League leaders Halifax await United on New Year's Day

FC United aim to get 2011 underway as they mean to go on but the Reds start with the toughest game possible - league leaders Halifax Town away.

Manager Karl Marginson and his assistant Roy Soule have virtually a full strength squad to choose from. However, centre-back Scott McManus is suspended and Ben Deegan is struggling with flu. 

The good news is full-backs Lee Neville and Ludovic Quistin are in full training and are available for selection. Long-term absentee Steve Torpey is also hoping to be back in action soon after having a groin operation the week before Christmas.

The Reds, currently struggling at the wrong end of the table but with games in hand, lost 1-0 in a close match to the Shaymen at Gigg Lane just a few weeks ago.

"Some people say we were unlucky to lose and I’d go along with that, to a point," says Soule. "But I don’t believe in luck. We have the skills and ability but we need to start putting away our chances and finding the consistency in our game."

Halifax versus FC United in the Evo-Stik Premier Division is New Year’s Day at The Shay with kick-off at 2pm. It’s pay on the gate. Get yourself to that football ground.