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Very superstitious... Writing???s on the wall

Superstitious supporters may like to know that there are several reasons to be optimistic for this coming season. Craig Phillips provides a rundown on the good omens that have occurred during the build up to the new campaign. It might all be a load of cod’s wallop but you never know...

Getting the ’Shakers’
FC United had only played Bury once before the teams met in this pre-season. The game was at the start of the 2006-2007 season, with the Shakers winning the game by a score of 2-0; the same score as when the two teams met a couple of weeks ago at Gigg Lane. FC United went on to complete a league and cup double and started the season with an exceptional run of 12 games without defeat.

Game, set and match
FC United have always had a good relationship with AFC Wimbledon and this season met the Conference outfit for the fourth time in five pre-seasons. The previous three times the Reds have met the Wombles United have gone onto win promotion in that season. United didn’t meet Wimbledon last season and last season of course was the first time ever we didn’t gain promotion.

We do like to be beside the seaside
Last weekend, the red army made the scenic journey to seaside town Colwyn Bay in a match we drew 1-1 with the UniBond Division One North side. But the location and not the result may have more of an impact on the season than you may initially think. United’s only previous seaside visit in a pre-season was away to Blackpool Mechanics at the start of the 07-08 season, which of course finished in play-off glory and promotion to the UniBond Premier League.

A win to boost morale
United have won their last pre-season game in every pre-season campaign, a tradition which was upheld in Trafford on Tuesday evening. This of course didn’t ensure promotion last season but the three before all followed that last victory with promotion winning seasons. Also the last time Untied won this last fixture by a score of 2-1 was before the 06-07 season when they beat Abbey Hey and went on to complete a league and cup double.

Opening day result
So what would be the worst possible result on the opening day? A defeat? History suggests not. United’s only opening day defeat was at the beginning of the 07-08 season - a 2-1 defeat to Lancaster City but United managed to put together the form they needed and eventually won promotion via the play-offs.

Our record books, albeit only four years old, would actually make you believe a draw would result in a season without promotion as United opened last season with a 3-3 draw at home to Matlock Town. History also suggests a win would mean winning the league, both of the club’s first two seasons started with a win and ended with a league championship.



First Posted ~ 16:59 Fri 14 Aug 2009
News ID ~ 2369
Last Updated ~ 01:52 Tue 16 Feb 2021