotion.

What is the feeling like amongst the players and staff about the new ground?
It’ll be great for the club to have its own ground and I think everyone will want to still be a part of it when it happens.

If you could have the set up of any ground you have visited as a player where would it be and why?
Hyde United, great pitch, good bar and Souley says they do the best pie and peas in non-league!

Fantasy time - Which player, past or present, would you have liked to play with?
Bryan Robson.

Who did you vote for as players’ player of the season?
Ben Deegan.

What did you get up to during your summer break?
Went to St Ives with the wife and kids and watched the World Cup.

Tell us something about you that would surprise FC fans?
I’ve never been sent off in a league or cup match for FC and I can beat Jimmy Holden in a race!

TD ]]> Thu, 29 Jul 2010 12:29:07 +0200 http://www.fc-utd.co.uk/story.php?story_id=2988
However, with a little over three weeks to go before the start of the season, we would ask any supporters who are yet to purchase theirs to do so as soon as possible as we intend to send out this season’s books and membership packs the week commencing 9th August.



]]> Wed, 28 Jul 2010 16:37:36 +0200 http://www.fc-utd.co.uk/story.php?story_id=2987
We hope to be in a position to announce where and when these fixtures will be played very soon. However, until the fixtures are finalised and the information is officially announced by FC United, supporters should treat any other information they read as unconfirmed reports.

]]> Wed, 28 Jul 2010 15:08:05 +0200 http://www.fc-utd.co.uk/story.php?story_id=2986
The postcode for the ground is BL5 2EB.

Kick off is 7:30pm

Directions:

M61 to junction 5, A58 (Snydale Way/Park Road) for one and a half mile, left into Leigh Road (B5235) for 1 mile to Daisy Hill. Turn right into village 200 yards after mini roundabout, then left between church and school into St James Street. Ground 250 yards on left. Nearest Railway Station: Daisy Hill
]]> Wed, 28 Jul 2010 13:46:05 +0200 http://www.fc-utd.co.uk/story.php?story_id=2985
Manager Karl Marginson shuffled his pack of players once again with captain David Chadwick returning to the team, Steve Torpey promoted to the starting line-up and Tunji Moses on the substitutes’ bench.

It was the home side who had the first chance of the game with the dangerous McNally forcing Grant Shenton to save from a long range shot.

Despite having the experience of Chadwick and Mark Ayres at the back, the FC United defence did look shaky at times, with Shenton dropping a simple take and McNally poking the ball wide. Moments later, a mix up between the keeper and Chadwick saw the ball eventually cleared from a dangerous position.

As the first-half continued, FC United started to gain a foothold in the game, taking the lead on 17 minutes when a good run and cross by Gregor Manya, was rifled home by Deegan for his first goal of the pre-season campaign. The goal produced a short flurry of half chances for the Reds, with the Robin Park defence being forced to scramble the ball clear and Manya heading wide when well placed.

With McNally and strike partner Ryan Small looking dangerous, the United defence had to keep on its toes. However, failure to deal with a free-kick on 24 minutes allowed Pitts to hook the ball into the net for an equaliser which, on the balance of play, was deserved.

The Reds did continue to try and press the home defence with Deegan firing over the bar twice; once from a Chadwick header and then after superb work on the left by Torpey.

With several substitutions, there was a slow start to the second-half and it took until the 59th minute for the first real action. Great work by substitute Lee Neville resulted in a very dangerous cross but sadly for FC United, there was no one anticipating it and the ball was cleared.

On 76 minutes, Ayres had the ball in the net but it was ruled out for offside and two minutes later, Deegan seemed to be fouled in the box but the referee waved play on. It was probably just the right decision as Deegan hesitated, giving the defender time to put in the tackle.

Neville was looking dangerous on the left wing and his cross found its way to fellow sub Grant Spencer whose header was just saved on the line by ‘keeper Foulds.

A draw was probably a fair result with FC United having most of the ball but Wigan Robin Park defending stoically. Hopefully, Margy is now another 90 minutes closer to deciding what his first XI will be for the first game of the season which is less than four weeks away.

