Match Report
FC United’s new striker Ben Deegan scored a second half hat-trick as the Reds beat Leek CSOB 4-1 during a nostalgic afternoon of football which also saw a fantastic goal from former fans’ favourite Adie Orr.
The Red army returned to Harrison Park nearly four years after FC United played their first ever competitive game there in what was then the North West Counties Football League Division Two. Karl Marginson’s side ran out 5-2 winners that day and he called upon several players who had played in that match and in our inaugural season.
Phil Priestley was back between the posts, Dave Brown was reunited with David Chadwick at the back, Steve Spencer was rolling back the years in midfield alongside Tony Coyne and Craig Fleury whilst Joz Mitten partnered Orr up front.
Just as with four years ago, United found themselves a goal down early on but they hit back in formidable fashion very similar to how they had done on the same ground in 2005. Former Manchester City left-back Ben Morris was making his Reds debut as a triallist and it was his cross from the left wing on 17 minutes which was converted by a stunning diving header from Orr.
The scores were level at the break and Margy introduced seven substitutes to give a run-out to several new faces including former Ashton United forward Deegan and ex-Altrincham midfielder Val Owen.
Deegan went on to steal the show. He scored his first 13 minutes after the restart courtesy of a tap in after being set up by fellow debutant Shaw, his second came in a similar manner on 75 minutes and he completed his hat-trick with five minutes to go when he fired home the rebound from a penalty save at the second attempt. Sam Ashton, who had replaced Priestly at half-time, had also saved a penalty minutes earlier.
The day provided an enjoyable trip down memory lane for a few hundred supporters and a number of players and staff connected with the club but perhaps more importantly it will give Margy a better idea of which players he name in his squad for the season when he announces it in the next few days.
FC United
1 P Priestley
2 D Warrender
3 B Morris
4 S Spencer
5 D Chadwick (capt)
6 D Brown
7 C Fleury
8 T Coyne
9 J Mitten
10 A Orr
11 S Williams
Subs
12 B Deegan (for 10 47)
13 S Ashton (for 1 46)
14 A Leke (for 9 47)
15 P Dieyte (for 4 47)
16 D Lyons (for 7 47)
17 V Owen (for 8 47)
18 (wore 7) J Shaw (for 11 47)
Match Report
FC United’s new striker Ben Deegan scored a second half hat-trick as the Reds beat Leek CSOB 4-1 during a nostalgic afternoon of football which also saw a fantastic goal from former fans’ favourite Adie Orr.
The Red army returned to Harrison Park nearly four years after FC United played their first ever competitive game there in what was then the North West Counties Football League Division Two. Karl Marginson’s side ran out 5-2 winners that day and he called upon several players who had played in that match and in our inaugural season.
Phil Priestley was back between the posts, Dave Brown was reunited with David Chadwick at the back, Steve Spencer was rolling back the years in midfield alongside Tony Coyne and Craig Fleury whilst Joz Mitten partnered Orr up front.
Just as with four years ago, United found themselves a goal down early on but they hit back in formidable fashion very similar to how they had done on the same ground in 2005. Former Manchester City left-back Ben Morris was making his Reds debut as a triallist and it was his cross from the left wing on 17 minutes which was converted by a stunning diving header from Orr.
The scores were level at the break and Margy introduced seven substitutes to give a run-out to several new faces including former Ashton United forward Deegan and ex-Altrincham midfielder Val Owen.
Deegan went on to steal the show. He scored his first 13 minutes after the restart courtesy of a tap in after being set up by fellow debutant Shaw, his second came in a similar manner on 75 minutes and he completed his hat-trick with five minutes to go when he fired home the rebound from a penalty save at the second attempt. Sam Ashton, who had replaced Priestly at half-time, had also saved a penalty minutes earlier.
The day provided an enjoyable trip down memory lane for a few hundred supporters and a number of players and staff connected with the club but perhaps more importantly it will give Margy a better idea of which players he name in his squad for the season when he announces it in the next few days.
FC United
1 P Priestley
2 D Warrender
3 B Morris
4 S Spencer
5 D Chadwick (capt)
6 D Brown
7 C Fleury
8 T Coyne
9 J Mitten
10 A Orr
11 S Williams
Subs
12 B Deegan (for 10 47)
13 S Ashton (for 1 46)
14 A Leke (for 9 47)
15 P Dieyte (for 4 47)
16 D Lyons (for 7 47)
17 V Owen (for 8 47)
18 (wore 7) J Shaw (for 11 47)
