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Margy reflects on semi-final success

Manager Karl Marginson thanked the supporters and praised his squad following FC United’s fantastic win over Witton Albion in Tuesday’s play-off semi-final at Gigg Lane.

Margy said: “It wasn’t a typical play-off semi-final. I have been to see a few in the last week and, yes they are frantic, but there is often very little quality due to the occasion. But Tuesday night was a real English cup tie and both sides showed a lot of ability and it made for a cracking game.

“Credit to Witton – they didn’t do what many teams do when they come to Gigg Lane and sit back and soak up pressure, they came to play and they did that. They were on the front foot and caused us problems.

“It took a special strike to break the deadlock, and then after that, to a man, our team put in an all-action display. Matty Wolfenden was on fire from the off and that was one of our very deliberate tactics to get him running at their back line. We have kept him fresh the past couple of games to save him for that match.???

In the build up to the game there was much discussion among Reds about what team Margy would put out. He said: “Witton have a good left back who likes to get forward, so we put Astley Mulholland in there to pin him back with his pace. That allowed Wolfy to break the lines and get at their defence.

“I think many fans were surprised by Mulholland’s inclusion, but thankfully it worked – he had a very good game and scored a great goal.

“There are reasons behind all our decisions and a lot of thought goes into team selection. On Tuesday we picked a team with Witton in mind as well as looking at our strengths. We do that every match and sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t – I thought we got it right on Tuesday.???

The only black spot on another wise glorious occasion for FC was the injury to Lewis Lacy following a questionable challenge from Witton’s Steve Foster. Margy said: “I felt bad for Lewis Lacy – he was excellent until he had to go off. He is a young lad with a big future in the game and we will look after him.

“The way our lads reacted to the tackle that injured him shows how they have matured. It would have been easy to lose their heads but they stuck at it and showed even more determination. We have worked hard on this and they have taken on board the message that it is important to remain focussed.???

Another controversial incident was the yellow card given to Witton’s keeper following his foul on Mike Norton, which saw United awarded a penalty. Margy said: “A lot of people have asked me if I thought their keeper should have been sent off. I thought it was a very different situation to the penalty we conceded. I spoke to the fourth official about it and she said their number four was getting back, so that is why the keeper stayed on. That’s fair enough as you never want to see people sent off, even though we were screaming for it at the time.???

Finally, Karl wanted to thank the supporters for their backing on Tuesday night: “The fans were absolutely unbelievable. The noise raised the hairs on the back of my neck at times, it was tremendous and it made a lot of difference.

“It effected Witton in the first half and allowed us to go at them with that amazing roar every time we went forward. I run out of things to say about our fans, but Tuesday was special.???


First Posted ~ 14:29 Thu 9 May 2013
News ID ~ 4900
Last Updated ~ 01:52 Tue 16 Feb 2021