Report by Steven Wood

Team information:

FC United
1. G Shenton
2. K Jacobs
3. N Swirad
4. J Holden
5. D Chadwick (capt)
6. M Ayres
7. J Mack
8. S Carden
9. B Deegan
10. S Torpey
14. G Manya

Subs
12. G Spencer (for 14 46)
15. A Mulholland (for 7 63)
16. L Neville (for 5 46)
17. D Brown (for 8 46)
19. T Moses (for 3 63)
20. J Cottrell (for 4 63)

Scorer: Deegan 18

Wigan Robin Park
1. J Foulds (capt)
2. M Wood
3. D Midgeley
4. D Pitts
5. C Williams
6. J Corcoran
7. A Whittle
8. A Neafey
9. R Small
10. C McNally
11. P Woods
]]> Wed, 28 Jul 2010 17:27:26 +0200 http://www.fc-utd.co.uk/story.php?story_id=2984
They were there after a request from Salford’s Disability Sports Development Officer, who had contacted Vinny Thompson in the hope that FCUM would be able to provide three volunteers to help organise and run a 7-a-side football tournament for unified football teams (unified football teams contain both disabled and non-disabled players).

Luckily one of the FC group is a qualified referee so he was able to take charge of some of the games, which left two of the group to organise the fixtures and record the results.

The tournament was eventually won by the Manchester Amputees who, we were informed, were made up of internationals that have represented both England and Great Britain.

The teams that took part in the tournament had varying degrees of ability but without exception every player involved in this tournament played the game as it should be played.

At no time did any player roll around on the ground feigning injury, no player whinged when on the receiving end of a forceful tackle, every player shook hands at the end of each and every game. All-in-all it was an absolute pleasure to be involved in such a highly skilled football tournament that was played in the very best sportsman like behaviour.

To think that this is just one of many worthwhile projects that this club of ours is involved in should make all of us extremely proud. Whilst we are all rightly proud of what we have achieved as a club on the pitch, we should be equally proud of the projects we are involved in off the pitch as well.
]]> Tue, 27 Jul 2010 16:11:21 +0200 http://www.fc-utd.co.uk/story.php?story_id=2983 08:00 The Shindig Breakfast Show
10:00 Red Rebel Radio
11:00 Dadrock & Dance
13:00 The Funktion Room
14:00 The Michael Ward Hour
15:00 Freestylin’ with Finton
16:00 FCUM Radio Gig Guide
17:00 Hidden Gems with Scott Taylor
18:00 The Roost
19:00 Northern Lights
20:00 Matt Nickson’s Jazz Selection
21:00 Soul Unsigned
22:00 Downtempo Sessions
23:00 Jukebox
01:00 Close

Welcome and News

........ I love the smell of Proms in the evening.....

For what looks like the last Summer Proms event of the Summer, join us at Retro Bar this Wednesday to be witness to Americana, Garage and down right dirty Blues from The DN5 (myspace.com/thedn5), Hard Luck Child (myspace.com/hardluckblues) and Euchrid Eucrow (myspace.com/euchrideucrowband). We’re lifting the lid off the barrel of joyousness, guitar riffs and fundraising so please do join us and be a part of this very special event. We’re just shy of £600 for the Development Fund so far and what an achievement it would be if we could take it up to a grand on Wednesday.

So come down, bring all your friends and colleagues and join in with all the bluesy goodness.

PS - Apologies if you’ve had to listen to a repeating message telling you that you’re listening to FCUM Radio! The good news is that we’ve replaced it with lots of scrumptious music in the return of the FCUM Radio Jukebox.

