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FC United strengthen squad ahead of Mossley Trophy clash

FC United take on Mossley in the FA Trophy at Gigg Lane this Saturday and manager Karl Marginson will be hoping for a more disciplined but equally victorious performance as the Reds put in at Salford City in the FA Cup last weekend.

United looked to be cruising to a comfortable 3-0 victory thanks to a hat-trick from Nicky Platt but the Ammies hit back with two goals in the dying minutes to set up a tense finale, especially with goalkeeper James Spencer sent off for conceding a penalty.

The Reds held on to gain a 3-2 victory and a passage through to the third qualifying round against Kendal Town and despite obvious concerns about the fight-back, Margy was happy enough overall.

He said: “We got a reminder of the magic of cup competitions on Saturday, when Salford gave us a bit of scare. Nicky Platt’s superb hat-trick looked to have given us an easy win, before they fought back, which I think was down to the opposition understanding cup football and just going for it.

“When James Spencer was dismissed we’d made our three substitutions, so it fell to the daftest player on the pitch to don the gloves, and this time it was Michael Norton. I wasn’t impressed with his attempt to save the penalty - he went completely the wrong way - but fair play to him for grabbing the gloves and giving it a go.

“Platt’s goal-scoring was very pleasing. He showed on Saturday that he can time his runs really well and is a top finisher. He’s also a very good listener. Hopefully he can carry on in the same vein for the rest of the season.???

Although the start to FC United’s eighth season has been fairly positive, with just one defeat in ten games, Margy has decided to strengthen the squad by bringing in former Macclesfield attacking midfielder Greg Daniels, ex-Oldham Athletic winger Phil McGrath and centre-half Ryan Howley.

FC United versus Mossley AFC is this Saturday at Gigg Lane with kick-off time at the traditional time off three o’clock. It’s pay on the gate with prices £8 for adults, £5 concessions and £2 for under-18s. Get yourself to that football ground to see your friends, family and more cup drama.


First Posted ~ 11:14 Sun 30 Sep 2012
News ID ~ 4463
Last Updated ~ 00:47 Tue 16 Feb 2021