Three friendlys played and three good games for United. Saturday saw the lads take on Conference North team Stalybridge Celtic. Though the celts ran out 2-0 winners as in the previous two matches FC have played, they gave a great account of themselves. Once again the crowd lived up to there growing reputation for greating a fantastic attmosphere. United started the game pretty well with Adie Orr almost getting the elusive first goal in our history! Torpey was lively as he has been in all the games, showing his great willingness to run at players with the ball at his feet. Celtic took the lead on 11 minutes when a cross by Turley was unfortuanetly met by the head of Elvin, wrong footed Priestely and ended up in his own net. United almost hit straight back only for debutant Steve Spencer to put it wide. Priestley in goal for his first game gave a good account of himself and kept the celts at bay on quite a few occasions, bodes well for a good battle between him and Barry George for a place. Celtics second came on 85 minutes when a pinpoint corner by Turley was scissor kicked home by Ellington from close range. In the dying moments of the game United almost got that elusive first goal weve all been waiting for when some despearate defending by the celts ended up leaving Torpey in the box, who's lob to the far post had everyone beat but drifted inches wide. To say the teams United have been playing are all established non-league clubs, United have given them all a good run for their money and on a day when they had their shooting boots on may well have been different results. The real test will be on Tuesday when we play oppostion from in our own league, and hopefully the first goal in the clubs history will be scored :-)
Another great day was had in FC United's second match ever down at AFC Wimbledons "The Fans Stadium". A tight match was played out infront of a crowd of 3,301, including an estimated 1,000 united fans who'd travelled down. They were in great voice throughout the match just as they were at Leigh last Saturday. The match itself was very evenly fought out much to the suprise of many, as it was expected the dons would be too classy for the reds. The first half saw United having the best of the chances with Steve Torpey seeing a cross come shot go close, and Adie Orr almost slotting home from close range. To think this team has only been together such a short space of time its quite amazing to see em holding there own. Wimbledons lack of chances was much due to Rob Nugents solid performance at the back keeping the threatining Richard Butler under raps throughout the second half. The deadlock was broken however on 54 minutes when wimbledons eventual man of the match Ricci Crace somehow bundled home. Unfortunate for Barrie George who like last week at Leigh was in inspired form and ended being man of the match for FC United. All in all a good performance and on another day the supporters direct cup wouldve might of been FC Uniteds first piece of silverware :-)
Saturday saw the first ever match in FC Uniteds history, and what a day it was. A crowd of 2,552 turned out on a great day with an atmosphere on the terraces that had not been seen for many a day. The lads gave a great account of themselves and gave Leigh a good game. Team spirit was top notch with the likes of Mitten and Torpey running after every loose ball wether they were gonna make it or not. Goalkeeper Barrie George put in great performance pulling off some great saves to keep the scores level. The first half unfortunately saw skipper Billy McCartney subbed off with a dislocated shoulder. After the break all the subs eventually got a run out including Assistant Manager Phil Power rolling back the years :-) Full time saw the crowd invade the pitch to show their appreciation of the players. Players were carried on fans shoulders as songs like "United are back" were chanted around them. This just capped off what a great day it had been, and shows what a great thing this new club can be.
Tony Coyne
Gareth Ormes
Aidie Orr
Phil Power
Phil Priestley
Mark Rawlinson
Steve Torpey
Rob Trees
Matt Weston
Kevin Elvin
Craig Fleury
Barry George
Ryan Gilligan
Matt Haley
Rob Nugent
Ryan Heverkum
Darren Lyons
Billy McCartney
Paul Mitten
Jonathan Mitten
I will add some brief info about each player onto the squad page as I get it.
Adam Brown
Russell Delaney
Scott Fletcher
Martin Morris
Pete Munday
Tony Pritchard
Phil Sheeran
Jules Spencer
Joseph Tully
Vasco Wackrill
Andy Walsh
As expected the home kit was confirmed to be Red shirts, White shorts and Black socks, a replica kit will be ready in time for the Leigh game. Speculation over wether Tameside Council will allow United to play at the butchers arms is still unkown. There is a statement expected by friday (8th July) as to where the clubs confirmed residence is, this should coincide with the announcement of FC Uniteds first ever fixture list.
Marginson was chosen due to his good knowledge of non league football, and he has already got a basis of a squad formed through his contacts in the lower leagues. This squad of players will be added to by the 17 who made it through the open trials on saturday and will join up next week for training to prepare for the first season.