Presenter and Show Details

- The Shindig Breakfast (08:00)

Listen to FCUM Radio’s Breakfast Show for the Shindig Pick Of The Week and Shindig Song For The Ladies in addition to a news injection in the form of The 9am Review. This week’s theme of the week is ....... Cities of The World.

benandmarv@fcumradio.co.uk

- Red Rebel Radio (10:00)

Back with their critically acclaimed shed-based show, Swampy & Pace are here with insight, interviews and current events. Will they make it out of the dungeon this week?

redrebelradio@fcumradio.co.uk

- Dadrock & Dance (11:00)

Following regular slots on Radio Caroline and manchesterismusic.co.uk, FCUM Radio now host Rockin’ John Cron’. RJC will be playing classic rock n roll and plenty of foot tapping favourites. Join John for two tracks of the same name - different song.

rjc@fcumradio.co.uk

- The Funktion Room (13:00)

Martin Abrams brings you an hour of quality funk and soul from across the decades. Features include The Noises From Next Door, Go Funk Yourself and This Dub is My Dub.

martinabrams@fcumradio.co.uk

- The Michael Ward Hour (14:00)

Playing modern indie, electronica and folk. Join Michael for his Album Of The Week, his Turn It Up To Eleven track of the week and inspiring new music from around the globe.

michaelward@fcumradio.co.uk

- Freestylin’ With Finton (15:00)

Finton packs an hour with Modern Soul and Hip Hop favourites from across the decades. He also graces the airwaves with his Three to Play What I Want - Any Old Time feature, which is three rather tenuously linked (yet superbly selected) favourites of Finton’s.

finton@fcumradio.co.uk

- FCUM Radio Gig Guide (16:00)

The last word on this week’s live entertainment in Manchester covering gigs at all main music venues and details of musicals/shows and plays in our beautiful local theatres. Marv also brings details of some stand-out festivals which open later this week in the UK and further afield.

- Hidden Gems (17:00)

With his feet rooted within Soul and Motown, tune in to Scott Taylor’s Hidden Gems to hear some rare tracks as well as a Featured Artist and Make Way For The Original.

hiddengems@fcumradio.co.uk

- The Roost (18:00)

Stuart James features ana artist each week and highlights his pick of their tunes and tales. This week it’s Oasis.

theroost@fcumradio.co.uk

- Northern Lights (19:00)

Steven Wood plays Northern favourites in addition to some recent rarities and fantastic finds. Listen again for You Never Hear It On The Radio and Undercover.

northernlights@fcumradio.co.uk

- Matt Nickson’s Jazz Selection (20:00)

Matt presents his immense encyclopedic knowledge for Jazz to FCUM Radio, bringing an hour of quality jazzy goodness to your evenings.

mattnickson@fcumradio.co.uk

- Soul Unsigned (21:00)

Brought to you by www.soulunsigned.com, tune in every night at 9pm for UK based unsigned soul, funk, r&b and much more.

- Downtempo Sessions (22:00)

Join Chris Rogers for chilled out, acoustic marvels and some classics for good measure. On top of the great playlists, Chris features Local Heroes and Acoustic Duo.

downtemposessions@fcumradio.co.uk

Become a FCUM Radio Volunteer

Do you ...
Fancy yourself as a DJ or a Presenter?
Have your own ideas for a show, music based or not?
Not quite know where to begin?

If so, we’d love to hear from you. We are open to ideas and can provide training and support to get you up and running.

Get in touch at Station@fcumradio.co.uk All ideas are genuinely welcome and we can help you get your ideas off the ground, and join the team of volunteers here at FCUM Radio.


You can listen to FCUM Radio by clicking on the following links:

iTunes: www.fcum.tv/listen.pls
or
Windows Media Player: www.fcum.tv/listen.asx


Follow us at
http://www.twitter.com/fcumradio

Facebook Group - FCUM TV & Radio


]]> Mon, 26 Jul 2010 16:58:39 +0200 http://www.fc-utd.co.uk/story.php?story_id=2982
David Conn, the renowned Guardian journalist and author, and Dave Boyle, Chief Executive of Supporters Direct, accepted the club’s invitation without hesitation. Both have agreed to do what they can to help FC United of Manchester realise the dream of playing in our own ground at Ten Acres Lane, Newton Heath.

