Fully fit Reds ready for final showdown at Bradford

FC United of Manchester have a fully fit, available and ‘buzzing’ squad as they head into Sunday’s play-off final against familiar rivals Bradford Park Avenue where the winner will be promoted to the Conference North.

After falling at the final hurdle in last year’s final against Colwyn Bay, manager Karl Marginson is confident his team can go one step further this year. He said: “I’m confident in all of our players, on our day we can beat anyone in this league. Everyone is really buzzing, we just wish we were playing today (Saturday).???

United and Bradford have met 13 times before since first going head-to-head in October 2007. Avenue became United’s bogey team for the next three years, with the Reds failing to beat their West Yorkshire rival in nine attempts.

However, in January 2011 the tide turned with a 2-0 victory at Gigg Lane and since then United have won three more times against BPA, 2-0 in the play-off semi-final last April and 5-2 home and away in the league this year.

Despite the good recent results against Avenue, Margy knows that it will count for nothing on the day. He said: “It’s a one-off match and a cup final. Whoever turns up on the day and performs will win. It’s as simple as that.???

Margy says that losing in last year’s final was ‘tremendously disappointing’ for everyone but he added: “It’s all about how you respond to these things. You have to move on and learn from it. The players who were involved last year will have learned from the experience and will be better prepared this time around.???

Promotion would be FC United and Margy’s fourth in seven years and Margy admits he is more eager to achieve this one than previous years. He said: “It would be a fantastic achievement. It keeps us progressing as a club and all of the players want to test themselves at the next level against some really good clubs.

“I think it will be really good for all of our supporters too, who have been going to the same grounds over the last few years. Going to different places such as Darlington would be a real shot in the arm for everyone.???

And finally, as ever Margy urged the fans to do what we do best – get behind the team and make as much noise as possible. He said: “I’m really disappointed that we’ve got the situation we have and that only 1,000 of our supporters can get tickets. It’s sad for all the people who will have to miss out.

“But despite that, the something that makes our club truly unique is that the pitch and the terraces are like one. The 12th man aspect can’t be underestimated, it makes such a difference to the players and I know I don’t have to ask but I really urge everyone who’s able to get a ticket to support the lads as loudly as they can and help get us into the Conference North.???