FC United turn their attention back to the league on Saturday 23rd December after the valiant but ultimately disappointing exit from the FA Vase and the frustration of the postponement of the Formby away fixture.
With no wins in the last three games, Margy€trade;s men will be looking to kick start the busy Christmas period with three points, but they face a tough task against local rivals Flixton at Valley Road.
With a late charge Flixton managed to finish second to the Reds last year and earned themselves promotion up to the North West Counties Division One along with United. Along the way they enjoyed a memorable 2-1 victory over the Reds at Gigg Lane.
Not only did Flixton enjoy a successful league campaign, but they also reached the semi final of the League Challenge Cup and in the corresponding fixture last year the held United to a 1-1 draw on a cold Boxing Day.
The Reds do have some happy memories playing against their South Manchester rivals though. It was at Valley Road where United scored their first ever goal and recorded their first victory back in August 2005, a 25-yard screamer from Steve Torpey, in a 5-2 drubbing.
The Reds also ran out comfortable 4-0 victors in the reverse fixture against Flixton early this season at Gigg Lane, putting to bed any notion that the Valley Roaders might be some sort of bogey team. United will of course be looking for a repeat of that result.
A man who may well have something to say about that though is former FC United striker Joz Mitten. For those who didn€trade;t already know that Joz bleeds red, white and black, his recent impromptu rendition of €If you want to go to heaven when you die€ on the pitch at Gigg Lane whilst he was the guest for the Fair Share Draw, put it beyond any doubt.
However, if he€trade;s selected to pull on Flixton€trade;s blue and white strip on Saturday Mitten will definitely be looking to add to his tally of 25 goals this season and keeping him quiet could well prove crucial to United€trade;s chances of coming away with three points.
It will also be interesting to see how former Flixton captain Alex Mortimer handles his first return to Valley Road since switching to United in the summer. Mortimer can always seek guidance from manager Karl Marginson though as he was the assistant manager to Paul Wright at Flixton before FC United were established.
Flixton versus FC United of Manchester is Saturday 23rd December kick off 3pm. The match is all ticket and tickets are only available from Flixton€trade;s clubhouse.
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