Their statements can be found here:

David Conn - http://fc-utd.co.uk/devfund/?p=686

Dave Boyle - http://fc-utd.co.uk/devfund/?p=681]]> Mon, 26 Jul 2010 12:01:54 +0200 http://www.fc-utd.co.uk/story.php?story_id=2981 Wigan Robin Park v FC United of Manchester, Tuesday 27th July 2010, Kick off 8:00pm

The game is to be played at Wigan Robin Park, Loire Drive, Newtown, Wigan, Lancashire, WN5 0UH.

This game is pay on the gate. Admission prices are as follows:

Adults £5
Concessions £2.50

Travel

By Car:

M6 J25 take road into Wigan and follow signs for the DW Stadium (Wigan Athletic) Ground is next to stadium, behind Wickes DIY store on the retail park.

There is a large car park in front of the ground, car parking is free

Public Transport:

The nearest railway station is Wigan North Western & Wigan Wallgate.

For full train times visit www.thetrainline.co.uk
]]> Mon, 26 Jul 2010 11:32:10 +0200 http://www.fc-utd.co.uk/story.php?story_id=2980
In contrast to the line-up against Glossop in midweek, many of the senior first team players were in the side to face the Blue Square North outfit, albeit with a few previously unseen names on the team sheet.

The travelling Red army were buoyed by the news before kick-off that another one of FC United’s prodigal sons, Steve Torpey had returned to the club and was on the substitutes’ bench.

United started the game brightly with an early chance when a cross from the left by the impressive Matthew Tierney fell to Richard Battersby who volleyed his effort over the bar.

However, Telford soon began to apply the pressure. As the Reds were forced back to defend, Alex Meechan came forward, looking to go through one-on-one situation with Sam Ashton but centre-half Martin Parker did well to stay with the Telford striker and Ashton was able to collect.

United continued to withstand the advances of Telford as Ashton was forced into action, making a double stop. The FC keeper did well to parry the initial shot on goal from Meechan and as the ball fell into the path of Liam Murray, Ashton was able to make the save to once more deny the Conference North side.

More Telford opportunities ensued and as Parker’s defensive header dropped to Sean Evans who went for goal, striking the FC cross bar, it could be sensed that a goal was coming.

A good move between Meechan and Andy Brown saw Brown receive the ball inside the six yard box and coolly convert past Ashton into the bottom corner on the half hour mark.

Telford’s half-time lead was reflective of the split of chances and pressure throughout the first period of the game, although credit should be given to the stoic United back-line who prevented the gap between the teams from being wider.

Soon after play resumed, Telford doubled their lead through Meechan, the centre-forward having been a continuous threat throughout the game. The ball was sent in from the right and Ashton appeared to have prevented the goal bound effort; however the United keeper inadvertently tipped the ball into his own net.

As the half progressed Kyle Jacobs was replaced by Torpey who received a mixed reception from the crowd, having previously played for both clubs. Torpey scored 17 goals in 32 appearances during our inaugural season before being offered a full-time contract by Halifax Town.

Despite slight glimpses of counter attacks from the Reds in the closing stages, Telford continued to be the better side and their victory was undoubtedly the correct result.

Whilst missing out on the chance to win the trophy for the second time, the game will surely have been a good test against higher opposition in the Reds’ continued preparation for the forthcoming season.

Report by Victoria Fullen.

Team Information:
FC United:
1. Sam Ashton
2. Kyle Jacobs
3. Lee Neville
4. Jordan Hadfield
5. Karl Munroe
6. Martin Parker
7. Richard Battersby
8. Nick Platt
9. Mike Norton
10. Matthew Tierney
11. Jake Cottrell

Subs:
David Chadwick
Ben Deegan
James Holden
Mark Ayres
Zak Hibbert
Chris Ovington
Danny Browne
Steve Torpey
]]> Sun, 25 Jul 2010 12:20:52 +0200 http://www.fc-utd.co.uk/story.php?story_id=2979
Membership forms will be available at our forthcoming pre-season friendlies. Volunteers will be walking around with clipboards and will be wearing working passes for identification. We would ask supporters to have the correct change available if paying by cash. Payment for credit or debit cards will be taken the following working day once the forms are returned to the office.]]> Fri, 23 Jul 2010 16:08:24 +0200