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FC United aiming for promotion push starting with Stafford Rangers

FC United aiming for promotion push starting with Stafford RangersFC United welcome Stafford Rangers to Gigg Lane this Saturday knowing that a third straight win would continue to pile the pressure onto the promotion-chasing pack as we look to move up the Evo-Stik Premier Division table in 2013.

The Reds are currently eighth but have an average of three games in hand over all of the teams above them and Karl Marginson’s side would need two wins and one draw from those matches to surge into third place. Given that the Reds have won four out of their last five matches, three of which were on the road, things are looking positive.

United will go into the game on a high after beating Nantwich Town 3-2 last Saturday and they hope to welcome back Michael Norton (pictured), who has served a one game suspension for picking up five yellow cards. However, the striker faces a fitness test as Margy explains: “We hope to have Norton available on Saturday but we’re concerned he may be suffering from gout. Gout has the reputation of being a complaint suffered by those who like to enjoy the finer things in life, whereas the most extravagant Norts gets is butter with his beans on toast. We’re still waiting to find out what the problem is and we’ll see how he is on Saturday.???

If Norton is unavailable, United have a number of players who can take his place leading the line including Greg Daniels and Matthew Wolfenden, who both scored last week, and new signing Tom Greaves, who joined last Friday from Bradford Park Avenue. Margy added: “There are players we haven’t yet seen in action, such as new signing Tom Greaves, who have bolstered the squad even further, so I am quite excited about the second half of the season. I have a very nice headache with so many quality players to choose from.???

Ninth placed Stafford come into the game on a good run of form too, with three wins, one draw and one defeat in their last five. The two sides have met three times previously with honours even at one victory each and one draw. Margy knows that Rangers will provide a tough test, especially considering they beat United 2-1 at Gigg Lane in January 2012.

Margy said: “Stafford will test us on Saturday and they are virtually level with us in the table. They had a good result against Worksop last week, which is no mean feat. I know that any team with Greg Clowes as manager will be passionate and hard-working. That said, with the players we have, I am confident we can be a match for anyone and those play-off places are not a million miles away. I am positive about our chances of getting out of this league with the squad of players we have and I think we are very well placed in the table.???

FC United of Manchester versus Stafford Rangers is this Saturday 12th January at Gigg Lane with the traditional kick-off time of three o’clock. As usual, it’s pay on the gate with prices £8 for adults, £5 concessions and just £2 for under-18s. Get yourself to that football ground.



First Posted ~ 12:23 Fri 11 Jan 2013
News ID ~ 4664
Last Updated ~ 16:00 Fri 19 Feb 2021