Reshuffled Reds ready for Colwyn clash

A place in the Conference North is at stake as FC United go into Monday afternoon’s play-off final and although the Reds will be without both their top-scorers, Mike Norton and Jerome Wright through suspension, confidence is still high in the squad.

Whilst keeping the team selection close to his chest, so not to give Colwyn Bay any advantage, assistant manager Roy Soule declared that he and manager Karl Marginson have every faith in all the players at the club to step up to the plate regardless of missing personnel.

Soule said: “We are more than happy with the capabilities of our players and we know it will come down to how they perform on the day. We have the ability to win this match and they just have to go out and prove it.???

United have various options to replace Norton and Wright, with Ben Deegan, Matthew Wolfenden, Carlos Roca and Simon Carden all comfortable playing as forwards. Steve Torpey, who could have provided another attacking option, is unfortunately unavailable due to being on holiday.

Meanwhile, goalkeeper Sam Ashton has declared himself available for selection following the death of his father earlier this week. Everyone’s thoughts are with Sam and his family during this difficult time.

Richard Battersby will be completing his 26-mile walk for Cancer Research UK, in memory of his fiancée Jenna, in the early hours of Monday morning and the management team will assess whether he is able to play.

Colwyn Bay also have some decisions to make. Five Seagulls players suffered injuries during their semi-final win over North Ferriby on Thursday and at least two of them are rated as major doubts.

Striker Jimmy McCarthy has been unable to open his right eye since Thursday due to bad swelling and bruising of the eyelid, left-back Mike Lea is also very doubtful after suffering a dead leg. Striker Rob Hopley and defender Danny Meadowcroft both have tight hamstrings and goalkeeper Chris Sanna is struggling with a knee problem.

Colwyn Bay versus FC United is Bank Holiday Monday with a three o’clock kick-off. The match is all ticket and sold out. FCUM Radio will be broadcasting a full live commentary of the match at www.fcumradio.co.uk.