Reds ready to set record in derby cup clash with Altrincham

FC United will go into the first round proper of the FA Carlsberg Trophy for the first ever time if they can overcome Conference North neighbours Altrincham on Sunday afternoon and assistant manager Roy Soule knows the match represents a good test.

Soule said: "We couldn’t have asked to face a better team in terms of non-league and cup tradition. It will be a really good test to see if we are on the right track and we have what it takes to progress to the leagues above."

Despite being the underdogs, United will not be phased by facing a team from higher up the football pyramid as, more often than not, it has brought the best out of the Reds. Rochdale, Barrow, Stalybridge Celtic and Gainsborough Trinty are all more highly rated opponents who were put to the sword in cup clashes over the last few seasons.

Karl Marginson’s side are also in a rich vein of form, having won the last four and going seven matches undefeated. The Robins on the otherhand have lost four of their last five matches and would have no doubt preferred an easier tie than a trip to Gigg Lane.

The two clubs have never met before competitively but they have faced each other in pre-season friendlies in 2006 and 2008 at Moss Lane. Alty won 3-1 and 3-0 respectively. United will be wanting to put that record straight by winning the first match that counts for something other than pride.

Soule says morale in the squad is very good and none of the players will need any extra motivation for a derby cup clash. The tie will be extra special for FC United’s new winger Astley Mulholland, who was released by Sunday’s opponents after spending only a few weeks there at the beginning of the season.

Soule said: "Astley will obviously want to put in a good account of himself, so he’s just got to keep on doing what he’s been doing in recent weeks. Hopefully, he’ll score seven against them, that’ll do, I won’t be greedy."

United are boosted by the news that Matthew Wolfenden is fit and available after missing the last four matches due to picking up a leg injury at Durham in the last round of the Trophy.

Meanwhile, the club will await the referee’s report from Wednesday night’s victory over Kendal before making a decision whether to appeal Jimmy Holden’s red card for violent conduct.

FC United versus Altrincham is this Sunday at Gigg Lane with a 3pm kick-off. It’s pay on the gate as usual. Get your scarlet ribbons, banners and mates out. We’re on the march with Margy’s army.