FC United looking to close the gap as promotion rivals clash

FC United know that a win at Stocksbridge Park Steels on Saturday will definitely close the gap on at least two play-off rivals as fourth placed Marine are hosting third placed Matlock whilst fifth placed North Ferriby are travelling to Colwyn Bay, who currently occupy second spot.

A win will not guarantee the Reds moving up a position in the Evo-Stik Premier Division table, unless Buxton lose at out of form Ashton United, but three points in South Yorkshire will maintain that Karl Marginson’s side are breathing down the necks of at least two or three of their rivals.

Saturday’s encounter could prove to be a tricky one for FC United though. Despite Stocksbridge’s current mid-table position and mid-table finish last season, the two teams are evenly poised in the games against each other with one win each and one draw.

Last season, United needed an injury-time winner from Carlos Roca to seal a 4-3 victory after being 3-1 down at Gigg Lane. Then at the Look Local Stadium it was the Steels who stole a point with a late goal. Earlier this season, United were their own worst enemies as they missed two penalties to go down 4-1 at Stalybridge Celtic’s Bower Fold.

With Scott McManus and Matthew Tierney both suspended and Martin Parker recovering with a broken foot, Margy must decide who will partner David Chadwick at the back with Karl Munroe being the preferred option.

Margy said: ’Obviously, we don’t want players to pick up unnecessary red and yellow cards but suspensions and injuries are part and parcel of football. We have the squad to cope. Although Stocksbridge is a tricky place to go, if we play like we have been doing in these last few weeks then there is no reason why we can’t come away with all three points. A win would set up us nicely for the last two months of the season.’